Solved bottom bracket click
#1
Solved bottom bracket click
Thanks to advice from this forum I took my vintage bottom bracket apart today, regreased it and reinstalled and was able to get rid of the annoying "click" it was making. I ordered the nashbar essential tool kit and it had everything I needed except an adjustable pin spanner wrench and the correct size lock nut wrench to take off the bb lock nut. Luckily the lock nut wasnt too tight and I wrapped a wrag and used a large pipe wrench to remove it without marring it up. then having some wood working skills I drill a 1/4 hole thru a piece of oak to fit over the axel then drill and grinded two nails into the board to make the wrench. Again luckily the cup wasn't on tight and came off easily.
Found the bearings essentially dry and a little rust on the sealed balls maybe because that plastic cup that was supposed to keep water off the axel wasn't in there. I didn't buy a new one to install because I'm thinking I'm gonna replace the older bearings with a modern sealed bearing if I can find the correct size. If anybody can recommmend one that will fit on the vintage 83' Raleigh SC I'd appreciate it. Anyway thanks for all the help. You really get a sense of accomplishment went you tackle a job like this. Also same day I replaced a broken spoke from the rear freewheel side but that was pretty easy. - Joe
Found the bearings essentially dry and a little rust on the sealed balls maybe because that plastic cup that was supposed to keep water off the axel wasn't in there. I didn't buy a new one to install because I'm thinking I'm gonna replace the older bearings with a modern sealed bearing if I can find the correct size. If anybody can recommmend one that will fit on the vintage 83' Raleigh SC I'd appreciate it. Anyway thanks for all the help. You really get a sense of accomplishment went you tackle a job like this. Also same day I replaced a broken spoke from the rear freewheel side but that was pretty easy. - Joe
#2
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,327
Likes: 1,110
From: Roswell, GA
Bikes: '93 Trek 750, '92 Schwinn Crisscross, '93 Mongoose Alta
It sounds like you have a conventional cup and cone bottom bracket. As long as the spindle and cups are in good condition why don't you just replace the bearing balls, lube and adjust the BB and ride?





