Anti-seize or not?
 

Getting ready to put a new FSA MegaExo bottom bracket in a new aluminum frame.

If it was steel BB into a steel frame, I would naturally put a bit of grease on the threads before starting them in.

However for these new alloy cups into an AL frame... thinking I should ask first:

What is the current best practice? Use nothing or use anti-seize compound or just some grease?

Along the same lines, should I adjust the torque setting if using either of the compounds?

thanks, appreciate any inputs
/K

Dissimilar mettals need anti sieze. Do not exceed torque spec.

I use Tef-Gel for all such dissimilar metal joints. It contains a large proportion of Teflon and is intended for use in marine environments where corrosion potential is severe. I would avoid other types of antiseize materials, such as NevaSeez, which contain metallic particles which could exacerbate electrolytic corrosion.

The Op's situation is with simialr metals. Both the shell and the Bb cartridge are Alu. I'm no chemist or mechanical engineer but i'd use marine grade grease. I also would so a break down and reassembly every year or few thousand miles, more often if there's a lot of rain. Andy.

The potential for corrosion, galling or seizing still exists with aluminum alloys, especially with exposure to road salts.

I think the advised standard for aluminum alloys is zinc based anti sieze..
 

But there are a slew of them, and my guess is you're also good with the graphite based ones, too.

If I had to guess, I'd guess that almost anything on the threads will work unless you
are in some very wet or otherwise corrosive conditions (like near the ocean.)

There's a current thread on creaking in BB units here.

Is yours a similar type ?(sorry, but I don't know from your numbers.)

If so, you might consider this ahead of time.

Anti-seize may be a little better in this situation but almost any grease will be plenty good plus grease is easier to clean off when it comes time to re-assemble. As Andrew R Stuart mentioned marine grease is one of the best types to use for all your bike thread protection and bearing needs. No need to get too anal, just re-grease every 2 years or so.

all the BB's I've installed have had a hard plated coating thats not just iron. the spec sheets say to put grease on them for assembly, regardless of whether its a steel or alloy frame.

It really doesn't matter what you use as long as you use something. The enemy is water, and a dry assembled thread is a perfect capillary which will wick water fiercely if wet. Grease, or anti-seize, or toothpaste will act as a sealant filling all the voids in the thread, keeping water out and thereby preventing corrosion.

If there are dissimilar metals, than the sacrificial metal powder in the anti-seize has the added benefit of preventing galvanic corrosion, but this isn't a factor when joining like metals.