Bottom Bracket Rebuild Question
 

I'm in the middle of rebuilding the bottom bracket on my Club Fuji and have a question.

One of the bearing cages is bent and the bearings fall out so my question is:

Can I run loose bearings instead of getting caged bearings? I have put the loose bearings in the cup (not installed on the bike) and they spin much smoother and quieter than the caged type. I see no reason why it should not be done other than it will be a little harder to get it all together. your thoughts please..... Oh, the spindle and cups are in good shape...

Yes, it's the way we used to do it. Lay the bearings in a bed of grease, cover them with more grease and run a bead of grease around the BB axle ring (the face that makes contact with the bearings). Depending on the size of bearings used, you might be able to/need to put one extra ball bearing in. Not essential, but if it fits OK it spreads the load a little more.

I always throw the cages away. You will need 22 1/4" balls.

1/4" pretty standard for a cup and cone BB?

99.999%.

Well, I just completed the overhaul and it is fantastic. I thought it would be fine without cages, but just wanted to be sure. I really feel that it is better without cages cause it noe has 11 bearings per side instead of the previous 9..... It runs smooth as butter, and is adjusted perfecty. I also overhauled the front and rear wheel bearings yesterday as well as the headset.

I asume you can do the same with the headset (toss the cages) I did not do that this time but I most likely will when I replace the bearings next time.

Well, my Club Fuji is now completly overhauled with new bearings (all around) complete tune up, chain, rim-tape, tires, tubes and wheels trued. Time to go for a LONG ride.

Thanks,
Mike

A lot of people keep the cages in the headset to avoid fooling with all of those small bearing balls. You fill the cup and remove two balls when you use loose balls in a headset. Anyone who wants to dispute that should check Sutherland's first.

i toss the cages on just about anything that's mine. I don't actually notice a difference in feel between it having cages or not in the Headset, I still do it though.

Grand Bois just said it all!

11 loose "free range" balls "bearing" the load beats 9 "caged" balls any time --