SRAM preload adjuster, does it drag?
 

Guys,

I'm installing the new RED crankset and see that it comes with a preload adjuster on the non drive side. I removed my older force crankset and it had a wave washer. Removed the bearing shield washers, cleaned them, greased them as well as the BB30 bearings and then installed the crankset. Torqued down the drive side and it seated well with about a 2mm gap/play. Pushed it from the drive side so that it sat flush with the frame and then rotated the preload adjuster till it was tight against the frame and then screwed it tight.

This is all done and the crank seems to rotate fine with no friction but im seeing the preload adjuster seems to be contacting the frame and wondering how this doesnt lead to some level of friction. The wave washer in the force design was the same radius as the bearing shield washer so I assume it probably rotated the shield washer. The preload adjuster seems bigger...how is it that it doesnt rub the frame or is it rubbing the frame and I cant tell because its pretty smooth and doesnt have much friction that I would notice?

I ran into this a few nights ago too, installing my first BB30 crankset (Sram Force22).
Looking at the Sram documentation, I found one say to turn the Preload Adjuster one way and the other to turn it the other direction to tighten it.

So I looked at it myself to apply some logic and found (like someone else online found) that the spacer between the adjuster and crank arm on the NDS will be loose and rattle if you tight the Preload Adjuster towards the frame. If you look at it, you can tighten the Preload Adjuster towards the crank arm/away from the frame, which in turns holds that spacer AND screws towards the frame, what the Preload Adjuster is screwing against, out from under it. Hard to explain in words but have a look and you will see what I mean.

I think the below document I used the most:
https://www.quarq.com/media/literatu...ackets_EEU.pdf

Not speaking from authority, just my experience. 1 ride and all seems fine for me so far.

I'm not sure what you are saying about rotating the preload towards the non drive crank anymore and it in turn pushing something against the bottom bracket is accurate. Reason is that on my red crankset before inserting it into the BB I specifically rotated it until it hit the crank (which was the way it came from factory) and didn't see anything move below it. Additionally the instructions say that if there is any play to rotate it in the + direction and that moves it up against the frame and makes it snug, i.e. removes the play.

Again, I didn't think I'm experiencing any friction between the preload adjuster and the frame but just checking to see what others experience was.

Yeah hard to explain. I found the IA (Integrated Adjuster) instructions said to do it the way you did, but the Crankset instructions that I also read had it the way I did. I think there might be two different setups and the IA has the thread the Adjust screws on, built into the crank (??). I found with my Preload Adjuster I could slide the whole thing off the spindle or slide it up and down. So it comprised of a sleeve that the outside part screwed on and thus moves up and down the sleeve. So when I screw the adjusted into the crank, the sleeve slides against the spindle, towards the BB and thus secured everything.

Mine's like this:
https://goo.gl/images/aFEbVj

I have that spacer between the Preload Adjuster and crank arm. If I screw towards the + and arrow, which points forward looking from the top, my adjuster screws towards the crank arm, away from the BB.

Is yours like this:

https://goo.gl/images/8RTmAq

Edit:
I did a quick video to show how mine works. This explains it better than words...I hope.
https://goo.gl/photos/oAcxcoByeXxsVCNx6

That video was excellent! I'll check mine when I get home. thanks for putting it together.

Oh good. I am glad it wasn't a waste of time, which crossed my mind while making it.
It was hard to explain in words. I am not a wordsmith either.

I think BB30 IA (Integrated Adjuster) is different to what I have. And IA version would be spun the other way (??). But I am only guessing. I have no idea what I am talking about.

I am curious to know if you have a different type of Preload Adjuster ymee

I think mine may be different. I'll check when I get home in a couple of hours.

Yep, mine is different. Rotates in the + direction to come closer to the frame and fills in the gap.

in my experience, it depends on the BB cups and bearing. there was no drag when i used sram and FSA BB30cups/bearings. but when i changed to enduro torqtite, i can feel a lot of drag. i had to use the wave washer instead of the preload adjuster to eliminate drag.

you can try putting a shim in between bearing cover and preload adjuster. see if makes a difference.

That explains my confusion following online Sram docs. The threading your Preload Adjuster screws on, is that a sleeve that can slide off or built into the spindle?

Seems to be attached to the crank arm. Mine is the latest all black etap Red 2016 crankset.

Really? Interesting. I wonder why they change it from crankset to crankset. Mine is 2016 or 2015 Force22 (mechanical).
I gather yours must be their improved setup.