Bottom bracket rust
 

I went into the shop today to get my bottom bracket removed so i can paint my frame and they told me i had a bit of rust on it. I've only ridden in the rain like once or twice. Is there something i can do to prevent that?

framesaver coating.

drill a drain hole (really).

Really? haha okay i'll give it a try.

Is there any other options besides drilling a hole?

if it's sealed cartridge, you're fine. if it's loose ball, it just means you should unpack, regrease, repack at regular intervals.

like the other person said... framesaver. goes in all my steel frames. i've also heard of people using linseed oil.

wait, is it the bb shell or the bb itself that has the rust on it? I'm assuming it's the shell...

You can also use a sleeve to help keep dirt and water out. Keeps the crud out.
http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/images/cr4080.jpg


Still need to do the regular maintenance like jlin says.

Pics of my bottom bracket from Hell removal. Aluminum sleeved bottom bracket corroded inside the bottom bracket. I had to use a Dremel, Channel locks, hacksaw, several large screwdrivers. I had bought this bike and it hadn't been well taken care of.
LINK

i am concerned about a bit of rust that is forming on the shell, i did a lot of winter riding and i ride in the rain all the time too
is there a way to replace just the shell of the bb?
i am sure the bb is fine since it's sealed

No way to replace the shell of a cartridge bottom bracket. Just remove your bottom bracket in the spring, clean it, clean the bottom bracket of the bike frame, lightly grease the threads and reinstall the cartridge bottom bracket. Use a high quality grease like lithium or molybdenum marine grease or Phil Wood bike grease. Repeat in the fall.

I'd also wash the bike in the winter to get the road salt off; just like people do with their cars.

thanks, i thought this was the case
i tried to keep my bike clean during the winter months
it's cheap to replace anyway

Yea it's the shell for mine as well. Where can i get some of this framesaver? lbs?

Best way to prevent the bb from seizing into the frame and becoming a problem is to use grease and proper torque on installation. You may want to pull everyrieng 1-2 months into winter, regrease and reinstall. Especially more often if your bike is exposed to outside (e.g locked up exposed to rain etc.).