Stuck Bottom Bracket

Ryaner

Is there any tricks to removing the bottom bracket on bikes? I was unable to remove the right hand side of the FSA MegaExo bracket that is on my Giant earlier today. I'm planning on replacing it as it sounds like the bearings are on their way out.

It is English threads so the right hand side does open clock wise however I was putting way too much force on without it moving.

Any ideas?

I recently replaced my bottom bracket and found it took significant force to get the cups out. Maybe a bit of WD40 will help? And of course grease the threads of the new bb liberally to avoid such problems in the future.

72hundred

Hey,

Make really really sure that you're twisting the right way on the threads or you'll strip them and bye-bye frame (I'm pretty sure).

To loosen 'em I'd recommend getting a rag and drenching it in WD40 and tie this tightly around the joint where it can work in. Some kitchen towelling might do the same. Keep topping it up with WD40 over 24 hr's then try it again.

I've tried the above method when dealing with some pedals that the manufacturer had never lubricated and it worked at treat.

Best of luck!

Ryaner

I went and checked the engravings on the BB to make sure I was twisting the right way however looking at it again, the indents on the outside already show marks from the tool.

Will try the WD40 trick. Thanks. This BB was installed by either Giant or Wiggle so I've no idea however much (if any) lube was put on when they installed it.

bcmf

tip the bike shop gave me.
looking down onto your BB from the saddle when you peddle you will effectivley be tightening the BB.
if your having trouble LBS otherwise you could do serious damage to your frame

short circuit

I think Tiny said this on boards ... pedals, BB etc ... always push tool to the back of the bike to take off .... obviously assuming that the BB is BSA.

If you only have a home mechanic version of the BB tool, this might be a good time to stop and get the shop involved before you destroy and BB and the shop has to cut it out.

Ryder

Had a similar problem over christmas. Shop installed bb on a kona paddywagon that wouldnt come off. Sounds like youre doing the right thing but may need the help of a bench vice and lever bar to get it off. In short, bring it to your lbs... Should only cost 20e to take off

zzzzzzzz

Ryder wrote: »

Had a similar problem over christmas. Shop installed bb on a kona paddywagon that wouldnt come off. Sounds like youre doing the right thing but may need the help of a bench vice and lever bar to get it off. In short, bring it to your lbs... Should only cost 20e to take off

20 euros to remove a BB? What shop is that in?

RobFowl

aidan.offbeat wrote: »

20 euros to remove a BB? What shop is that in?

Cyclological , They'll pump up your tires while you're there for free though !

Gavin

Get someone to help you. Lay the bike on the ground. Put the tool in and put a pipe over the tool for monster leverage. Get your helpful chum to put their foot on the BB tool to keep it fully inserted into the socket and another foot to stop the frame moving.

Then lever it. A large lever will fix anything.

72hundred

Gavin wrote: »

Get someone to help you. Lay the bike on the ground. Put the tool in and put a pipe over the tool for monster leverage. Get your helpful chum to put their foot on the BB tool to keep it fully inserted into the socket and another foot to stop the frame moving.

Then lever it. A large lever will fix anything.

I've heard this works well alrite, but something that strikes me though; how many people have large pipes around the house that manage to perfectly fit around the the tool?

Gavin

Spare handlebars fit around my tool (ho ho ho)

Sheesh, any old pipe will do.

gman2k

RobFowl wrote: »

Cyclological , They'll pump up your tires while you're there for free though !

what, they now service bikes not bought there???? Feck off!

72hundred

@OP: How'd you get on in the end? Get it off?

Ryaner

Haven't gotten it off yet. Going to be trying again later in the week. The BB isn't completely spent yet so I can ride on it.

Thinking the LBS is the best option. As fun as using a great big pipe sounds, alarm bells go off in my head when I hear about that much force. And I know how hard it is to rethread something so really don't want to have to buy another bike just yet.

Ryaner

To follow up on this, the LBS haven't been able to source a replacement BB for the bike. Giant aren't being helpful.

Since I'd like to replace it with something better, is there a list of what will and won't fit in with different cranks? I know its a 68mm English thread but the internal spinal size differs from what I have found so far.