When to replace bottom bracket?

nitrogen

So I've researched a bit and watched videos on Youtube on how to replace it and it doesn't look too bad.

My crank (Shimano Ultegra) was a little loose, so I went and bought the Shimano tool. After taking off the crank arm, giving it a little clean (Didn't touch the grease), and putting it back on to tighten it, the wobble is gone but the spin is very bad - quite stiff.

So do you think I need a new bottom bracket?

Also what grease should one use for a BB?

Thanks

victorcarrera

It seems that the crank was loose in the first place.
Now remove or drop the chain inside the chain ring and spin the cranks to see how it is.
You may have overtightened the crank and it is binding on the bracket or spacer. But sometimes worn bearings only show symptoms under load.

nitrogen

Very stiff. And when I loosen again, the crank is wobbly. What you reckon?

victorcarrera

If it is octalink (8 splines on the spindle/crank joint) the loose crank problem was most likley caused initially by insufficient torque on the crank bolt on that side.
A common problem with octalink cranks and they got an undeserved bad name because of it.
If you rode it while loose it will have worn the joint sufficiently to allow the crank to slide too far up the spindle and cause it will bind on the bottom bracket. This is why it is stiff only when you tighten the crank bolt.
Take off the crank again and inspect the splines but it is likely that the crank splines are now too far gone as the crank metal is softer than the spindle.
If it is 9 speed they can be picked up very cheaply second hand but check for this fault before you purchase. The bottom bracket is probably OK though you might want to change both at the same time.

nitrogen

I made quite a newbie error. I bought Shimano Ultegra Bottom Bracket Cups 6700, instead of the bottom bracket.

Two questions:
a) Do I even need to replace these cups?
b) What bottom bracket should I get for a Shimano Ultegra crank?

Thanks

Holyboy

nitrogen wrote: »

I made quite a newbie error. I bought Shimano Ultegra Bottom Bracket Cups 6700, instead of the bottom bracket.

Two questions:
a) Do I even need to replace these cups?
b) What bottom bracket should I get for a Shimano Ultegra crank?

Thanks

How old are your cranks?

What does the BB look like?

nitrogen

I don't know, as haven't taken it out. All I know is it's a Hollowtech II. I appreciate any advice. Thanks.

Cranks and bike have around 10k km.

Holyboy

nitrogen wrote: »

I don't know, as haven't taken it out.

Cranks and bike have around 10k km.

No I meant what year are they from?

If they are from the last few years then the BB cups should be right as the axle is attached to the drive side crank.

nitrogen

I see now. It's a 2009 model.

Holyboy

Sorry my last sentence didn't make much sense,struggling to even stay awake:(
The axle will be part of the drive side of the chainset and the non drive side crank will be on its own,it is usual for these type of BB/cranks to have a little drag when adjusted right but they should still turn without too much pressure,if you have new cups you may as well put em in and see if its any better!

nitrogen

Sorry, I'm still a little bit confused. Would I still need to go buy a bottom bracket – something like this.

Thanks for your help.

Holyboy

No, it should be hollowtech 2 nothing to do with octolink any more, maybe bring it to your LBS and ask them,they would know straight away (if they know what they're doing!)