BB30 chainset / bearing install

[Sittingduck]

Hi

I have just acquired a new BB30 chainset. I plan on swapping the existing BB30 chainset with the new bling. Question is this: Is it a nightmare to remove and replace BB30 bearings from the BB shell? Looks like it might require a special tool (I have seen that Park do one). The existing bearings only have 500 miles and are fine but the new chainset came with ceramic jobbies. I am considering leaving the existing ones in and just switching chainsets (both are FSA). Thoughts?

Edit: I will of course install the new ceramic bearings (at some point) but wonder if I should get the full life out of the existing first and enable myself to use the new chainset asap, without the need for special tools. WIll the difference be night & day, when switching to ceramics?

 

[Rob3rt]

You can either bodge it, make your own press, or buy a press. They just press into the BB shell until they hit the circlip. The park tools press, you knock the bearings out, and press the new ones in. You can buy a tool on eBay from various sellers that presses both in and out.

 

[fossyant]

You won't notice the difference between good Stainless bearings and ceramics once on the road. Yes they will spin for longer without a chain attached, but real life - nah.

Leave them be unless you fancy the upgrade now.

 

[Sittingduck]

Rob - did a bit of You-tubing and saw the Park tools in action. Looks like something of an outlay for a rare job. Was considering taking it to the LBS, instead of shelling out (no pun).

Cheers Fossy, This was my thinking too. Probably save myself a job and leave the originals in. When they are shot, I'll have nice ceramic bearings at the ready!

 

[ianrauk]

You won't notice the difference between good Stainless bearings and ceramics once on the road. Yes they will spin for longer without a chain attached, but real life - nah.

Leave them be unless you fancy the upgrade now.

Agreed.
Just swapped a Hope SS HTII BB for a ceramic one.. just for bling value more then anything else.
Can't really tell any difference between the 2.

 

[Sittingduck]

So the next question is: Are all BB30 bearings compatible with various chainsets?

Oh, and do I need a torque wrench? Or do I just do it tight and then nip it up a bit?

 

[Rob3rt]

BB30 is BB30, all BB30 bearings fit BB30 bottom brackets and BB30 chainsets.

Don't know re. torque wrench, I use one, but I want to make double sure everything is done to spec with my chainset since it is a power meter and the accuracy may be dependant on such things.

 

[Sittingduck]

Ok - nice, thanks all.

BTW, one of these is coming off...
one of these is going on

That's right Fossy... a compact! I need it for the hills of London

 

[Rob3rt]

Never used ceramic bearings, so not sure what performance benefit they have, maybe they save 1-2W? lol.

 

[Sittingduck]

It all counts! They are meant to last longer and spin better. Just came with the new chainset.

 

[Rob3rt]

I'll be honest, if I could afford ceramic bearings all round, I would have them, regardless of how small the gains would be, because I am a sucker! lol!

I just can't afford them!

 

[ianrauk]

I'll be honest, if I could afford ceramic bearings all round, I would have them, regardless of how small the gains would be, because I am a sucker! lol!

You and me both..........

 

[Sittingduck]

So - should I just go to town on this badboy with a 10mm Hex now, or try to get my hands on a torque wrench?