BB30 knackered, I think

[oldgreyandslow]

I have a clicking sound from the BB when puting some force through the cranks, particulalrly in the big ring although it does click in the small ring too when puting some effort in. The click occurs when the right crank is at the bottom of the revolution.

The BB30 bearings were changed early on, the bike is a Boardman team carbon and they had a lack of grease problem, its now done about 4500 miles or thereabouts and probably nearly 4000 on this set of bearings.

Is this normal, and to be expected, or could the click be something else?

How easy is it to remove and refit bearings? I'm not a mechanical numpty and have most usual workshop tools but don't have special bearing presses etc.

Thanks

 

[zombiemiked]

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/article/workshop-how-to-service-bb30-press-fit-bottom-brackets-29544/

 

[oldgreyandslow]

Thanks, looks like I need some special tools then. I'm rapidly losing patience with BB30

 

[zombiemiked]

Thanks, looks like I need some special tools then. I'm rapidly losing patience with BB30

Yep, it looks as though they are a real pain compared to a Square Taper or Hollow Tech BB.

 

[Pikey]

Just had my bb30 bearings replaced and the mechanic said it was good that the stock ones had lasted 2000 miles before failing. So your 4000 sounds like some epic bearings.

I think bb30 is a bit of a floored design for us mere mortals, just resigned myself to the fact that it is going to have to be one of those serviceable items.

No biggy really, only cost a tenner plus parts to have them sorted at the lbs.

 

[oldgreyandslow]

So I've found replacement FSA bearings here http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/fsa-bb30-replacement-bearings/rp-prod40215 at CRC, but I was hoping for some better quality aftermarket ones, has anyone sourced them from elsewhere?

 

[NormanD]

Go for the SRAM bearings instead, I switched the FSA ones out for them and I've not had a problem since

 

[oldgreyandslow]

Go for the SRAM bearings instead, I switched the FSA ones out for them and I've not had a problem since

Thanks, that'll do me.

 

[oldgreyandslow]

forgot to ask "what's the best grease to use?"

 

[lejogger]

Go for the SRAM bearings instead, I switched the FSA ones out for them and I've not had a problem since

This. Just awaiting delivery of some myself. £25 delivered.

You can go for a ceramic option if you're that way inclined.
I just went standard for the boardman CX.

Managed to get the old ones out with some brute force but if i was doing it on a carbon frame I'd be LBSing it.

Must admit I'm a little frustrated with the bb30 in comparison to the ease of maintenance for the GXP.

 

[lejogger]

Go for the SRAM bearings instead, I switched the FSA ones out for them and I've not had a problem since

Dammit, just clicked on the link. Could have saved myself £2.50

 

[NormanD]

forgot to ask "what's the best grease to use?"

I bought THIS under the recommendation of the EBC mechanic and he wasn't wrong

 

[oldgreyandslow]

I bought THIS under the recommendation of the EBC mechanic and he wasn't wrong

Thanks, I've ordered the FSA installation and removal tools, SRAM bearings and the finish line grease. Hopefully the bearings are pretty easy to grease, and as soon as the stuff arrives I'll have the bike back on the road. In the meantime the winter bike gets a run out in the sunshine.

 

[zombiemiked]

I use TF2.

 

[oldgreyandslow]

I have new bearings, grease, removal and replacement tools coming soon and I'll change the bearings etc however I'm thinking for the future I may well change the chainset from BB30 to HT2, I've seen a thread on here recommending the FSA BB30 converter which all looks fine. However I am a bit confused, if changing to the Hollowtech system isn't this going to make the distance between the cranks wider than BB30 and put the chainset out of line with the front mech?