Bit of rust in the BB Shell

[SolemnWeasel]

More of a question 'how bad is it?' I took off the bottom bracket since it was creaking and I had a spare. Hollowtech BBR60 from Shimano.
Was not extremely difficult to take off, but had to use a hammer.
It does look quite rusty - the bracked was also cracked a bit around the thin edges, otherwise not so bad, but will not reuse. It was probably more than 10y old.
I cleaned the area with alcohol, wiped it with rags, and used a rust converter for around 15minutes (per manual) - then wiped it again and installed the new bottom bracket with some threadlocker. Plus I put grease where I could.
Hope that's enough - I need the bike so did not want to do more work on it.
I notice there is no pinhole on the bottom on the bracket.
Thanks

 

[twentysix by twentyfive]

Surface stuff so not a worry. Just give a load of grease to prevent in future.

Where is the damp getting in?

 

[SolemnWeasel]

Surface stuff so not a worry...

Thanks. Not sure if there is water getting in - maybe humidity?, it was on the bike since it was new I think. I think the new bb and the shell is well protected now.

 

[Profpointy]

I'd not worry unduly, as, like txt says, it looks like surface rust. Might give it a good scrub with wire wool, and as you say, grease it up afterwards

Maybe drill a little hole in the bottom to let any condensation out, unless anyone can give a good reason why not

 

[si_c]

Pretty common with steel bikes, surface rust.

I'd clean the threads out and the inner BB shell with a wire brush, this will help keep the BB serviceable. Then use a rust inhibitor on the inside of the frame to limit rust build up and probably some lithium grease or water resistant marine grease on the threads of the BB when fitting.

You could drill out a hole at the bottom of the shell to help it breathe and eliminate any water that gets in but regular servicing should prevent any problems anyway. Just take the BB out of the frame a couple of times a year and give it a good clean.

 

[Smokin Joe]

Thanks. Not sure if there is water getting in - maybe humidity?, it was on the bike since it was new I think. I think the new bb and the shell is well protected now.

Water gets in past the seatpost as it is not an engineered fit in the tube and there is always a slight gap. Also through the slot where the clamp goes. The way round it is to cover both areas with some waterproof silicone sealant, use clear and it doesn't show.

 

[raleighnut]

The problem is not water getting in, it's more nowhere for it to get out

 

[raleighnut]

The problem is not water getting in, it's more nowhere for it to get out

I have a frame (653) that has 3 drain slots in the bottom but the most extreme I've seen is the bottom bracket that @midlife uses as his avatar

 

[midlife]

I have a frame (653) that has 3 drain slots in the bottom but the most extreme I've seen is the bottom bracket that @midlife uses as his avatar

Lighter = faster . Probably picked up a second or two on my 25 milers BITD. .

 

[Gunk]

My Carlton Professional is pretty well ventilated!

 

[Marchrider]

Thanks. Not sure if there is water getting in - maybe humidity?, it was on the bike since it was new I think. I think the new bb and the shell is well protected now.

yes, during cold weather there will be times when it condenses out onto the surface - if it has taken 10 years to do that I would reckon a good thousand years to become concerning

 

[Yellow Saddle]

Drill a 6mm hole in your BB. Water gets in, but can't get out. "surface rust" is a bity of a misnomer. All rust is on the surface. However, rust in a small thread steel BB like that quickly destroys threads and BBs. Drill it and be done with it.

 

[SolemnWeasel]

I think I will drill a small hole then. Next bb servicing maybe in a year, good it is stored inside.