Bottom Bracket problems on my retro Peugeot Equipe

[johnnyb47]

Hi to all. .
I could do with alittle help and advice regarding my Bottom Bracket on my old 83 Peugeot Equipe road bike. Its the original factory fitted BB and I'm starting to get a little suspicious about its health. In certain positions of the pedal arm I can feel some slight play in the Bracket but if I rotate it a quarter of a turn the play is gone I'm also having to nip it up every couple of weeks as it seems to slowly get worse. I don't know the type of bottom bracket it is ( excuse my ignorance . I'm a newbie lol ) but it has a ring on the side with slots in it which is loosened off so the cup can be tightened and then the locking ring can then be tightened up again. My brother in law who is quite handy with bikes tells me I can replace it with a sealed Shimano BB..I'm just a bit worried though if my old bike has some old obscure French sized fitment that would be hard to source. I've been out for a 25 miler this evening and have noticed the play in it has got worse so I will again need to tighten it up.
Many thanks for reading and any reply given. ( There always highly appreciated )
Johnny

 

[CanucksTraveller]

It just sounds like the bearings have worn out, which given the age of the machine is to be easily expected. I'd just go ahead and replace the bottom bracket.
The 1980's Peugeots didn't have anything particularly exotic in terms of measurements, it's pretty standard. You'll get a replacement in any bike shop, I guess your choice is to go for something in keeping with the vintage of the frame (i.e. a used part), or to just put something sealed and modern in. Personally I'd go with the latter.

I'm very jealous by the way, my first road bike at age 14 was a Peugeot Equipe. I'd love one now.

 

[johnnyb47]

Thanks for the advice buddy. The bike is an absolute minter. The paint work is perfect with no rust , scratches,/ chips. I too used to be the proud owner of one back in early 80s. and again feel privileged to own one again. It puts a smile in my face every morning when I see it parked up in the kitchen while I'm making my butties for work :-)). I put a small story about it in the introduction section about it buddy if you want a read.

 

[CanucksTraveller]

Sorry, having googled like mad my model was the Peugeot ANC Halfords replica, I think you probably had the better bike. I think the paint work and orange bar tape on mine swayed me. :-)
I'll look up your intro, thank you.

 

[Smokin Joe]

As long as you make sure to match the axle length (To keep your chainline) any standard Shimano square taper will do, as CT has said.

 

[mrandmrspoves]

If you decide to swap to a cartridge you will have to remove the left hand cup (fixed cup) it is possible to do this with a big spanner - bit it can be difficult to remove even with the correct tool (a fixed cup spanner that will cost you £15 or more)
Because of this, it is a job worth geting your LBS to do unless you can borrow the spanner from someone. There are other work rounds that you can use as well - but it is almost guaranteed to involve time and effort.

If you want to keep it original, you can probably just change the bearings.
The new ones may last you the next 30 years or so and will cost you about £3 and avoids having to remove the fixes cup.

 

[johnnyb47]

Many thanks for the advice. It's been a great help. I've re tightened it up and covered another 30 miles and it still seems to be OK.If it plays up again my local bike shop have sealed units in stock for around £15 or a better quality ones for £25. As you say though, I may just replace the bearings and keep it original :-)