Bottom bracket smooth turning?

[rattle]

Hi guys,

I'm about to replace my ancient steel chainset, cranks and cotter pinned bottom bracket for something a little lighter and modern.

I've bought a second hand but supposedly only used for 5 miles square tapered internal bottom bracket.
On receiving it, I was a little worried as to whether it's worth installing it because it feels a little gritty and certainly doesn't turn very smoothly or with little effort.

I was wondering how easily a reasonably new but cheap bottom bracket should turn and whether I should try and get some money back!


If anyone can provide any advice, maybe even a link to a video, I'd be very grateful!

Much appreciated!

 

[ianrauk]

How much did you pay for it? New Square Taper BB's are about +/-£20
A near new bottom Bracket shouldn't feel like that unless it has been kept for a long while in damp/wet conditions.

 

[potsy]

I just bought a new one for my Secteur,£12 from CRC,unfortunately I bought the wrong size 118mm instead of the 121 that I needed.(My fault for believing the spec on the Spesh site,and not double checking)
Anyway,will be sending back for a refund/replacement soon,just had an e-mail to say the 121mm is back in stock for the bargain price of £8

 

[Hacienda71]

A near new bottom Bracket shouldn't feel like that unless it has been kept for a long while in damp/wet conditions.

+1

A bottom bracket should turn smoothly and easily.

 

[swee'pea99]

Even as the forum resident tightwad, a BB is one thing I wouldn't bother buying 2nd hand. Not when you can get bullet-proof Shimanos at these prices. Even if pennies are tight, I might be inclined to write it off to experience. Incidentally, when you're buying new, make sure you get one with the same spindle length as the old, and with the right fitting (if it's an old Raleigh or something this is easy. If it's French or Italian or something, things can get a bit more tangled.)

 

[Alembicbassman]

Regrease and new bearings cost me £10 at my LBS, if the cups are worn then it's a new BB.

Descriptions from sellers are always dodgy, always assume worst case scenario and adjust the price you want to pay accordingly.

Any old bike will need a good service, budget for new bearings all round (headset, wheels, BB) new brake cables and or gear cables and new brake pads, tyres and tubes.

Budget about £50 for bits.

I decided to replace saddle and bar tape too on my refurb.

 

[accountantpete]

I wouldn't worry about it being a bit stiff to turn if it is a good make - they usually pack the bearings with grease (so that maintenance is kept to a minimum) which causes this. Once the BB is in use it will free itself up.

However it shouldn't feel gritty.

Personally I'd pop it on and see how it goes - do about 100 miles then turn the bike up, take the chain off and give the creanks a good spin - they should revolve relatively freely for 4 or 5 turns.

 

[swee'pea99]

+1 wot ap said.

 

[rattle]

Thanks for the advice guys

I queried it to the ebay seller and he gave me a refund straight away. Must have been a bit dubious about it himself!

I'll prob be getting a new cheapo Shimano BB for £10 as recommended!

Thanks again!