Movement in bottom bracket

[Banjo]

Noticed today a little bit of movement in the bottom bracket, doesnt notice when pedalling but if you pull the crank arm in and out theres definitely a bit of movement.

Its a Truvativ Elita triple. Is this user serviceable, (fairly handy with mechanics but never stripped a bottom bracket) should I stop riding the bike until sorted or carry on and fix soon?

 

[smokeysmoo]

BB maintenance is a pretty simple procedure IMO & IMO.
AASHTA, http://www.sheldonbrown.com/tooltips/bbadj.html, or if you prefer YouTube is your friend for how to videos

 

[ColinJ]

I rode my bike with a worn bottom bracket for far too long. When I replaced it, my bike felt like a new machine and was much nicer to ride - get yours sorted before it gets any worse!

Changing bottom brackets isn't a big job if you have the right tools, but is virtually impossible if you haven't got them!

Double-check that you get the right BB if you decide to do it yourself. Some frames have 'Italian' BB threads and some have 'British'. You also need to check the axle length. When I replaced my BB the last time, I discovered that I'd previously fitted a short one, suitable for a double chainset but my bike has a triple. That explained why I'd had front shifting problems and chainrub problems for the lifetime of the old BB!

 

[avsd]

BB maintenance is a pretty simple procedure IMO & IMO.
AASHTA, http://www.sheldonbrown.com/tooltips/bbadj.html, or if you prefer YouTube is your friend for how to videos

Provided it is not rusted in. Took a machine shop and heat to get mine out but not before I spent a few days with penetrating oil, heat gun etc

 

[smokeysmoo]

Provided it is not rusted in. Took a machine shop and heat to get mine out but not before I spent a few days with penetrating oil, heat gun etc

There's nothing like a spot of regular maintenance is there

 

[avsd]

Yep - I am now doing it on a regular basis on my bikes. The MTB that was 'stuck' was 15 years old. I refurbished it with a Tiagra road set as I use if for commuting now. Even managed to fit a new style Shimano bracket which is well greased and will be maintained evt 6/9 months.

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

Seems you have an ISIS cartridge BB with 118mm spindle, so any cup and cone service reference is likely irrelevant.

Hard to tell from your description whether the problem is in the crankarm/bb interface or within the bb. This may help you figuring out.

 

[Banjo]

Many thanks for the replies and links. Will have a closer look at it soon as I can.