Old mtb bottom bracket removal

[Big Nick]

Help needed !!

Decided to strip out the bottom bracket today on my old Ridgeback mtb. Once I got the crank arms off it was obvious it was was grinding like mad and is probably well knackered but it has lasted 20 years!

The BB is an old adjustable cup type and I can't seem to see a tool online to be able to remove it, here's 6 holes stamped into it in a hexagon shape on one side and a thin ring with two flat edges on the other

Here are some pictures (and yes the gear change cables need replacing as well!!)

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

For the side with the holes you need a pin spanner. For the other side you'll need either a fixed cup spanner or a very large adjustable spanner will do the job (not forgetting that the drive side is a left hand thread, so undoes clockwise).

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

Oh yes, should mention that if you're not planning to reuse the old bottom bracket you could undo the non drive side by tapping it round using a hammer and a suitable implement (an old screwdriver or similar). This side undoes the normal way.

 

[raleighnut]

Help needed !!

Decided to strip out the bottom bracket today on my old Ridgeback mtb. Once I got the crank arms off it was obvious it was was grinding like mad and is probably well knackered but it has lasted 20 years!

The BB is an old adjustable cup type and I can't seem to see a tool online to be able to remove it, here's 6 holes stamped into it in a hexagon shape on one side and a thin ring with two flat edges on the other

Here are some pictures (and yes the gear change cables need replacing as well!!)

Another tip when removing the side with the 2 flats is to temporarily refit the crank arm and nut to clamp the spanner in place to help prevent it from slipping off and skinning knuckles.

 

[Big Nick]

For the side with the holes you need a pin spanner. For the other side you'll need either a fixed cup spanner or a very large adjustable spanner will do the job (not forgetting that the drive side is a left hand thread, so undoes clockwise).

Hi Phil
Will a pin spanner give me enough on it with only two pins though to shift it?

I thought there would be some sort of adapter with 6 pins that slot into the holes?

 

[robgul]

... the other option if you a large engineer's vice is to hold the cups in the jaws and use the frame (gently!) like a big spanner ... again, remember the RH side undoes the wrong way

Rob

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

Hi Phil
Will a pin spanner give me enough on it with only two pins though to shift it?

I thought there would be some sort of adapter with 6 pins that slot into the holes?

Should do. Once the lockring is removed the non-drive cup usually comes out pretty easily.

 

[compo]

If the fixed cup has been fitted for 20 years you may find that a more robust method of removal could be called for in place of an adjustable spanner. Come back if you find you cannot shift it. Having said that it will probably come out easily!

 

[Big Nick]

Cheers all, just ordered a bottom bracket tool which is a pin spanner that has a ring spanner on the other end so should by usable for both sides

Gonna replace it with a sealed unit, do I just measure the width and diameter of the BB to find the size I need?

 

[boydj]

You'll need to check the axle length as well.

 

[Sheffield_Tiger]

For the fixed-cup side (the one with the 2 flats)

Read here and scroll to the bottom

Works on cups that have been in 40 years. Large adjustable spanners, using a vice etc just lead to scuffed knuckled and chipped paintwork when it slips. I find an M16 bolt (24mm spanner) to be the ideal size, and if you're throwing out the fixed cup, use some serrated lockwashers to dig in and grip the cup (if you plan on reusing then stick with flat washers)


Also, if you're throwing the old cups out,, on the non-drive side just use an old screwdriver as a drift, stick it at an angle into one of the holes and use a hammer to tap (no need to clout, just tap) the cup around

 

[Big Nick]

New bb tool sorted it in 5 mins!! Managed to find a shimano sealed unit half price on line which effectively covered the price of buying the tool so all good!

Many thanks to all who helped

 

[Big Nick]

Fitted a shimano sealed BB today (top service from CRC, delivery in 2 days) much less hassle than loose bearings etc and what a difference to the 20 year old BB that was in previously!! Forgot to say cheers for the tip about the left hand thread on the drive side by the way!!

Also got a Topeake pack rack and bag which fitted perfectly, no more carrier bags swinging on handlebars!!

I'm now in full cycle commuter mode!!