Play in bottom bracket?

[MattHB]

Was deep cleaning the hybrid today and noticed there is some play when I waggle the crank.

Is this just the BB needing re tightening up? If so how do I go about this?

I know it's a cartridge type bearing, so will the standard halfords BB tool do the job?

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_715087_langId_-1_categoryId_242558

Also, what grease do people use in bearings inside the BB. If I'm messing with it id like to repack it as well.

Cheers.

 

[Tim Hall]

As it says in the blurb "fits most cartridge bottom brackets". That looks like a Shimano pattern tool, so is very likely to do the job. Are you sure it's the BB moving, or is it the crank moving on the BB spindle? Do you know which make of BB is fitted at present? Which bike is it?

Cartridge bearings on BBs are generally fit and forget/unservicable, with sealed bearing races either end, so repacking with grease isn't really an option.

 

[MattHB]

It's a 2011 specialized crosstrail. It's definitely the BB moving, although only a very small amount, I can see the square taper moving.

The spec just says the following:

Bottom Bracket: Cartridge bearing, square spindle with crank stop right side and capless bolts

probably good news that they're sealed bearings, might just mean that I've got to tighten things up. The bikes only 4 months old, done about 1000 miles, so I can't imagine it's anything too serious.

 

[gbb]

If its the BB thats become loose (lockring loose), it wants sorting asap. Had it happen to my Trek, the BB threads got slightly damaged by the cartridge moving around. The result is a BB that needs the threads chasing. No big deal, but its a LBS job.

If its the cartridge itself, as said, its a fit and forget item, there's nothing to be done with it other than replace.
Even at just 1000 miles, its possible its gone already.

Either way, if you're up for replacing one yourself (and its quite straight forward)...you'll want that tool.

 

[Tim Hall]

I'd say it is the right tool. But at only 4 months old, take it back to the shop and get them to do it.

 

[MattHB]

It's still under warranty if anythings shot. So that's ok. I'll tighten things up and see how it goes.

Cheers all.

 

[Tynan]

at four months I'd get the shop to sort, it shouldn't have come loose and the BB shouldn't have failed