Replace Bottom Bracket ?

[Sluicehoops]

Hi,

My Trek 1.7 has done about 2500 miles, and there has been a clicking sound coming from the BB area when i'm putting more effort in going uphill. This has been going on for a while now. It seems to be getting worse as today there was a horrible grinding sound as well.

I'm thinking i need to replace the BB - although 2500 miles doesn't seem like a lot to wear it out. Is this normal?
I think my bike has a hollowtech II BB. It says SM-FC5600 in the outer casing, which google suggests is Hollowtech II.

From reading this thead
https://www.cyclechat.net/
it doesn't sound too difficult a task.

So if i get a new BB like the ultegra one in the above thread for £15 from CRC, and the tool - is there anything else i need, or need to know?
Although i could let the LBS do it, i quite keen to learn how to do it myself.
Grateful for any advice on the subject.

Thanks
Sluice

 

[JonnyBlade]

If it is the bottom bracket that's at fault and you do replace it you will find it a very simple task. I changed my BB a couple of times over the last 12 months but I have done nearly 7,000 miles in that time

Jonny

 

[Peter88]

I would recommend some anti seize paste and some grease.

The paste for the BB shell threads and the grease for the axle.

Changed the BB on my bike about 4 weeks ago and found it quite an easy job (apart from the old BB being difficult to remove)

 

[Zoiders]

It's the external BB.

If the shell isn't faced properly or it's over tightened it will eat the bearings in rapid order, it is becoming a well known problem with them.

 

[PaulSecteur]

If possible, try another set of pedels before you change the BB. I have had a few bikes to look at thet the owners are sure is the BB clicking and has turned out to be the pedels.

 

[2Loose]

If possible, try another set of pedels before you change the BB. I have had a few bikes to look at thet the owners are sure is the BB clicking and has turned out to be the pedels.

+1 well worth checking in advance.

 

[oliglynn]

Mine clicks at the splined interface between the non-drive side crank and the axle. Pedal along with each foot separately to determine if it's a bb or crank issue...

 

[Sittingduck]

If you do end up replacing the BB, you will also need a little tool, to preload the bearings (basically it just takes up the tension across the bearings and BB, before you tighten up the non drive side crank). Google for 'Shimano TL-FC-16'

 

[2Loose]

If you do end up replacing the BB, you will also need a little tool, to preload the bearings (basically it just takes up the tension across the bearings and BB, before you tighten up the non drive side crank). Google for 'Shimano TL-FC-16'

A lot of the BB spanners have this little tool built in, but unfortunately not all. Note: The bearing preload cap is normally plastic and not designed to be torqued up to any degree, but rather finger tightened. Unlike the BB cups themselves which do need a fairly hefty tighten.

 

[Nebulous]

I have a Tiagra Hollowtech BB and have been thinking about removing it to clean it - following a youtube video, which seemed quite straightforward. However printed on the cups it says something along the lines of 'warning do not disassemble.' What does that mean? Can it be readily ignored?

thanks - James

 

[gwhite]

I have a Tiagra Hollowtech BB and have been thinking about removing it to clean it - following a youtube video, which seemed quite straightforward. However printed on the cups it says something along the lines of 'warning do not disassemble.' What does that mean? Can it be readily ignored?

thanks - James

They are referring to dissembling the outer bearings themselves which are not serviceable. The chainset can be removed however to check the splined interface.

 

[Nebulous]

Okay - thanks

It will give me another chance to try out my new workstand and tools!

 

[battered]

If you suspect the BB is worn out, test it by getting hold of the crank (not the pedal) and trying to waggle the cranks side to side, as you would if pedalling. If there is any more than the slightest play, it's worn. A very slight movement is normal. If you aren't sure, don't worry, nothing else will wear out, all that will happen if you ignore it or delay repair is that the clicking will get noisy enough to embarrass you.

 

[Sluicehoops]

Thanks for all the advice. I'm pretty sure its not the pedals, so i've ordered the new BB and the necessary tools.

Cheers
Sluice