A creak has appeared :)

[Lanzecki]

My bottom bracket has started creaking.

Yesterday me and the horde of children I claim to have went for a ride. During the ride I had cause to stop to adjust no1 child's bike, while No.3 held mine.

10sec later my bike was on its side. It fell on the left side, the right side BB bearing is now creaking under high pressure. I'd like to say that's all the time, but it would be a lie. Tested by replacing the pedals, and pedalling one footed for a while. Peddling with left foot only doesn't creak.

The last BB I replace was circa 1988 with shells and bearings.

While I'm able to do most things to bikes, I'm aware that these modernist BB's are sealed units. There are no cotter pins either

2007 (approx) Ultregra BB. Can I sensibly get it out myself? And if so is it really unserviceable? There are grey rings stating "Do not disassemble" But that's never stopped me before.

Pickky of left side attached.

Edited for spelling and other weirdness.

 

[accountantpete]

That is a Hollowtech II bottom bracket and cranks.

To disassemble you

a) simply undo the plastic bolt on left hand crank and undo the two hex bolts on the same crank - this enables you to take the left crank off.

b) Then tap the axle with a wooden mallet (or similar) through the BB so that the right crank comes away - then pull it all through.

It is likely that you need a new BB so

c) Then remove the external BB cups with the special tool and replace with new ones.

To re-assemble just reverse the above process but DO NOT over-tighten the plastic bolt on the left.

Here's the special tool (which also works for the plastic bolt)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BOTTOM-BR...sure_Cycling_BikeLocks_SR&hash=item53f44bdf7f

Also see Vid

 

[Lanzecki]

OK, sounds simple. Thanks

The right crank has no bolt or any obvious way to release from the axle, so I assume it's fixed to the crank and not replace with the bearings.

What's with the grey plastic rings? "Do not dissamble"?

I'll go Google Hollowtech II as well.

Thanks

 

[Lanzecki]

OK, all googled up. If I'd know the name of the BB I woudln't have needed to post. But then someone else might have the same question.

Google, and the vid you linked explain it all. Thanks.

 

[Lanzecki]

It turns out that while you can remove the covers to get at the bearings, bearings need grease to lubricate and keep water out. The left side was fine the Drive side was as dry as a dry thing in a dry place, left out to dry in the sun. Typical Shimamo. See how little grease you can use to get the item past it's warranty period.

After injecting grease into the bearing races and backing everything with grease, then sticking everything back together and gettung to use my recently purchased torque wrench The drive side is still creaky under pressure.



New bearings on order.

I'm now looking at the headset and wheel's..

 

[ComedyPilot]

It turns out that while you can remove the covers to get at the bearings, bearings need grease to lubricate and keep water out. The left side was fine the Drive side was as dry as a dry thing in a dry place, left out to dry in the sun. Typical Shimamo. See how little grease you can use to get the item past it's warranty period.

After injecting grease into the bearing races and backing everything with grease, then sticking everything back together and gettung to use my recently purchased torque wrench The drive side is still creaky under pressure.



New bearings on order.

I'm now looking at the headset and wheel's..

Please, please, please make sure it isn't the pedal that needs greasing....

I had an horrendous creak and it went from pressure on right pedal to pressure on left pedal. It didn't stop when stood up pedalling (so not a seat/seat rail/post creak) and also vanished when I pulled up when pedalling (SPD)

Removed pedals, applied some grease and replaced. Stopped creaking for a mile or so, and then carried on... ?

Got really bad on a hilly 25 miler, the whole frame (ally) was resonating the creak (very worrying), so I got home, took the pedals off again and this time made sure the whole thread on the pedal and in the crank arm had a liberal coating of grease and re-assembled.

Still creaked.......

But.......

After 4 miles it suddenly stopped and hasn't done it since.

I think the grease just needed to work its way into the threads fully. As a post mortem, I think I caused the creak in the first place by storing my bike at work in the compressor room (quite hot and dry) and this might have dried out what little grease was on the pedals when I fitted them.

 

[Lanzecki]

Please, please, please make sure it isn't the pedal that needs greasing....

I did replace them...... And was pretty sure..... But....

I've not had a change to goo looking at it since, My daughter decided I was going to build her a new bike. I spend the day arguing with a seized headset amongst other things.

I'll double check the pedals though.