Bottom Braket

[l4dva]

Hi there,

I need some assistance with my bottom bracket, I mentioned on another thread about the issues I have been having with it, but thort I'd ask here instead seems more appropriate place.

Anyways my bike Spech Tricross Sport 09 is about 6 months old and done 700 miles, the bottom bracket is going already, I can feel the pedaling become less smoother and hear creeky sort of sounds. The LBS hasn't been very helpfull, put the blame on the bottom bracket being cheepo unknown part that only lasts 12months max. They won't do it on warrentee either as its down to wear and tear. I can't be arsed to argue over the warrentee or go back to the LBS as they haven't really been so helpfull with this issue.

So anyways I went to specialized concept store they also said the issue will be wear and tear and not covered on warrentee. So what I want to know is which type of bottom bracket should I get, I am thinking of just buying the part on line and then taking it to the specialized concept store and they will fit it for me for £10. They told me I need a square tapper bottom bracket... can anyone suggest which will be best for my bike.

Thanks!
Kirit

 

[DeeP]

Have the LBS or other shop tried tightening the bb and crank arms? I have just had a similar issue and it was down to this, not the BB going as i also suspected.

 

[Amanda P]

A staggering story. It's true that bottom brackets are subject to wear, but one should last longer than 6 months. You could point out to the supplier that they are obliged by the Sale of Goods and Services act to supply goods that are fit for purpose. This is usually taken to mean that goods should last at least 12 months in normal use.

Arguing that a bottom bracket should wear out in 6 months and only 700 miles won't wash.

However, if you don't feel you want to fight, the critical factor is the bottom bracket axle length. Specialised dealers should know this and be able to tell you what it is. (And they should be able to supply a decent one that won't fail...) Failing that, remove the existing bottom bracket, take it to a decent bike shop and ask for one like it (but better quality).

If that's a problem (sounds like it might be), take the whole bike to a proper bike shop (someone here will be happy to recommend one if you tell us whereabouts you are) and have them do the whole thing. It would take about 10 - 15 minutes to swap the bottom bracket out. A reasonable replacement cartridge bottom bracket will be £15 to £30.

It's possible , as DeeP says, that there's nothing wrong with the bottom bracket, but that it's loose in the frame, or the cranks are loose on the bottom bracket axle. Either way, a decent bike workshop will sort it out. If it's just looseness, it ought to be at negligible cost.

 

[Gerry Attrick]

I'd suggest you make a firm note never to use that lbs again, although personally I like a challenge

 

[simon_brooke]

Hi there,

I need some assistance with my bottom bracket, I mentioned on another thread about the issues I have been having with it, but thort I'd ask here instead seems more appropriate place.

Anyways my bike Spech Tricross Sport 09 is about 6 months old and done 700 miles, the bottom bracket is going already, I can feel the pedaling become less smoother and hear creeky sort of sounds. The LBS hasn't been very helpfull, put the blame on the bottom bracket being cheepo unknown part that only lasts 12months max. They won't do it on warrentee either as its down to wear and tear. I can't be arsed to argue over the warrentee or go back to the LBS as they haven't really been so helpfull with this issue.

So anyways I went to specialized concept store they also said the issue will be wear and tear and not covered on warrentee. So what I want to know is which type of bottom bracket should I get, I am thinking of just buying the part on line and then taking it to the specialized concept store and they will fit it for me for £10. They told me I need a square tapper bottom bracket... can anyone suggest which will be best for my bike.

Firstly if the bottom bracket is worn out in six months it was not of merchantable quality in the first place. It isn't a matter of warranty it's a matter of law. Go tell them that they replace it or you're going to the Trading Standards Officer.

Secondly, there isn't just one standard of square taper. Sometime back in the seventies or eighties Shimano started using a different taper from everyone else, and since then several smaller manufacturers have adopted the Shimano standard. Do you know what make your cranks are?

Have the LBS or other shop tried tightening the bb and crank arms? I have just had a similar issue and it was down to this, not the BB going as i also suspected.

You should not do this. It's normal for cranks to squirm up the taper a bit, and thus for the crank bolts to feel as if they're loose and need tightening. If you do this, you are very likely to split your crank, which is expensive. If you suspect the crank is slightly loose on the taper you should remove it altogether, regrease the taper, and reassemble. A dry joint (no grease) will cause creaking even if not loose.

 

[peanut]

I would recommend an all metal non cartridge type bottom bracket myself. it will last a lot longer and is more strongly made. It can be serviced and new bearings put in periodically and could last years potentially.
If you want to get a cartridge type make sure it is all metal including the bearing cups. These parts are frequently made of plastic and can get chewed up by tools and fail early.

This campag BB is all metal
You don't need to spend a lot of money and the BB doesn't have to be the same make as your chainset. I have two of these and they are still going strong after 6 years
http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/productdetail.asp?productcatalogue=CAMPBTBR260

measure the total length of your axle to order the right length and make sure your chainset has a standard square taper

 

[l4dva]

Hey thanks for the responses.

I actually took the bike to the LBS last week on my lunch break, they took it apart had a look at the bottom bracket and said its a rubbish cheap part put it back in and said use it over the summer get your moneys worth and then replace it. I said well shouldn't it be covered in warrentee, and the guy was like its just wear and tear just like a chain, they use cheep parts that just don't last. I was on my lunch break so I didn't have time to argue it, I just wanted to make sure it was fit for a 70 mile ride that I did yesterday. The problem was still there yesterday after the mechanic had I am assuming put it all back together properly and tighten it up etc. I still did the 70 mile ride, but the creaky sound and feel was still there, I carried on riding with it becuase I knew what it was and and the mechanic said it be fine for a few months still. But to be honest I want it changed now, its dosen't feel right and I don't like it esp after spending so much money on it.

I think I might actually go back now and give it one more try, because it really isn't fair. Up untill my first free service that I had at about 300 miles I thort they were great, now all the times I have been I've had really bad service, my gears needed a little adjustment which would take a few minutes for them I popped in and the mechanic had a moan about how busy they are etc etc then he was like you will need to book an appointment, he looked at the computer and gave me a date for a few weeks ahead I said ok ill have it, he gave me no choice I needed my gears adjusting, then he moaned even more and said let me have a look now and then he fixed it. If he just done the adjustment without moaning so much I would of been out of there in a few minutes instead he wasted all that time. I had the same treatment the last time I went even though I phoned in advance and who ever picked up the phone said they would look at it, but when I got there I got the same moaning about being to busy and then they had a look

 

[peanut]

its pretty typical of some local bike shops to be honest. Some won't change with the times and sell old stock at cheap prices with no margin for a sensible profit . Then they can't afford to honour the warantee.
If you had anything in writing regarding a warantee i would go back to the shop with it and take someone with you as a witness.
Tel the bloke,( nicely) that if he doesn't honour the warantee and replace the faulty part you will return the bike as unsuitable for purpose and have a full refund.

If he refuses tell him if he continues to be unreasonable he runs the risk of losing your future custom and that of everyone that you speak to in the local bike fraternity /clubs etc.

 

[DeeP]

Thanks Simon, didn't go into too much detail in previous post. I did completely remove all parts, regrease and re-tighten. One of the bb cups was very loose and one of the cranks had no grease at all - bike 3 months old, 500 miles. All ok for now!