Hollowtech 2 bottom bracket question

[lulubel]

If its lasted 2k miles then its fine... However...

If your old bb was an internal one then getting your bb 'faced' may be an idea to ensure the new external bearings are parallel.This would help increase bearing life.

The headset lasted 2,000 miles as well, and that definitely wasn't fine from the moment I fitted it.

There wasnt't an old bb. It was a brand new frame, and the bb shell had been faced.

I've tested the cranks for lateral movement this morning, and there definitely is some. I'm pretty sure that's a sign that something's wrong.

 

[BimblingBee]

I wouldn't worry about how you fitted the BB, the amount of torque required on the pre-load of cranks is not very high at all.

As for 2000miles lifespan. Well they were/are/still a little notorious of their lifespan. You will get some some movement as it wears, have you tried re-fitting it?

You don't say (I can't see!) if you have built a mtb or road bike. 2000 miles for a headset on a road bike does not sound that great, you've mentioned that you required a lot of torque to fit this which does not sound quite right. Did you push the crown race all the way to the bottom of the steerer? This would have taken a bit of force to do this.

In summary I think you've fitted bb fine and possibly made an error with the headset first time round!

 

[lulubel]

I know I made an error with the headset first time round. I fitted it with the bearings still in place, and crushed the bearings with the headset press! (I've talked about this in other threads.) I replaced the bearings as soon as I realised what I'd done, but the cups were also damaged, which in turn damaged the new bearings. I've replaced the headset now, and the problem is solved.

I didn't say the compression bolt on the headset required a lot of torque; I said it required a lot more force than I expected.

There's definitely a problem with the bb because it's making the same kind of noise the old headset was making. I assumed all the noises were coming from the headset until I replaced it. It's also felt a bit rough since the first time I rode the bike, which I don't think is right for an ultegra bb that's been fitted correctly. (It was only when I was riding it today that I recalled wondering on my first or second ride if there was a problem with the bb.)

Anyway, I know it's hard to judge from posts on a forum, especially if you don't know the history of the bike. I've ordered a replacement bb and the proper tool to tighten the preload, and I'll make sure its fitted correctly this time.

 

[mrandmrspoves]

When you take the old BB out - take careful note of where any washers are and replicate when you replace....... (Note to self - follow this advice next time I swap a Hollowtech over!)

 

[Andrew_P]

I know I made an error with the headset first time round. <snip>.

I spent 12 months getting other people to do stuff on my bike and paying them. Once I started doing it myself I made loads of errors but I they were fantastic in creating a huge learning curve.

I also learnt that there is not a lot that cannot be undone my one of my mistakes, albiet in may mean my wallet comes out..

The only thing I have not done now is to strip and re-gease my Fulcrum hubs.

I love the Hollowtech II BB Stripping and cleaning all cack behind it and has become a semi regular job, and for £25 for Ultegra its really is cheap and easy! (a lot easier with the right tools :-) I also learnt that lesson

 

[Nebulous]

They can grate a little with rubbish getting in. Removing cleaning, checking how free the bearings are and either changing the bracket or else just greasing and refitting is worth doing.

What kind of tool did you use for the bearing? I got a Park one which does both the bracket and the cap.

 

[lulubel]

When you take the old BB out - take careful note of where any washers are and replicate when you replace....... (Note to self - follow this advice next time I swap a Hollowtech over!)

You mean put them back in exactly the same place I put them the first time

I love the Hollowtech II BB Stripping and cleaning all cack behind it and has become a semi regular job, and for £25 for Ultegra its really is cheap and easy! (a lot easier with the right tools :-) I also learnt that lesson

If you need one, I just ordered one from Wiggle for £18ish. (Quite a few places have them about that price at the moment, but Wiggle are doing free shipping to Spain on orders of any value now, which has just made them highly competetive for me.)

What kind of tool did you use for the bearing? I got a Park one which does both the bracket and the cap.

I can't remember what it is, off the top of my head. Might be BBB or something like that - I seem to have a few of their tools. It doesn't have the tool for the cap, anyway.