Hollowtech BB

[astrocan]

I put a Hollowtech BB onto my bike about a year ago and have done a couple of thousand k on it since in all weathers and conditions. I recently noticed that there was some slack so have taken it apart today to clean them up and adjust them.
So far so good but the shaft has a groove worn into it for about a third of its circumference at the non-drive side (left) end and it looks as if the bearing has stopped rotating and all the rotational force has been taken by the innner face of the bearing and the shaft.
I will be replacing the bearings anyway but am I also going to have to replace the shaft as well and what caused this wear?
If I have to replace the whole lot I am very tempted to go back to a cartridge BB. They are simple to fit and even the cheap ones lasted loads longer than this.

 

[accountantpete]

It sounds like the preload bolt (plastic bolt on non-drive side) may have been over tightened.

This has damaged the bearings and caused the bearing to seize.

It depends on how much wear to the axle there is - but it doesn't sound too hopeful and that means a new pair of cranks.

I'd try and borrow a new left hand bearing and see if it will tighten up without any play.