Bottom bracket damage work-around

Asked by: Erin Thompson

What happens when bottom bracket fails?

The most common symptom of a loose or worn bottom bracket is rhythmic creaking with each bikes. The crank-and-spindle interface is made up of eight splines (ridges that keep the spindle in place), creating more surface area for a better fit.

How often should you overhaul bottom bracket?

Most bottom brackets last for thousands of miles, which is typically 1-2 years for many riders. However, you may need to replace your bottom bracket more often if: It is exposed to moisture. You often ride in dirt or mud.

How long should a bottom bracket last?

What we found was again the basic bottom bracket on your bike from the factory isn’t going to last longer than 500 miles. Wheels Mfg brackets lasted substantially longer BUT the mileage varied greatly with climate and contamination. I maintain my bottom brackets every 1000 miles on my own bikes.

How do I know when to replace my bottom bracket?

Quote from video: It's usually something that's not just down to noise. So if you can move your crank arm. Again you know slide it side to side and there is actually a bit of play.

How important is bottom bracket?

The bottom bracket is a critical component to every drive train. Connecting the left and right cranks, this is one of those important elements on the bike that directly effects power transfer between the rider’s legs and the bike’s drivetrain.

Why is there play in my bottom bracket?

If there is play in your bottom bracket it means that the bearings are loose or worn out, it should be repaired soon because it will influence the whole drivetrain negatively, like sprockets and chain.

Can you service a sealed bottom bracket?

The good news is that sealed cartridge bearings are serviceable, in fact it’s quicker, easier and requires fewer tools than re-packing a loose ball bottom bracket.

Should I grease bottom bracket threads?

With the threads now clean and sharp the next step is to prepare them with a layer of good quality grease. The grease will enable a smooth fit between the cups and the frame, the grease will also reduce the chance of corrosion developing between the materials in the bottom bracket shell and those in the cups.

How do I stop my bottom bracket from creaking?

Clean thoroughly, then re-grease the threads on the frame and bottom bracket. For stubborn cartridge bottom bracket squeaks, use Teflon tape on the threads. Then, reinstall, putting a drop of Green Loctite on the threads. For titanium frames, use Finish Line Ti-Prep Anti-Seize Assembly Lubricant on the threads.

Why does my bike click when I pedal hard?

The chain will rub against the derailleur only in some gears since it changes its angle as you shift gears. That’s why your bike makes a clicking noise when pedaling hard. So, you need to shift your bike into the gear where you hear the clicking.

How long should a bottom bracket last on a road bike?

As for a bottom bracket, on the low end, maybe 5000 miles. The basic Shimano one most people use (UN51/55/similar) can reasonably expect 10k+ miles. But sometimes you get unlucky and get a bottom bracket that lasts maybe 500 miles.

Does bottom bracket make a difference?

In other words, bottom brackets do different significantly drag-wise in terms of percentages but as far as actual watts are concerned, we’re talking relatively small numbers here that most general cyclists aren’t likely to notice.

How do I get a new bottom bracket?

To find out the size of bottom bracket needed, measure the inside of the bottom bracket shell in your frame, it will be 73mm, 70mm or 68mm. Some older frames may have Italian threaded bottom brackets, instead of the more modern English.

Is a sealed bottom bracket better?

A good bottom bracket is a “fit it and forget it” deal. A sealed unit is what’s current and popular because it doesn’t require any servicing. They last a long time and can easily be replaced if they wear out.

Is a bottom bracket sleeve necessary?

It really depends on the design of your frame. If there is a hole in the BB shell where the seat tube is, it’s possible for water/moisture to get in the bottom bracket shell and cause problems with you bearings. Most carbon frames do not have any holes in the BB shell so it’s not needed.

Why is my bike crank clicking?

Quote from video: Several other measures to try to fix the problem make sure the pedals are tight. Finally make sure that the chain ring bolts are up to the correct torque.

Can you service a sealed bottom bracket?

The good news is that sealed cartridge bearings are serviceable, in fact it’s quicker, easier and requires fewer tools than re-packing a loose ball bottom bracket.

What is wrong with square taper bottom bracket?

Another common argument against square taper bottom brackets is that they are less stiff. And with a larger width, bigger bearings on the outside rather than the inside of the frame, and the spindle co-integrated with the crank that might indeed be the case for Hollowtech II bottom brackets.

Is a sealed bottom bracket better?

A good bottom bracket is a “fit it and forget it” deal. A sealed unit is what’s current and popular because it doesn’t require any servicing. They last a long time and can easily be replaced if they wear out.

Do ceramic bottom brackets make a difference?

The Bottom Line: Quality hybrid ceramic bearings are better than steel bearings in a bicycle bottom bracket application because they have rounder balls for lower resistance, better races for lower resistance, and are grease-efficient in low RPM, low heat environments for lower resistance.

Why is bottom bracket creaking?

Most of the time, the true cause is a loose chainring bolt—tighten them up and that’ll quiet most creaks. After you check the chainring bolts and if you still hear the noise, look at your pedals, crank bolts, seatpost, and seat. By checking these first, you’ll save an hour of digging into your bottom bracket.