Wobbly bottom bracket on Radford, need guidance to replace

Asked by: Lloyd Patton

How do you fix a wobbly bottom bracket?

Quote from video: Bottom bracket just showing you the reflex in the and the cups. Because this isn't a typical bottom bracket it doesn't need the special tool I'll grab a very large adjustable wrench.

How do I know if I need to replace my bottom bracket?

If there is lateral movement or “play” in the cranks, this is a sure sign that the bottom bracket needs replacing. If it feels rough when you pedal or grind, then it might need replacing. If it sounds rough, then it might need replacing. Take the chain off and spin the cranks to see how smoothly they move.

Why does my bottom bracket wobble?

An open/loose BB will need its bearings adjusting (via the adjusting cup) or replacing. If you diagnose a loose BB in any other type of unit, such as BB30/90s and outboard bearing units, the first thing to check is the attachment system of the cranks and/or BB spindle.

Do I need to replace bottom bracket when replacing crankset?

To answer your question specifically, yes cranksets require a specific bottom bracket, especially so the new offerings from SRAM and Shimano and others.

How long should a bottom bracket last?

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.

Why is my crank wobbling?

It may just be that it’s a one-piece “cartridge” and is rattling around in the frame, or it may be that the unit is “loose bearings” and the bearing caps need to be adjusted. Or there may have been some sort of failure of the bearings.

Is bottom bracket worth upgrading?

Reasons to go for the upgrade



Usually if both chainrings and the bottom bracket are worn out, you might as well upgrade to the new setup rather than buy all the parts for your old unit. Besides getting something that matches the rest of the parts, you’ll know you’re hammering on brand-new crankarms, too.

Should a bottom bracket spin freely?

If the bottom bracket was already used, it should spin reasonably well. Bottom brackets don’t have to just spin to a silly degree because it’s all about how they perform when loaded, not unloaded like in your spin test.

How do you fix a wobbly crank?

Quote from video: Really make sure that you hold the pedal. And when you're tightening you want to get. This. On there as tight as you can to keep the crank garment flush with the bike.

Can you adjust bottom bracket?

Most newer bicycles use cartridge bottom brackets, which are modular assemblies. These are normally not adjustable or serviceable; rather, they are intended to be replaced as a unit when the bearings become worn-out or contaminated.

Should I grease my bottom bracket?

In the case of the bottom bracket, you will use the grease when you install it, whether it is threaded, press fit or similar, and in the same way when you install or clean the cranks. The point of contact of the cranks with the bottom bracket should be greased too.

Why do bottom brackets fail?

The fail by water and grit entering the bearing and causing the cartridge bearings to get loose. This is felt by poor shifting or chain rub, and finally the bearing can get very stiff if the balls jam up inside. External bearings can be cleaned and adjusted. Most have some sort of seal that can also be replaced.

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 do I stop my bottom bracket from creaking?

Quote from video: Now if you've got yourself a traditional style bottom bracket now while I say traditional. I mean one with threads. So it simply threads into the shell of the bottom bracket. I would recommend trying

Can you overtighten a bottom bracket?

Re: Likely to damage crank or BB with overtightening? Yes. You can damage both, by over tightening. Get a decent torque wrench and spanner head attachment.

How do you fix a wobbly crank?

Quote from video: Really make sure that you hold the pedal. And when you're tightening you want to get. This. On there as tight as you can to keep the crank garment flush with the bike.

How do you fix a loose bottom bracket on a mountain bike?

Quote from video: Just like this put it into one of those notches. And then you hammer it make sure you're hammering this in the uh lefty loosey way so counterclockwise to get it loose. Or you can use a vise script.

How do you tighten a Shimano bottom bracket?

Quote from video: Put the threaded end cap in on the non-drive side crank. Set finally tighten the two five millimeter bolts up on the crank in this instance the recommended torque is twelve to fourteen Newton meters.

How do you Torque bottom brackets?

Quote from video: Get it on there and just do it as tight as you can or if you know the manufacturers torque spec you can use a torque wrench that's what I'm gonna do here real quick.

How do you tighten a bottom bracket thread?

Quote from video: It is a left hand thread turned carefully counterclockwise until you are sure there is no cross threading tighten them to manufacturer specification using a torque wrench. This can be between 24.