I'm overhauling a great (1980s) sport/touring Bianchi with Ishiwata
tubes, and having trouble with the bottom bracket. I took out the
races (9 ballbearings), cleaned everything with WD40 and elbow grease,
repacked the BB with 9 new ballbearings (of the correct size) on each
side and, of course, fresh grease.
I have adjusted the BB to the point where it no longer spins smoothly,
yet there is still some (some is too much) play in the spindle. I was
hoping for spinning smoothly with no slop in the spindle.
I must be a retro grouch, because I'd prefer keeping this bottom
bracket to putting in a so-called sealed bearing cartridge. Just think
of the weight savings of this older technology! Plus, if it gets water
in it, no big deal. Instead of replacing the cartridge, I can squirt
some WD-40 in the seat tube to replace the water and then pour in some
Phils tenacious or even chain saw lube, and be on my way. Rebuild at
my leasure. But, I've got cartridge BBs on some of my other bikes and
have had no problems with them. Maybe I should keep it simple, and
just put in a cartridge?
I recall that when replacing the 9-ballbearing race with just
bearings, you could put in a 10th ballbearing. Might a 10th
ballbearing help?
What do you think? Can I salvage this BB or should I go for a
cartridge?
Thanks,
Larry