Schwinn + Bottom Bracket

Group: rec.bicycles.misc Date: Fri, Jul 30, 2004, 12:21am (EDT-3) From:
[email hidden] (Ed_Zep) :

Quoted message said:

I have a Schwinn Voyageur AL, about a
year old.

Quoted message said:

The pedals aren't turning freely, so I
guess the bottom bracket bearing has
gone.

Quoted message said:

Anyone know if these are standard and
also whether they're easy to replace?

Quoted message said:

Cheers.
Ed.

Since you mentioned the BB (Bottom Bracket) I assume you mean the cranks
won't turn. I have never heard of a BB "freezing up", unless the bike
has been so neglected that everything has rusted in place. I doubt you
have left it in the yard for two or three years!

My guess is that your machine was equipped with a lower quality BB which
the factory has packed with that strange grease that tends to
crystallize after a year or so. Best bet, if you are unable to take it
apart and examine/repack it yourself is to take it to your LBS (Local
Bike Shop) and have them take it apart and re-grease or replace it as
necessary.

In most cases (except the aforementioned type of neglect) this will
solve the problem. BBs are very easy to service and replace assuming
some basic mechanical knowledge and the correct tools. If your LBS is
the friendly, helpful type, ask him or her to show you how to perform
some basic preventative maintenance.

- -

"May you have the wind at your back.
And a really low gear for the hills!"

Chris Zacho ~ "Your Friendly Neighborhood Wheelman"

Chris'Z Corner
http://www.geocities.com/czcorner

Chris Zacho 'The Wheelman said:

My guess is that your machine was equipped with a lower quality BB which
the factory has packed with that strange grease that tends to crystallize
after a year or so

a 5 second google shows that this bike is equipped with a shimano sealed
cartridge BB. These shouldn't go titsup in a year--I'd call the bike shop
and demand a new one (nicely) or get the special removal tool and a
replacement and do it yourself. Easy.But shouldn't have to be done on such
a young BB--is there anything else you neglected to mention?

"maxo" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

On Fri, 30 Jul 2004 12:54:54 -0400, Chris Zacho "The Wheelman" wrote:

a 5 second google shows that this bike is equipped with a shimano sealed
cartridge BB. These shouldn't go titsup in a year--I'd call the bike shop
and demand a new one (nicely) or get the special removal tool and a
replacement and do it yourself. Easy.But shouldn't have to be done on such
a young BB--is there anything else you neglected to mention?

I had a Shimano sealed cartridge BB go out after a year on a Raleigh SC40
(about a $300 comfort bike). I turned with difficulty on the bike, and
couldn't be turned at all by hand when removed.

This was the bike I used in the winter in Chicago, so it had a steady dose
of road salt and freeze/thaw cycles. When I posted on this, I got a few
replies from the other Icebikers that suggested this was not all that
unusual for a winter bike. I ordered a replacement from my LBS.

However, while I was waiting for a replacement I tried the following "cure",
which worked well enough:

1. I immersed the entire cartridge in hot water + dish soap for about an
hour to get the salt or whatever out of it.
2. I tried to get all the water out of it as best I could (considering it's
sealed) -- shaking, putting a hair dryer on it, etc.
3. I immersed the entire cartridge in a jar of motor oil for about an hour,
was able to turn it, left it in longer, turned it, left it in longer. I did
not attempt to remove the motor oil from inside the bracket.

Another icebike poster had been successful just doing step #3.

The BB then turned freely and I was able to use it for a few days until the
new one arrived. I figured I was safer installing the new one.

Side complaint: On a bike like this, I really don't see the point to the
sealed bearings. They don't seem to last longer. They aren't serviceable,
and they are much more expensive to replace. I guess they must save more
money in factory labor costs than the extra cost of the parts.

--
Mike Kruger
*If God ever does descend from heaven to reveal His divine glory, I hope He
doesn't land in Orlando, because that place is already WAY too
touristy.(Tommy Jack)*

Mike Kruger said:

I had a Shimano sealed cartridge BB go out after a year on a Raleigh SC40
(about a $300 comfort bike). I turned with difficulty on the bike, and
couldn't be turned at all by hand when removed.

This was the bike I used in the winter in Chicago, so it had a steady dose
of road salt and freeze/thaw cycles

I biked for three winters in Chicago on a Marin San Anselmo Nexus7 with
fenders--the salt got to the front hub and it needed repacking after a
year, but the BB was going strong at the time it was "borrowed"

I guess I have the fenders to thank.