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Bottom Bracket Rebuild vs Cartridge

Started by Larry · · Last activity · 7 posts · 527 views

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01 / Original postBottom Bracket Rebuild vs CartridgeLarry · 27 Apr 2005 02 / This pagePosts 1–7Page 1 of 1 · chronological order 03 / Latest replyPost #7Larry · 27 Apr 2005

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Original section
Cycling Equipment
Published
27 April 2005
Last activity
27 April 2005
Original author
Larry
Posts
7
Discussion status
Public discussion
Total views
527
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0
Topics
Bottom brackets

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  1. Original post
    Larry
    Archived post
    #1

    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

    Report
  2. Jim Smith
    Archived post
    #2
    Larry said:

    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?

    Your terminology is a little off: "race" refers to the surface the
    balls run on. The metal cage holding bearing balls in some BBs is
    called a "retainer." If your Bottom bracket uses 1/4 inch balls, then
    it should take 11 loose balls on each side.

    Report
  3. Qui si parla Campagnolo
    Archived post
    #3

    First, ensure the BB shell is faced. Next ensure the spindle doesn't
    have any pitting in it.

    As for replacing the cage with loose balss, great idea but 11 balls is
    more proper.

    If it adjusts not smooth with a little play, something is amiss.

    Loose ball BBs are readily available, and I prefer them as well.

    Report
  4. Larry
    Archived post
    #4

    Jim,

    Thanks for the helping me with nominclature.
    OK. I installed 9 loose balls only. No metal cage.
    I can go for 11.

    Regards,
    Larry

    Report
  5. Larry
    Archived post
    #5

    Jim,

    Thanks for the helping me with nominclature.
    OK. I installed 9 loose balls only. No metal cage.
    I can go for 11.

    Regards,
    Larry

    Report
  6. Larry
    Archived post
    #6

    Jim,

    Thanks for the helping me with nominclature.
    OK. I installed 9 loose balls only. No metal cage.
    I can go for 11.

    Regards,
    Larry

    Report
  7. Larry
    Archived post
    #7

    Jim,

    Thanks for the helping me with nominclature.
    OK. I installed 9 loose balls only. No metal cage.
    I can go for 11.

    Regards,
    Larry

    Report

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