How To Overhaul A Bike Bottom Bracket - Remove/Clean/Install New Bearings
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- Опубликовано: 29 сен 2024
- This is how to overhaul the bottom bracket on an older style of bike before they started using sealed bearings. I show you how to remove and install new bearings as well as how to clean all the parts. This bike is a 1984 Schwinn LeTour Luxe, but most vintage bikes are similar. They might require slightly different tools. The fixed cup on the chain ring side on this bike has left handed threads. This is the most common. But be aware that Italian and French made bikes might have right hand threaded cups on the drive side.
The spindle on this bike has nuts that press and hold the cranks arm on. Some bottom brackets have bolts. It's a minor difference though. The process is the same.
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Another good video RJ- you seem like a really nice guy and some of your videos are great- you are really organised and thorough and don't skip little steps like others- don't worry about people who give you any shit on youtube or are sarcastic or smart arses you seem a really nice genuine guy to me. 27 Years riding for me so far still learning mechanical stuff all the time thanks for the videos Boss
Ja. Really good. My giant * worn out bearings also. Good video to explain. I gotta get this to the bike shop guys.
Fourteen year old bike had some very east nuts and bolts coming off
Thanks, I've only seen this done once when I was a kid, so I wasn't sure exactly how to do it. Turned out one of the crank arms on my bike was completely seized on the shaft. I was at least able to get one side off to get enough access to it off to clean it with a pressure washer and re-grease the bearings. Thankfully the side with the seized shaft had less wear, and I had some spare 1/4 bearing balls to replace them on the one side that I could.
I might have been able to get it apart if I had a hydraulic press, I did try a couple other methods including a torch, a hammer/punch and a joint separator, I might have been able to get it apart if I kept at it, but I was at the point where I likely would have damaged the shaft, the bearings or the crank arm so I stopped.
This video is exactly what I have been looking for, The crank comes off a tad differently (it's a 'cotter pin' crank ) but the BB removes the same way- I have the same problem as stanly manly, in the comments below- I don't have a plastic cylinder, but I'm sure I can either find one or upgrade to a sealed cartridge like in your other video, thank you very much I'm sure your videos are helping many old bikes get restored and back to their former glory :)
Yours might be more similar to this Raleigh. Bottom Bracket Overhaul On Vintage Raleigh Tourist Bike
Awesome video, my favorite bit... "I'm gonna stick my parts in here" :)
Just a heads up when you were removing the fixed cup, if you were to flip the crescent wrench the majority of the torque is delivered to the solid side of the wrench as opposed to being applied onto the threads in the adjuster.
Other than that thanks for the vid, taught me quite alot.
Cheers.
that's actually not true, it really is the same whichever side the wrench is
Another excellent informative video from RJ. Detailed description and well explained
Thank you for the excellent tutorial. Clear & precise. Much appreciation sir.
Very clear video. My old bb has a tiny bit of play. What should I consider when deciding whether to overhaul or alternatively replace it with a new sealed cartridge type?
The way you got that fixed cup so easily removed just had me throw my hands up in the air. Every single time I've had to get one removed I'm at it for days. What a pain in the ass!
ruclips.net/video/P9oIUmdI5JU/видео.html
I got all this knowledge when I was 13 or 10 years old. no one showed me or explained. I wonder who this video is for? 🤔 (I'm 55 now and I love RUclips)
I'm three years older but otherwise same
This is the same bike I'm going to redo!! Would you be willing to share the info for the tools you used here? Also, I am going to service the freewheel. What tools will I need for this particular freewheel? Thank you for these videos!
Great video! Subscribed. You ought to list the name/brand of tools you use as well, give them a review while you're at it. Like that Park HCW-5 tool you used to remove the bottom bracket lockring.
I love the crankset, never seen it before. Reminds me of the Stronglight 100LX, does it have the same bolt circle diameter?
so, say that i wanted my pedals in a fixed position. do i leave the bearings out and complete the assembly? or something else entirely?
Excellent!!! You deserve beer from me!
Note: When you do this none of the bolts will want to move and you will probably spend 4 hours doing what he did in 5 minutes.
But you can proceed with some confidence, knowing what sort of tools are required, and what you're trying to do. ;)
im doing my cranks balls too, funny they were all loose balls when i opened mine, no ball casing! and 9 were in the frame tubes. no wonder the peddling stuck
Thank You so much. Helped me a lot.
hey, i've been busy working on my own bike and i was hoping to overhaul my bike's bottom bracket too. so i was wondering, what size crank puller do you use and would it also fit for mine too?
Except for a couple obscure cranks, they all use a pretty standard puller.
www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0028YUZSS/ref=nosim/youtube25-20
what do you do if the socket won't fit in to get the bolt out? Is there a special tool?
Try a different socket. I have never had a proper sized socket not fit. At worst, get a cheap socket and grind the walls thinner.
I used a 9/16
Most modern bikes are metric. Those nut/bolts are usually 14mm.
your shnauzer is very cute bro sorry haha but ur vid really helped me tnx a lot!
Migz Cabatbat Airedale Terrier actually. Thanks!
Excellent video! I am curious because I think the last owner of my bike pulled it apart... As it did not come with that rubber cylinder inside the bottom bracket. What is this part called as I need one!
It's a plastic dust sleeve. You might be able to find a used one at your local bike shop. You can maybe make a sleeve from a rolled up piece of plastic cut from a milk jug. Or upgrade to a sealed cartridge bottom bracket.
shyflirt1 So a sealed cartridge bottom bracket like the Shimano UN55 square taper will fit a vintage road bike bottom bracket? Are the vintage road bike bottom brackets also 68mm in diameter?
You have to measure them. Measure the width of the BB shell, and the length of the axle (to the ends of the tapered parts). Those are the two measurements you really need. I am working on a video on how to update a vintage bike to a sealed bearing cartridge BB. In fact the UN55 is the one I am going to be using. I should have it done in a week or so.
shyflirt1 Is it really essential for me to put this sleeve in? I heard that all it does it stop water dripping down the seat tube?
Stanly Manly correct, bike frames are not sealed so there is a possibility that water can get in. That sleeve protects your bearings from getting wet, which is absolutely essential. I would look into a rebuild kit for your BB if buying a new sealed BB is out of your price range.
great video!!
7:15 "...and I got a little bit of grease here"
proceeds to apply a metric ton of lube into the part.
:-)
last owner put the lock ring on way too tight. There's a damaged tooth on it that looks like someone else tried and failed aswell. any advise to take it off without destroying it? could it be a reverse threading? I super don't wanna bring it to a shop, I've done all the work on this bike so far and I refuse on ethics at this point to give in.
Penetrating oil, proper tool and whack it (the tool) with a hammer.
Hello, I love your video channel and I learned a lot from you! But I have a problem I can not solve.
I apologize for my English, I will try to explain quite clearly what is the strange problem I am facing.
I disassemble my old bicycle, I repainted it, but now there is a problem ... The threads are cleaned and greased, but I can't screw back the fixed cup!
I know this is a left hand thread, so I do not screw it the wrong side ... but nothing happened, it's playing around and doesn't screwing in... is that make any sense?
Thank you!
Did you paint the threads?
@@RJTheBikeGuy No, they are absolutely clean!
@@picassoto2336 Then I can't tell you why. I would have guessed paint in the threads. Next guesses are wrong cup, or turning it the wrong way.
@@RJTheBikeGuy I am using the old original cups... and i've tried both directions very carefully just in case.
idk i can't explain it!
I can't explain it without working on the bike.
How can I tell what crank puller is compatible with my crank? I have the same nut style like the crank you are working on
Crank pullers are pretty standard unless you have an old Stronglight or TA crankset. www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0028YUZSS/ref=nosim/youtube25-20
okay, let me try it out. Trying to fix up my old bike and make it a smoother/faster ride. Your channel is super helpful
What is the best way to remove a crank if you don't have a crank puller?
Buy a crank puller. Or borrow a crank puller.
What liquid you used in the paint bucket to wash?
Mineral spirits.
I have a road master mountain bike and the left crank arm keeps falling off. Help!
If you are tightening it properly, then the crank are mating surfaces are probably damaged. Replaced the arm.
RJ The Bike Guy well when I bought it out of Walmart. A lot of people were saying that the left crank arm will fall off. So should I get a new crankset?
there is something stuck in my bike (bottom bracket) it doesnt have anything or any way to remove. its just there, like a lock.
anyway, I dont have that plastic thing inside. idk why.
I’m enjoying the bike so far ruclips.net/user/postUgkxMesz3KOGEmwmvyKQfLfrRSUXLFzfVHZA My only real complaints are the brakes and the pedals. I feel like a bike designed for bigger people should have much larger pedals and more heavy duty brakes. I’ve only gotten two really good rides out of it, minimal downhill action, and the brakes feel like they’re already going out. A larger person has more momentum, so I think this wasn’t thought through very well. Also, I wear size 13-14 wide shoes. My feet cramp up on these pedals that are clearly made for smaller feet. Since I’m not a pro rider (and I don’t think many are who purchase this bike) I don’t think that the straps on the pedal are necessary at all. None of this takes away from the enjoyment I get from riding, however. I’ll just head to a bike shop to improve on a few things.
I didn't see you putting the plastic thing back.
Go back and watch again.
Oh, my mistake. 8:27.
I like the servicable bottom brackets better than the "upgraded" sealed BB's because instead of replacing the whole thing, you can just replace the bearings.... cheaper, less waste, adjustable.
As someone who used to do this servicing on my bottom bracket years ago and now suffers from ocd, it is a pleasure to just install a sealed cartridge bearing bottom bracket like Philwood. No more doing this every 6 months or so.
Great video. The only thing I would add is about loading the caged ball bearings with grease. It's good practice to force grease into the cage by slapping, or pressing the flat side of the cage into a good dab of grease on the palm of your other hand until it comes out of the top side of the cage, working around until the cage is completely loaded with grease.
Agree.
Agree
This “thank you” is long overdue. Over the years I have learned, when I hear or feel something “not right” while biking, to make a mental note to “check with RJ The Bike Guy when I get home.” More often than not, you have “been there, done that,” making my repair job easier and less intimidating. Thanks, RJ.
Awesome video. I wish one of the handful of people who vote thumbs down explain their reason. I don't see how anyone came here to learn how to overhaul the bottom bracket but was unable to because of the quality of the video. Once again RJ has helped me with bike issue
I might have some kind of idea cause the the crank puller it specified to use ripped the threads out of my 3 piece crank instead of taking it off pretty well destroyed it
@@joelrandle1972 that's a problem with your messed up crank not the puller. Everybody and their cat uses a crank puller to pull cranks.
Explanations and the views are very clear. I have maintained mine with purely the help of this video. I didn't have a crank puller but the cranks came off very easily. Also I couldn't take off the chain side bushing (fixed cup?), so I took of both bearings out from the non-chain side and cleaned everything that way. All in all, it worked! Many thanks!
Great video!
Once upon a time we did this to my old mountain bike (cheap one). Your bearing cages look good. Mine were pretty crappy, very thin metal plate, which broke and filed the axle, had to be discarded. So we decided and put new bearings without any bearing cages, which was very smart decision. We put more balls, because of the intentionally missing cage, so that there is a tighter fit. They were held together by the grease. Then put everything back together and it was rock solid, never broke again. Problem is these bearing cages, you can also skip them, by putting more balls, this way the bearing cannot break, much more solid.
ruclips.net/video/BNfRD4ETDL0/видео.html
Well Filmed and Edited: Kudos for a clear video (without distracting music) God is good - John 14:6
Thanks for another excellent video RJ. Your uploads are always where I go to first for any queries I have about my bikes. Even the staff at my LBS doesn't know some of the stuff that you cover. Keep up the great work!
I was looking for a video about how to service the BB on my 1984 Schwinn Le Tour, looks like I found it! Good clear and concise video, thanks.
Schwin are shit
soo much easier when You have a crank puller, never had one.☺FanTom
How did you get them off the crank puller I bought ripped the threads out instead of pulling it off
Sure, as long as it fits. I have done it, though I don't have a video of it.
R.J. I use a butane torch, a large flat screwdriver and a hammer to change my bearings, been doing it for years, the bike shop guy was shocked.☺ FanTomUSA
saved me again lol apparently I had bearings in backwards
Note to self, double check bearings for correct positioning.
Maybe. I would soak it in penetrating oil first. Maybe someone cross threaded it too?
jeez how many tools do you need that's redicoulous!
I don't know if this is true or not .... I've been told that when using a Crescent wrench, use it so that the force isn't applied to the adjustable jaw like you were doing when removing the fixed cup. The adjustable jaw should be "facing" into the direction of rotation.
Also, can you provide details on the grease you're using? I've always used Phil, but it's really smelly. I'm now leaning towards Yamalube Moly-disulfide.
U have the greatest bike channel on RUclips thank u and keep up the great work. God Bless.
Anybody can do this work(except d.s. or blind), too bad you didnt do the work on a modern cartridge type bicycle.
Instead of a crank puller, I use a pickle fork and a 2# hammer.
BullyBilly.
You make it look easy! Thank you! This is a project I have been putting off for months. I have 6 bikes and have done all sorts of things to maintain them, but have stayed away from changing bearings. Again thanks, great video.
It wouldn't be much of a review. Here is a tool. It does what it's supposed to, LOL I will try to start listing the specialty tools if I remember. Thanks.
This is a square taper bottom bracket. Pretty much standard on older bikes. Yes, you can upgrade to a different style. It gets a little tricky. You will need to figure out the correct length so that the chain line is correct. If you get one that is too long the chain rings will be out farther and the chain will be slightly diagonal in stead of straight. Same if you get one that is too short and the chain rings may hit the frame.
I really don't know if this topic has been discussed, but if you use your crescent wrench with the rigid side holding the loosening side you'll have a better time using your wrench, and ultimately give you wrench a longer potential lifespan. Loved the video. Helped me a lot xD
Erik Sparkes Tubalcain debunked that myth on his channel.
I am going to have to watch that!
Would you post a link to the video?
Good vids man! Watching your vids helps me repair my own bike myself! Keep up the good work man!
this is the kind of thing that makes a great first "mechanic" job. very basic bearings, grease and adjustments, most of us start this stuff at 6 or 8 years old but it is never to late to get started learning.
The only thing I knew how to do was change the tire and inter tube I'm new to everything else I use my bike everyday for transportation to go to work I had to learn how fix my bike when ever something broke down on my bike
Old vid but very nice. I was able to change my bottom bracket thanks to this. Great quality vid with great explanation.
Hate so say it, but never use a crescent wrench on any part of a bike. They are loose fitting and you risk it slipping off and ruining both the part and the paint. Stay away from pliers as well. As a rule use the tools available for that component group, Park tool has the right tools also.
Fucking need! Park tools are pot metal garbage that you pay premium price for. Maybe learn how to use a crescent wrench and save yourself hundreds of dollars. Hell, I'd use a pipe wrench before I touched an overpriced blue lady tool from a hipster's man bun, white claw drinking tool box of elitist crap. Go push that shit elsewhere
Thanks for your video R.J. I wouldn't have been able to get my bike fixed without your video. Thanks again, JCM.
Great job on the video. I had put mine back together and wondered why I still had a wobble after replacing, you made me realize I probably have my bearings in backwards. Thanks!
Yeah, probably.
no wonder why my fixed cup isn't coming off, since I've been trying to get it off by turning it anti-clock side. I hope I didn't make it impossible to open now since I hammered it a little ;/
Will try this out! Thanks :)
Such great videos you go into a lot of detail and take your time it really makes a difference to us who arnt novices but still have a lot to learn :-).Thank you and looking forward to more videos .
Hey man - thank you for this video! I have been burning through videos looking for a bike like mine to learn from. That fixed whatchamacallit was killin me. Thanks again!
You make very good videos! Not a lot of wasted time, easy to follow, good picture. Clear audio, a lot of posters could learn from you! And yes I am fixing my bike. Thanks for sharing.
i have had luck placing the flat sides a difficult fixed cup in a vise and using the whole frame as the 'wrench' for leverage.
WD-40 is an excellent solvent. I buy the gallon jug.
Check out my video on remove a stuck fixed cup:
How To Remove A Stuck Fixed Cup From Bike Bottom Bracket
I would put on the driveside crank arm first when re-assembling. That way you check for end float more accurately by jiggling the crank arm and adjust if need be on the other side as there is no crank arm in the way of the adjuster cup. Good video nonetheless. Just my 2c.
Here's the lesson I learned today: If the cups don't go in easily, be sure to install the fixed cup on the drive side and the adjustable cup on the non-drive side.
Fortunately I learned the lesson before I did any damage.
Just finished a Sugino bottom bracket from an 80's mtb. In this case the adjustable cup required a small pin spanner instead of the hex flats. I got by with a big snap ring pliers and it worked in a pinch. Thanks for all of your tips!
As the owner of a trusty, rusty 1986 Schwinn World I find this very useful information. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for the excellent walk through. Used this video years ago to overhaul my bb. Now years later on another bike found this video again by chance. Saved me the trip to the bike shop and now I’m making sure to save your videos and subscribe! 😄
I am clueless when it comes to the mechanics of my bike so these videos are excellent for me :-)
What a great video! It's easy to follow, thorough, and goes by at a good pace-not too fast for me- I am so grateful!!!
I measured my spindle and it's right at 68/133 mm. I can't seem to find any cartridges with spindles that long. Am I measuring something wrong.
I basically destroyed the pedal using the worngly sized crank puller. Apparently my pedal has a 20-21mm thread which is rare. Fh
I learned something new today. And you explained it, step by step, in great detail. Thank you! 👍🏻
Couldn't be more clear! But I have a question. I have a Gitane with Reynolds 531 tubing, just the frame. No crank arms yet. I can turn the shaft easily with a bare hand, and there are no "crunchy" sounds, though it's tightly packed. How do I tell if it needs new bearings? Should it spin freely, or is it normal; that it requires a little effort to turn, that it's tightly packed? My inclination is to leave well enogh alone. Don't want to mess it up, it's such a great frame. Thanks.
The kind that attaches to the chain rings? It is probably plastic and just snaps on. You can probably just pry it off.
Hey RJ, Something I've not heard about in years are the benefits of the elliptical drivetrains. There were 2 types elliptical chainrings and an experimental internal drivetrain at the bottom bracket called a select-a-cam. Are these practical at all for standard bicycles, ebikes or bikes with newer style gearboxes on the rear, such as the Pinion drive. I'm thinking Pinion drive on the rear and select -a-cam in the bottom bracket. Has this even been considered? I used to have elliptical chainrings on an old Iron horse bike I had from the early 1990's. I felt they gave an advantage in the pedal stroke. Thanks, Dave
C'mon man, again with "crescent wrench" aka adjustable spanner/wrench? Right tool for right job!
Otherwise, Thank you for the informative instructional!
I know this is 9 years old. Hope you're not still dipping your hands into paint thinner. Very bad for the skin and gets absorbed. Bad for nerves, brain, kidneys, etc. And when using paint thinner ya need good ventilation and keep it covered as much as possible.
Oil your crank puller threads prior to screwing into the aluminum crank arm! In a battle between aluminum and steel, guess which one will win. I have come real close to ruining threads by screwing in dry.
I have never been good at bicycle repairs but after watching the video and reading the comments,I think. I Will take a crack at it.Hopefully it'll work out.Here goes...
Thanks for the great video helped me get my sons bike going again in no time.
Thank you! I've been trying to find a decent video of how to do this properly. With your video, it was explained! God bless 🙏
excellent. crank arm puller and lock ring opener (some bottom bracket version are open by lock ring clipper) can be purchase online easily. the bearings (9 balls) can also be purchase online. they are all very cheap. for Asia , i got them from lazada .
Great video !great explanation.!
Have the same type of bottom bracket what is the name of those bearings ?I would like to oder online
Thank you
Arturo Sánchez I have videos on that too. There are pros and cons to cup/cone BBs and to cartridge BB's.
Are these crank puller tools universal in size?
Where do you get one?
I have a 50 year old Schwinn 10 speed and I’m thinking this needs to be done to it.
Very professional I am building a motorize bike with a centrifugal clutch I have to change the chank axle to keep the pedals from hitting the centrifugal clutch housing this video helped a lot thanks
Try this for removing grease-mix petrol+Mobil (50:1) and then spray it on the greasy place and see the magic.
Good video good knowledge. l learnt from you something new. you are respected for me. Thank you sir.
I knew this was a 84 LeTour Luxe from the thumbnail. I have the same bike!
Thanks for showing how to remove this, but why paint thinners? damn, there must be some serious crud on those.
Can't edit... with these bearings you want to load the cage by by forcing grease into the curved open face of the bearing, can't really load them from the back.
quick advice: if you are lazy, just wipe out the old grease as best as possible, then apply the lithium grease or that green grease, put all back in and hope for the best.
What is the name of this bottom bracket? BMX, BSA, big box?
What is the proper name and specifications?
If he says "go ahead" one more time...