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bottom bracket type??

5894 Views 5 Replies 4 Participants Last post by Speedub.Nate, Aug 6, 2004

Styles

Discussion Starter · Aug 5, 2004

I have a 1998/1999 Rocky mountain cardiac. I have NEVER taken apart the bottom bracket to change the bearings or regrease it. I would like to do this. However, i dont know what tools to use. There are so many different types of bottom bracket, and each type seems to need a different tool.

I examined my bottom bracket, and the only markings it has on it is "sealed cartridge bottom bracket"
How do i tell what type of bottom bracket i have?

Will the park tool BBT-2 be adequate to fit my bottom bracket?

Is there anything else i need to buy other than the items on the list to work on my bottom bracket?

* Park Tool BBT-2 (a splined driver to fit the bottom bracket rings).
* Park Tool torque wrench TW-2
* Medium grade thread locking compound, such as Loctite #242
* Anti-seize, if frame is titanium or aluminum.
* Grease, such as Park Tool PPL-1 Polylube 1000

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Speedub.Nate

· #2 · Aug 5, 2004

A bottom bracket sometimes stays a mystery until you remove it from the frame, but from your description, the BBT-2 is likely the correct tool.

Only points I'll add:

* skip the LocTite
* stick with the anti-sieze lubricant; no grease necessary
* I'm a fan of torque wrenches. Craftsman sells one identical to the Park for 1/2 the cost.

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Bikinfoolferlife

· #3 · Aug 6, 2004

Well, you already have a crank puller if needed?

You'll need to pull the cranks off to use the BBT2 tool and I'm thinking if you don't have bb tools you probably don't have the puller either...but I could be wrong. If you have splined cranks be sure you have a newer style puller (I have older Park pullers that work only on square tapers; believe the current Park tool works on both fine). Otherwise what Nate sez.

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mward

· #4 · Aug 6, 2004

I notice you said you want to take it apart to grease the bearings or change them. You're not going to be able to do that with a sealed cartridge bottom bracket anyhow, so unless it's grinding, just leave it alone. If it is grinding, you're going to end up replacing it.

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Styles

Discussion Starter · #5 · Aug 6, 2004

ok i've done my research and found that i probably have shimano alevio sealed cartridge BB-LP26 bottom brackets along with Shimano Alivio FC-MC16 cranks. Does anyone know if i need a crank puller and if so what kind?

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Speedub.Nate

· #6 · Aug 6, 2004

Styles said:
ok i've done my research and found that i probably have shimano alevio sealed cartridge BB-LP26 bottom brackets along with Shimano Alivio FC-MC16 cranks. Does anyone know if i need a crank puller and if so what kind?

Yes, a crank puller is necessary. Park CCP-3 or similar for square taper cranks will do the trick. If you plan on upgrading to a splined crank anytime soon, a CCP-4 can be easily made to work for infrequent use with square tapers, otherwise there are other brands/models that work on both types.

As mward mentioned, it's not worth it (difficult, though not impossible) to service Shimano cartridge bottom brackets. Consider that a UN-52 or UN-73 can be had for as little as $10 to $20, either of which will be an improvement in weight, bearing quality and sealing over your OE-level LP26.

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