Ride_Fast

I was recently getting some really loud creaking from the drive side of my bottom bracket. I took it apart and noticed that the bearings on both sides were completely dry, no gunk, grease, nothing. This means that they didn't apply any grease at the factory. Anyway, my question is do both sides need to be greased? I noticed that the bearings on the non drive side were were turning very smooth despite not having any grease while the drive side was very crunchy. So should I not grease the non drive side?

Slightspeed

Both sides need it. You can usually leave the fixed cup (drive side) in place, and reach thru the non drive side to clean and grease the other side from the inside. After 55 years I finally got around to greasing the BB on my '64 Legnano. It still spun very freely, but was totally dry and what grease that was left was solid and hard.


55 year old bottom bracket bearing, non drive side.

Ride_Fast

That's impressive. The reason I ask is because on my first build I had a similar problem and once I greased the non drive side the cranks were not spinning as freely despite the crunch going away. Now the question is if the cranks are not spinning as freely does that mean it's less efficient? I've heard some people say that it does, and others say that it doesn't. At the time it was hard to tell if I noticed any difference but I remember that when I turned it by hand it wasn't spinning as fast. I thought that the grease might have caused it to drag.

dedhed

Isn't GXP a sealed external BB?

<$30 I'd replace it

Ride_Fast

Mine is almost 2 years old, it's still in good shape. I should have greased the bearings right out of the box, but I figured it wasn't necessary. I think this might be the reason why people think they're trash.

dsaul

I have GXP bottom brackets in all 6 of my bikes and they definitely come with grease from the factory. At 2 years old, its probably time to replace it. My off road bikes usually see some water crossings and need to be replaced at least once a year. Road bikes probably get 2 years of service before the non drive side goes bad. Its a disposable wear item, similar to a chain.

You can pull the bearing seals with a pick and clean /grease the bearings, but they will never be as smooth as they were when they were new.

Ride_Fast

I just assumed the bearings would be greased since the front part with the rubber piece was greased with a white paste. I was surprised when I took it out and saw that it was completely dry. I really don't like messing around with brand new bike components, but after this I won't think twice.