Too tight or too loose?
09-01-21, 08:46 AM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Too tight or too loose?
I’m trying to fix up an old abandoned bike I found with the intention of using it as a beater but I’ve ran into a snag while overhauling the BB. Unfortunately the previous owner had it adjusted too loose with a considerable amount of play and after adding new grease/bearings and attempting to readjust it myself it’s become clear I have no chance of getting it perfect.
The non-drive side spindle cone is still in great shape but the drive side cone has some uneven looking wear and some pitting which is obviously the reason for this trouble. I know it’s not optimal to keep using it in that condition but I've ridden other bikes with pitted BB spindles before and it honestly didn't bother me too much. The rest of the drivetrain is also fairly worn so I’d like to see how much more life I can get out of everything before I consider any replacements.
Anyway when I adjust the preload to the point where there is no play it feels too tight and very rough/grindy and the only way I can get it to spin somewhat smoother without much resistance is to leave it adjusted a tad loose with a small amount of play.
So my question is which adjustment would theoretically last me longer and cause the least amount of additional damage/wear to the spindle? Tight/rough feeling with no play or slightly loose/smoother with a bit of play? I’m guessing most likely the latter but some confirmation would be appreciated.
The non-drive side spindle cone is still in great shape but the drive side cone has some uneven looking wear and some pitting which is obviously the reason for this trouble. I know it’s not optimal to keep using it in that condition but I've ridden other bikes with pitted BB spindles before and it honestly didn't bother me too much. The rest of the drivetrain is also fairly worn so I’d like to see how much more life I can get out of everything before I consider any replacements.
Anyway when I adjust the preload to the point where there is no play it feels too tight and very rough/grindy and the only way I can get it to spin somewhat smoother without much resistance is to leave it adjusted a tad loose with a small amount of play.
So my question is which adjustment would theoretically last me longer and cause the least amount of additional damage/wear to the spindle? Tight/rough feeling with no play or slightly loose/smoother with a bit of play? I’m guessing most likely the latter but some confirmation would be appreciated.
09-01-21, 08:56 AM
#2
Sr Member on Sr bikes
So my question is which adjustment would theoretically last me longer and cause the least amount of additional damage/wear to the spindle? Tight/rough feeling with no play or slightly loose/smoother with a bit of play? I’m guessing most likely the latter but some confirmation would be appreciated.
Dan
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09-01-21, 09:16 AM
#3
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Theoretically a cup and cone bearing should have a little preload for longer life. It should not be loose at all. But worn parts probably throw that theory out the window.
09-01-21, 09:29 AM
#4
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In the end, BB's with pitted parts are a waste of effort. It's going to go bad pretty fast. If you have access to a bike co-op, I would bring the bike in and you might luck into a works-great BB for not much trouble. Donuts and beer might help.
09-01-21, 09:31 AM
#5
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Thread Starter
Hmm ok looking through my parts I do have a 127mm cartridge BB I had forgotten about. Would that be a suitable replacement for the 124mm spindle? (asymmetrical)
09-01-21, 09:46 AM
#6
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It'll be perfect if it fits and everything lines up.
09-01-21, 10:32 AM
#7
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Well scratch that idea. I had assumed the BB shell width was 68mm but I just measured it only to discover it's actually 70mm! What the heck?? The bike is a Supercycle Hooligan from 2007 I believe. I know it's a low end Canadian Tire bike but why on Earth would they choose such a rare measurement for the shell?
Guess I have no choice but to use the pitted spindle now.
Guess I have no choice but to use the pitted spindle now.
09-01-21, 10:38 AM
#8
Blamester
I’m trying to fix up an old abandoned bike I found with the intention of using it as a beater but I’ve ran into a snag while overhauling the BB. Unfortunately the previous owner had it adjusted too loose with a considerable amount of play and after adding new grease/bearings and attempting to readjust it myself it’s become clear I have no chance of getting it perfect.
The non-drive side spindle cone is still in great shape but the drive side cone has some uneven looking wear and some pitting which is obviously the reason for this trouble. I know it’s not optimal to keep using it in that condition but I've ridden other bikes with pitted BB spindles before and it honestly didn't bother me too much. The rest of the drivetrain is also fairly worn so I’d like to see how much more life I can get out of everything before I consider any replacements.
Anyway when I adjust the preload to the point where there is no play it feels too tight and very rough/grindy and the only way I can get it to spin somewhat smoother without much resistance is to leave it adjusted a tad loose with a small amount of play.
So my question is which adjustment would theoretically last me longer and cause the least amount of additional damage/wear to the spindle? Tight/rough feeling with no play or slightly loose/smoother with a bit of play? I’m guessing most likely the latter but some confirmation would be appreciated.
The non-drive side spindle cone is still in great shape but the drive side cone has some uneven looking wear and some pitting which is obviously the reason for this trouble. I know it’s not optimal to keep using it in that condition but I've ridden other bikes with pitted BB spindles before and it honestly didn't bother me too much. The rest of the drivetrain is also fairly worn so I’d like to see how much more life I can get out of everything before I consider any replacements.
Anyway when I adjust the preload to the point where there is no play it feels too tight and very rough/grindy and the only way I can get it to spin somewhat smoother without much resistance is to leave it adjusted a tad loose with a small amount of play.
So my question is which adjustment would theoretically last me longer and cause the least amount of additional damage/wear to the spindle? Tight/rough feeling with no play or slightly loose/smoother with a bit of play? I’m guessing most likely the latter but some confirmation would be appreciated.
Make sure lockrings are tight.
No need to buy new parts till you actually need them.
09-01-21, 10:52 AM
#9
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I have never done this but it certainly looks plausible...
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09-01-21, 11:19 AM
#10
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So buying a new BB isn't an option?
09-01-21, 11:28 AM
#11
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Thread Starter
Maybe I'll just try riding with it for awhile and see how it goes. if it doesn't work out it appears I can in fact use a 68mm cartridge BB in a 70mm shell with the only drawback being 1mm of error on each side.
Last edited by Deetox; 09-01-21 at 11:41 AM.
09-01-21, 11:35 AM
#12
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09-02-21, 07:37 AM
#13
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Well scratch that idea. I had assumed the BB shell width was 68mm but I just measured it only to discover it's actually 70mm! What the heck?? The bike is a Supercycle Hooligan from 2007 I believe. I know it's a low end Canadian Tire bike but why on Earth would they choose such a rare measurement for the shell?
Guess I have no choice but to use the pitted spindle now.
Guess I have no choice but to use the pitted spindle now.
09-02-21, 11:33 AM
#14
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09-02-21, 12:33 PM
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*ran....i ran so far away
