BB washer orientation
#1
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BB washer orientation
My FSA Comet crankset has two identical washers, on each side of the BB. One side of the washer has a groove along the interior perimeter, as seen in the first pic.
In order to avoid any confusion regarding the orientation of the washers, the is an "outside" label on side 1 of the washer. Now, this doesn't work for me, as I don't understand if they should face the outside of the crankarms(as the washers come with the crankset, not BB), or to face outside of the bike. These are the two sides of the washers:
And here is a pic of the BB, showing the contact surface between the washers and the plastic caps on the drive side and non drive side.
As you can see, the non drive side cap is flat, so I imagine I could install the washer any way. But the drive side cap has a elevated portion that would fit the groove on the washer.
So, how should the washers be installed ? A or B ? Does the "Outside" label make more sense to you ?
In order to avoid any confusion regarding the orientation of the washers, the is an "outside" label on side 1 of the washer. Now, this doesn't work for me, as I don't understand if they should face the outside of the crankarms(as the washers come with the crankset, not BB), or to face outside of the bike. These are the two sides of the washers:
And here is a pic of the BB, showing the contact surface between the washers and the plastic caps on the drive side and non drive side.
As you can see, the non drive side cap is flat, so I imagine I could install the washer any way. But the drive side cap has a elevated portion that would fit the groove on the washer.
So, how should the washers be installed ? A or B ? Does the "Outside" label make more sense to you ?
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My estimation would be that the one labeled "outside" goes on the outside. The recess along the inside circumference looks like it's meant to mate with a seal on the inside of the crank arm.
It appears that the inner one is optional, depending on the width of the BB shell. If you don't have sizing instructions, I'd try torquing the crank down with just one spacer. If that's too loose, take it apart and add the second one.
It appears that the inner one is optional, depending on the width of the BB shell. If you don't have sizing instructions, I'd try torquing the crank down with just one spacer. If that's too loose, take it apart and add the second one.
Last edited by oldbobcat; 03-14-20 at 09:01 PM.
#4
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My estimation would be that the one labeled "outside" goes on the outside. The recess along the inside circumference looks like it's meant to mate with a seal on the inside of the crank arm.
It appears that the inner one is optional, depending on the width of the BB shell. If you don't have sizing instructions, I'd try torquing the crank down with just one spacer. If that's too loose, take it apart and add the second one.
It appears that the inner one is optional, depending on the width of the BB shell. If you don't have sizing instructions, I'd try torquing the crank down with just one spacer. If that's too loose, take it apart and add the second one.
My bike came with the washers installed. But when removing the crank I didn't pay attention to their orientation.
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My guess- it's a universal washer so if the cap has the elevated inner ring or not the washer will work. Is the groove in the washer deep enough that the inner ring fits completely within the washer? If yes, I would try turning the washer so the side labeled 'outside' is against the outside of the BB, your picture A. Otherwise it looks like you could damage the elevated inner ring. Check for any binding as you slowly ease it all back together.
Last edited by grizzly59; 03-15-20 at 05:53 PM.
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But that still doesn't answer the original question, which is exactly about the meaning of "outside". Is it "outside the BB" (towards the crank), or "outside the crank" (towards the BB)?
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