Unusual damage to crankset - advice please!

clanton

After a pedal strike riding in Scotland my XT Hollowtech II cranks partially seized up - they developed a spot of stiffness on the stroke when the pedal that struck was at its highest point. I then noticed that I had lost one of the pinch bolts and the other was loose - presumably this allowed the crankset to tighten against the bearings. I tightened the remaining pinch bolt and got around to the end and as I rode the stiffness reduced though never cleared. I have since replaced the pinch bolt (though the replcament bolt is longer). WhenI got the bike home I removed the crankset but with great difficulty - the tensioning bit on the end of the free crank was VERY stiff and I needed to use a mole grip on the Hollowtech tool to get it off. One it was off though I found the cranks spun almost normally with some grating from the bearings. Then I found that removing the free crank was also very hard (yes I took the pinch bolts out first!) and required much persuasion with a rubber mallet. Fitting it together afterwards I found that it does go on but again will need to be hammered home. I'm guessing the axle of the crank is distorted though it looks true.
So - can I continue to use this crankset or will the repeated use of a rubber mallet every time I need to change bearings etc damage the BB shell? Will the crankset run true or will it lead to accelerated wear on the bearings?
I am loathe to replace it unnecessarily as the bike is costing me a lot this month!

nicklouse

if the axle is bent replace.

get it inspected.

clanton

Thanks for reply. Is that something an LBS can do?

stu8975

If your axle is bent you will have to buy the r/h crank arm/axle, it would be easier buying a new chainset, ive only seen the r/h crank arm/axle spares for sale from the 'ukbikestore' website, and they want £80 for it...you can pick up a new chainset w/bb for £85.

davydesign

on a similar note are hollowtech 2 cranks/BBs less able to handle being smacked into rocks and roots etc than hollowtech 1 or other types of crank? cos i seem to do that quite a lot

stu8975

They are in a way as the bb is external, doesnt make a differance with the cranks as these are in the same position as regular ones, so if your doing it now with regular cranks, you will do it with hollowtech 2s.

nicklouse

the cranks and bb set up if fine for anything. Well not full on DH and dirt jumping.

as i said get them looked at.

if the cranks are original fitment and all was ok before this incident then some thing needs sorting.

take it to the man (or woman) who can.