BB Squeek & Grinding!

Milkie
Milkie Posts: 377
edited March 2008 in MTB workshop & tech
I had a bad squeek, which I thought was the pedals... I've finally located the sound coming from the Bottom Bracket... :shock:

So I washed and cleaned my bike... Rhode it up the road, and the squeek has become louder and I swear I can feel it grinding as I'm pedalling!!!

On closer inspection I can see dirt between the BB and crank arm..

I haven't taken anything apart yet, as I think I dont have the correct tools!

Whats the method of removing this grinding/squeek... Will I need some secial tools..

BB & Chainset = RaceFace Evolve XC
I've only done about 300 miles, 200 off road

Comments

  • dav1
    dav1 Posts: 1,298
    grab the crank arms and wiggke them side to side. Is there any movement?
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  • S_J_P
    S_J_P Posts: 908
    The Raceface Evolve XC crankset BikeRadar Review does mention poor BB life expectancy!

    When my BB started to creak and grind, I took my (Truvativ) BB apart, cleaned it all and regreased everything which significantly reduced the grinding, but at the end of the day you may be better off just replacing the BB which are around £50 for your BB.

    I'm sure someone with a wealth of experience may be able to offer you an alternative, more durable BB option for your crankset! I'm pretty sure the RF Evolve is an ISIS BB which is a common standard.
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  • Milkie
    Milkie Posts: 377
    grab the crank arms and wiggke them side to side. Is there any movement?

    Nope, thank god!
    The Raceface Evolve XC crankset BikeRadar Review does mention poor BB life expectancy!

    When my BB started to creak and grind, I took my (Truvativ) BB apart, cleaned it all and regreased everything which significantly reduced the grinding, but at the end of the day you may be better off just replacing the BB which are around £50 for your BB.

    I'm sure someone with a wealth of experience may be able to offer you an alternative, more durable BB option for your crankset! I'm pretty sure the RF Evolve is an ISIS BB which is a common standard.

    Oh, I'm hoping theres a better option than buying another one, I dont want to be buying BB every couple of months for £50 !!

    I haven't riden it with the grinding, but it has been squeeking for weeks.

    So basically I need to buy the tools, take it apart, clean & re-grease.. Then!!! If it still grinds I'll have to buy another one? :(

    Shall I buy the tools, or take it to my LBS...??

    Are there any instructions on taking this type of BB apart? I was hoping to get more than a couple of 100 miles off roading before taking it apart. :shock:
  • S_J_P
    S_J_P Posts: 908
    The tools aren't expensive (around £5-10 for basic ones) and the jobs not too difficult. You'll also probably need a crank extraction tool. You will need to determine the exact type of tools required though.

    Take a look at the Park Took website, I seem to remember that they list BB tool requirements and also the ins and outs of the task

    I'd buy the tools and a better BB and fit it myself, but if you are unsure after reading the Park Tool info, then go to a shop.

    So long as you get a better bearing fitted, it shouldn't be something that has to be done too often.

    Do remember not to jet-wash the bearings though!
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  • Milkie
    Milkie Posts: 377
    Do I need to buy replacement bearings too?
  • S_J_P
    S_J_P Posts: 908
    The bearings will come as part of the BB.

    What I'm not sure of is the BB type you have. The BikeRadar Raceface Evolve XC review clearly shows an external bearing BB (probably the X-Type), but there are also cartridge-bearing ISIS BB's sold with the cranks. You'll need to ascertain which type you have before purchasing new.

    Park Tool show hoe to remove/replace the X-Type and the cartridge bearing instructions.
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  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    well there are a few different versions of the RaceFace Evolve XC crankset out there. you may just need to replace the bb cups if it is the X type. Or the BB if it is an ISIS type.

    have a look at parktools for how toos on both.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • Milkie
    Milkie Posts: 377
    Apparently it is the X-Type, not that I could tell the difference! lol

    I phoned my LBS and they said about £5 to take it apart, clean it, grease it, and put it back together. Hopefully that'll fix it!

    I said, Book me in for tomorrow :D

    Although next time this happens, I'll do it myself... I dont fancy trying to sort this in a cold n wet garage. :)
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    see if you can hang around when they do it.

    take cookies.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown

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