Loctite on a botton bracket?

sashmo
sashmo Posts: 113
edited February 2009 in Workshop
Campagnolo recommend that the BB cups for their Ultra Torque BBs are hand tightened, with Loctite 222 being used to keep them in place. Their less preferred option is to tighten them up with a torque wrench.

My LBS suggests the latter is better (with a bit of copper slip on the threads), saying it would be daft to use Loctite on a BB. I must say I this seems more sensible, but Campag must recommend the Loctite option for a reason.

So the question is: which is better?

Comments

  • careful
    careful Posts: 720
    The only justification I can think of for the Campag advice is that if your frame hasn't been faced there is a possibility that tightening it hard against the BB shell could misalign it slightly. Having said that, it has been standard practice for many years to tighten to the recommended torque and to use anti-seize (copper etc) especially where dissimilar metals are in contact (eg steel cup and alloy frame). I'm with the LBS on this.
  • A bottom bracket of this kind must have the frames shell faced and the threads chased through to ensure it is aligned correctly, if you don't the BB will wear prematurely. Loctite is sometimes used on Italian threaded frames due to the way the driveside BB cup is threaded in, they can unwind due to the bearing rotation. If you have an English threaded frame though it is not needed if you install to suggested torques etc. If in doubt get your LBS to fit it, then if there are any problems they have to fix it :wink:
  • If you are able to get hold of any HYLOMAR jointing compound is brilliant.

    It is used in the aero trade, and is smeared between the surfaces of dis-similar metals to prevent electrolitic action which results in parts becoming siezed. The advantage it has over grease is it doesn't dry out over time. It's the stuff I always use where metal surfaces are clamped together.
    Tail end Charlie

    The above post may contain traces of sarcasm or/and bullsh*t.
  • I managed to use genuine Loctite 222 on my Campag Record BB cups. Works fine, still easy enough to get the cups back out again a year later. Didn't have any problems.

    It would make sense that this is a better idea for Italian threads though.
  • Kléber
    Kléber Posts: 6,842
    The Campag system is different, you don't need to tighten them that much, the high torque specified is to ensure the cups grip in the BB shell. So Loctite works fine, just use the right number version.