Play in cranks, how do you get rid of it?

antfly

I have just noticed an alarming amount of play in my fsa omega crankset, how do you get rid of it please?

Smokin Joe

Assuming it is not a loose crank the bb needs replacing.

antfly

OK, i`ve never taken a crank off, how do you get it off, also do you tighten the crank with the pinchbolts and does the fsa bb take the same tool as the shimano hollowtech? Thanks.

nicklouse

http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=122

BUT if it is the cranks with the ally preload bolt make sure it is in one piece.

antfly

Thanks.
Do you mean the preload bolt might be broken?

nicklouse

they have been known to but that in its self will not cause play as the pinch bolts hold it altogether.

But I am not 100% sure on the set up on those cranks.

play is either the cranks have moved (preload bolt and pinch bolts lose) or the bearings are worn.

the external bearing tools are similar/the same. (It is only Campy that some tools have issues with).

antfly

I see. I think it says on park tools the preload bolt should be done up very gently anyway and not tight. I`ll check all the bolts anyway before I buy a new bottom bracket.

nicklouse

dont forget undo the pinch bolts a bit at a time, so as not to round out the head of one, before doing up the preload bolt.

tight pinch bolts will not allow the crank to move.

antfly

Will do.