Truvativ Stylo Crankset Problem

bike_addict
bike_addict Posts: 65
edited February 2011 in MTB workshop & tech
Hi all

This is not a new problem from doing the google searches but I am stumped and need help. I have a new to me but secondhand Boardman Pro mountain bike and after the 4th ride (from new) the BB had alot of play. Downloading all the installation instructions I followed them to the letter, stripping, regreasing, torquing up to the correct tension. All this has failed to stop play.

I decided to buy a new GXP bottom bracket so a like for like swap and after the first ride even more play is evident than the last BB. I have regreased and tightened up again and I just cannot get the play out the system.

I dont have warranty to fall back on and have all the tools to repair myself but dont seem to be able to resolve.

Solutions?

Swap for a different crank set and BB like and old shool square taper?
Hope BB with convertor kit?
Any other ideas?

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Comments

  • Chunkers1980
    Chunkers1980 Posts: 8,035
    So you have a new BB?

    If you push the races with your thumbs can you feel movement?

    Said movement with the cranks on - how much side to side is there?

    Are both sides of the crank fully butted up to the bearings?
  • bike_addict
    bike_addict Posts: 65
    Chunkers1980 wrote:
    So you have a new BB?
    yes its new

    If you push the races with your thumbs can you feel movement?
    None

    Said movement with the cranks on - how much side to side is there?
    When you grab both crank arms and pull them you feel the movement, its enough to upset the chain running through the front mech

    Are both sides of the crank fully butted up to the bearings?
    Yes, I have stripped it, re greased it and torqued it 5 or 6 times
  • Chunkers1980
    Chunkers1980 Posts: 8,035
    Ok then - I think it's how you fitted them.

    This part "Yes, I have stripped it, re greased it and torqued it 5 or 6 times"

    What have you greased - shouldn't really need grease anything

    What are you torqueing? The BB to the Shell or the pre-tensioner device?
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    what is the new BB? (make?)

    how many spacers? and what is the BB shell width?
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • bike_addict
    bike_addict Posts: 65
    The BB is the same a Truvativ GXP. I have no spacers fitted. (None were fitted when I swapped the old one). The shell width is 68mm.
  • Chunkers1980
    Chunkers1980 Posts: 8,035
    That might be the problem then - you're at the end of the splines and not matter how much you tighten it, it can't go any more.

    Check you required chainline and fit spacers, should all then torque up and pull it tight to the races.
  • bike_addict
    bike_addict Posts: 65
    Chunkers1980 wrote:
    Ok then - I think it's how you fitted them.

    This part "Yes, I have stripped it, re greased it and torqued it 5 or 6 times"

    What have you greased - shouldn't really need grease anything

    What are you torqueing? The BB to the Shell or the pre-tensioner device?

    I have greased the threads in the BB, greased the crank surfaces where the BB touches the crank, both sides, greased the inner bearing race faces, greased the thread where the crank arm bolts goes into, greased the crank arm threads and top side of that bolts to reduce friction when undoing.

    I have torqued up both BB to frame. I have also torqued up the left crank arm to tighten down the whole crank assembly. This should have removed the play but it has not.
  • bike_addict
    bike_addict Posts: 65
    Chunkers1980 wrote:
    That might be the problem then - you're at the end of the splines and not matter how much you tighten it, it can't go any more.

    Check you required chainline and fit spacers, should all then torque up and pull it tight to the races.

    So fit both spacers or jsut the left one and see if that helps? I am willing to try anything really.
  • bike_addict
    bike_addict Posts: 65
    Chunkers1980 wrote:
    That might be the problem then - you're at the end of the splines and not matter how much you tighten it, it can't go any more.

    Check you required chainline and fit spacers, should all then torque up and pull it tight to the races.
    I will give it a try tonight and report back. I will try all permitations with spacers, I can worry about chainline once I have no play to be honest.

    Appreciate all your help.
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    bike_addict wrote:
    The BB is the same a Truvativ GXP. I have no spacers fitted. (None were fitted when I swapped the old one). The shell width is 68mm.

    For the GXP with a 68mm BB you need ONE spacer each side. Not that that will fix any play but will correct the chain line and support the axle correctly.

    the left (no drive) should be the only arm to bottom out.

    sounds like more grease is needed on the bearings.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • bike_addict
    bike_addict Posts: 65
    nicklouse wrote:
    bike_addict wrote:
    The BB is the same a Truvativ GXP. I have no spacers fitted. (None were fitted when I swapped the old one). The shell width is 68mm.

    For the GXP with a 68mm BB you need ONE spacer each side. Not that that will fix any play but will correct the chain line and support the axle correctly.

    the left (no drive) should be the only arm to bottom out.

    sounds like more grease is needed on the bearings.
    Cheers, I will add the spacers and add even more grease during reassembly and report back.

    Thank you for your help.
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    remember it is only the LH cup that locates the position of the rings on the GXP set up.

    make sure the axle is push home and that arm is tight on the bearing. the drive side should not be.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • bike_addict
    bike_addict Posts: 65
    Guys

    Thank you the bike is now perfect. I fitted both spacers and that cured the play. I could not get the front mech to index properly and tried all adjustments, I removed the non drive side spacer (leaving only the drive side spacer fitted), still no play but the indexing was perfect again. I have no idea how but its better than when I got the bike.

    Thank you very very much.

    Just to note the bike had no spacers from new, I replaced the BB with exactly the same BB but fitted a spacer and that cured the play. Chances are the bike was not assembled correctly from new and thats what threw me.

    Job done and I am a happy chappy!
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    should have one spacer each side if it is a 68mm BB. sounds like something is still wrong.

    but if it is working leave it be but when it in next in your LBS get them to check it.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • bike_addict
    bike_addict Posts: 65
    Agreed both should and can be fitted I just could not get the front mech to adjust up correctly so as it is it works fine. I may put the other spacer in and persist in getting the mech setup.

    I will be giving the bike some use over the weekend and I will see how it goes after that. For now I am pleased with getting rid of the annoying play in the bb.

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