Bottom bracket - a DIY job??

JHolah
JHolah Posts: 20
edited June 2011 in Workshop
Hi all,

I need to replace the bottom bracket on my Pinarello FP1. I am pretty good with general maintenance and do a lot of my own servicing but have never replace this. So...

Is it a relatively easy job for a good DIYer?

Also, as it's an opportunity for an upgrade, is there anything anyone would recommend putting in there.

Thanks all,

John.

Comments

  • Smokin Joe
    Smokin Joe Posts: 2,706
    Piece of piddle, loads of videos on Youtube.

    What replacement you decide on depends on what you've already got, if the original lasted the distance no reason not to get the same again. All else being equal a BB is only a thing.
  • andyrr
    andyrr Posts: 1,824
    Easy enough given the right tools, problem can be that the cups become seized in the frame. Tools aren't that expensive so personnally I'd get the tools, get the cranks off (easy) and try to remove it.
    What kind of BB ? The HTII Shimano ones shouldn't be too difficult, the pre-HT ones might be harder. At least with the tools it means that even if this one needs the LBS to attend to then you're ready to do it later on yourself and can remove it regularly for checking/replacement.
  • unixnerd
    unixnerd Posts: 2,864
    I've done two and it wasn't a big deal. Just be sure to have decent tools.
    http://www.strathspey.co.uk - Quality Binoculars at a Sensible Price.
    Specialized Roubaix SL3 Expert 2012, Cannondale CAAD5,
    Marin Mount Vision (1997), Edinburgh Country tourer, 3 cats!
  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    Parktool and Youtube are great resource. Make sue you get the BB tool located properly when loosening/tightening - both need a firm heave
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • chiark
    chiark Posts: 335
    ^^^ All of this. Get the right tool and it should be a straightforward job. I know exactly the worries that you've got though, as I'd always shied away from doing one until a couple of months ago. Having a local friend who knows a bit more than you is a good thing: it gives you a safety net if you get stuck.

    Decent BB/crank tool (dependent on your BB style) and you're sorted, but also know what sort of BB you're up against as there are a few different styles out there.
    Synapse Alloy 105 / Rock Lobster Tig Team Sl
  • keef66
    keef66 Posts: 13,123
    1. Find out what chainset / BB you currently have installed

    2. Find out if the BB shell is threaded English (most common) or Italian. Drive side always screws in anti-clockwise; non drive side is clockwise English, anti-clockwise Italian)

    3. Get hold of the neccessary tools / parts

    4. Watch a couple of YouTube clips of people doing the job, and have a look on Park Tools website too.

    5. Unless you have a hefty professional workstand, it's best done with the bike standing on the floor so you can really heave on the BB tool.

    6. Grease the threads of the new BB before fitting
  • JHolah
    JHolah Posts: 20
    Thanks all - sounds like a job I can do. I have a decent workstand so just need to heed the advice here and make sure I get a decent tool for the job...

    Thanks,

    John.
  • petemadoc
    petemadoc Posts: 2,331
    keef66 wrote:

    2. Find out if the BB shell is threaded English (most common) or Italian. Drive side always screws in anti-clockwise; non drive side is clockwise English, anti-clockwise Italian)

    Remember this bit!
  • andyrr
    andyrr Posts: 1,824
    and if it is a non external BB (not HTII / BB30) then make sure the tool is engaged with the BB ups really snugly otherwise it could slip out - damaging you/the BB !
  • keef66
    keef66 Posts: 13,123
    "and if it is a non external BB (not HTII / BB30) then make sure the tool is engaged with the BB ups really snugly otherwise it could slip out - damaging you/the BB !"

    + several. I just mangled the plastic non drive side cup removing an old square taper BB. If I was doing this frequently I think I'd find some way of securing the tool using a bolt into the end of the crank.
  • Twostage
    Twostage Posts: 987
    PeteMadoc wrote:
    keef66 wrote:

    2. Find out if the BB shell is threaded English (most common) or Italian. Drive side always screws in anti-clockwise; non drive side is clockwise English, anti-clockwise Italian)

    Remember this bit!
    I have a saying - "Drive side is the jive side unless its the pedal"
  • JHolah
    JHolah Posts: 20
    :D Thanks all. I'm getting the impression that a) I should be extra-doubly sure of the BB type and its thread and b) to get the proper tool for the job....
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    a) correct.
    b) tools.
    c) book mark Parktools website
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • brucey72
    brucey72 Posts: 1,086
    I am no mechanic but managed to change my bottom bracket and chainset from the campag centaur one to a sram red one last week without any problems. I found some good instructional videos on youtube and then just took my time and all worked out well. The way I see it is that the tools although a little pricey are an investment and probably cheaper than paying your bike shop it also gives you confidence that that any BB squeaks or the like can be solved easily in the future.

    Good luck.
  • Paul E
    Paul E Posts: 2,052
    I removed mine regreased all the threads and splines and put it all back together with no videos and just the right tools, and I am not that mechanically minded, it's pretty easy, the only thing to make sure you get right is the direction of the thread or you could be there some time and only tightening it up (I did that on an old MTB with an internal bb took me ages, pre youtube)