Sram S1400 crank removal from a BB30 bottom bracket

brent1975
brent1975 Posts: 8
edited July 2018 in MTB workshop & tech
Hi! I am trying to replace my existing Sram S1400 crank on my 2014 Cannondale F29, but the spindle seems reluctant to leave! Any thoughts? I have tried tapping it with a mallet, but I am not sure how hard I can hit it without breaking something I am going to regret breaking. I have read penetrating oil might work, any recommendations for a particular oil. I have also read that spraying a can of compressed air (while upside down) to cool the aluminum spindle (and shrink it) might also work. Has anyone tried this approach? How many cans I should I dump into the inside of my crank spindle? Thanks in advance for any recommendations.

Comments

  • JBA
    JBA Posts: 2,852
    Hit the end of the spindle a bit harder. Use a rubber mallet or put a piece of wood across the end of the spindle if using a metal hammer.
    “Life has been unfaithful
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  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    Its a light interference fit in the bearings and can need quite a sharp tap to get it moving. As above a block of wood to prevent damage is a good idea. A rubber mallet isn't the best if you go that route, fibre or nylon head.
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • brent1975
    brent1975 Posts: 8
    With my crankset, I remove the DS crank arm, how do I support the frame while I'm trying to whack the spindle through with a hammer? How easy is it to reinstall?
  • 02gf74
    02gf74 Posts: 1,171
    On the spindle there are two machined lands, these are of slightly larger diameter than the rest of the spindle, and it is on these that the BB bearings sit. Sometimes they can get a bit rusty so some penetrating fluid won't go amiss.
    .

    The way I do it is to rest bike upside down on saddle and bars, stand so my legs rest against the frame then whack the spindle with a rubber mallet.
  • brent1975
    brent1975 Posts: 8
    Has anyone tried the can of compressed air method? Tried again with a hammer, but it’s still not coming moving.
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    I cant see how you can use compressed air at all.

    I just stand it on its wheels and give it a 'tap', as above the part of the axle where the bearings sit is a slightly larger diameter, so once it's moving it comes out fine.
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • brent1975
    brent1975 Posts: 8
    I haven't used the can of compressed air method yet, but it involves dumping the contents of the can (while the can is held upside down) into the spindle. The contents, the hydrofluorocarbons come out as an cold liquid that causes the aluminium spindle to contract slightly, and hopefully enough to ease the resistance with the BB30 bearings. Failing that I will try a penetrating oil like Duck Oil.

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