Can you replace the bearings in Campagnolo UT crankset?

hangsheadinshame
hangsheadinshame Posts: 299
edited September 2011 in Workshop
Hi,
I have a 10 speed chorus UT crankset from a few years ago. The drive said bearing cartridge thingy has a split in it so I get a lot of creaks and have to regrease the bearings all the time, and generally it is bad. I don't want to toss the crankset and get a new one because it is perfect in every other way.

So, can you replace those bearing cartridge things on the crankset? It looks just like the bearings on an headset.

Cheers

Russell

Comments

  • It does, in that it offers hope. They look some pretty specialist tools. I guess my local bike shop will be able to do the job though.

    Thanks

    Russell
  • rafletcher
    rafletcher Posts: 1,235
    They can be replaced, but it's not IMO a DIY job - and I like building bikes, and have installed headsets abd BB;s of variuos types. You'd need a bearing puller to remove the old bearings from the spindle, and some form of tubuar drift to get the new ones on. I might try it myself if I had to :D
  • Yay. I just found the tools for the job on CRC, and new bearings. I think I'd rather try and do it myself.
  • Yay. I just found the tools for the job on CRC, and new bearings. I think I'd rather try and do it myself.
  • rafletcher
    rafletcher Posts: 1,235
    Good for you.
  • godders1
    godders1 Posts: 750
    Agree,it's a doddle if (as with lots of things) you have the right tools.

    And I think a one off £50 outlay is worthwhile for a job that'll need doing every couple of thousand miles or so.
  • cubicboy
    cubicboy Posts: 117
    I just tried to do this and the Park Tools puller broke on me.
    Currently awaiting a replacement. Tread carefully!
  • godders1
    godders1 Posts: 750
    cubicboy wrote:
    I just tried to do this and the Park Tools puller broke on me.
    Currently awaiting a replacement. Tread carefully!
    Where/how did it break? I guess they have to make the jaws pretty thin to fit under the bearing?

    Not that I'm making excuses for Park, their tools aren't cheap so should be up to the job!
  • cubicboy
    cubicboy Posts: 117
    Godders1 wrote:
    cubicboy wrote:
    I just tried to do this and the Park Tools puller broke on me.
    Currently awaiting a replacement. Tread carefully!
    Where/how did it break? I guess they have to make the jaws pretty thin to fit under the bearing?

    Not that I'm making excuses for Park, their tools aren't cheap so should be up to the job!

    It broke on one of the feet that slips underneath the bearing. Metal fatigue? It's a cast part, so never going to be that strong.
  • keef66
    keef66 Posts: 13,123
    I've always thought it a bit obtuse that they make bearing replacement so difficult. That's the one thing that's put me off acquiring a Campag chainset. (are they all like this??)
    Quite a few things on a bike wear out and need replacement; it's nice to be able to do them yourself without having to set up a professional workshop.
  • Are you replacing with the stock campagnolo bearings that can be found for around £20, or has anyone looked at the ceramic bearing replacements which are more expensive but claim to last longer?
  • Finally did it. The first Park Tool they sent me had a deformed foot so I had to send it back. Then I had to buy some split ring pliers, but now, finally, it is done. Just the stock £20 bearings. But it feels good to know that I can do it again for just the cost of the bearings.

    Thanks all for the encouragement and help.

    Cheers

    Russell