Coventry Eagle repair

[Tom]

After taking members advice, I have cured a squeak on my daughters Coventry Eagle cycle, seat and cranks slightly loose.
Sorry advice please, had a bad problem removing the plastic dust cap, with age the plastic had gone very hard and brittle, got it off but damage thread at one point on crank dust cap thread. The bottom bracket is the old fashioned adjustable one, the axle is secured to the crank by a thread that is part of the axle secured by a
nut.
Two things, due to the axle thread damage drive side, in the future if I have to remove axel can I remove from other side, second, chainset is SR Apex, single chairing fitted to accommodate 3 speed, I will replace axle with shimano sealed bearings kit is that OK.
Regards tom

[Brucey]

I wouldn't bother changing the bottom bracket bearings unless the original ones are badly worn (i.e. they develop free play quickly again even when adjusted correctly). There is literally nothing to be gained by doing so. If you have damaged the crank dustcap thread you have damaged the extractor thread and although this won't stop you from getting cranks off (by hook or by crook) it will make it more difficult and it will be more likely to result in collateral damage e.g. you may end up needing a new crankset.

At the moment you have working cranks and BB bearings....? Why bother to change them?

FWIW you can keep the BB bearings happy without taking anything apart, using doses of heavy oil and/or SFG down the seat tube.

cheers

[Tom]

Thanks Bruce,
What oil would suit three speed
Thanks for your help,
TOM

[Brucey]

What oil would suit three speed

if you have it to hand, 3 in 1 oil, or motor oil is better than nothing. If you are going to buy an oil off the shelf, an EP90 gear oil will work very well.

FWIW I run my IGHs in a carefully chosen SFG (semi fluid grease) but a SA 3s hub will probably last a lifetime given a regular diet of a few drops of oil.

cheers

[Tom]

My daughter thanks you very much fo your help
Regards Tom