Bottom bracket removal?

davidm · Post by **davidm** » 5 Jul 2008, 4:33pm

Hi,

I am trying to remove an 'old style'Shimano bottom bracket (not cartridge)from a Trek frame. It has never been removed in 18 years!
I am assuming the fixed cup is left handed, but i cannot shift it.
Before i damage anything, am i correct in assuming this?

I have not had one beat me in 30 years cycling but this is getting close.

What is a last resort if it won't shift.

Any advice is much appreciated.

Thanks,
David

Domestique · Post by **Domestique** » 5 Jul 2008, 6:09pm

You might find this article interesting, and it really works

http://sheldonbrown.com/tooltips/bbcups.html

Post by **Mick F** » 5 Jul 2008, 7:48pm

Remember, the RH cup is left hand thread ONLY if it's an English BB. Italian is right hand thread. Could it be Italian?

The fixed cup usually has a couple of flats to take a spanner. Try getting the cup in a vice and turn the frame. That's worked for me in the past.

davidm · Post by **davidm** » 5 Jul 2008, 8:09pm

Thanks for the replies, i do not think it is Italian, but cant be sure. That is why i haven't really tried
I cannot seem to get enough purchase in the vice.
I think i shall try the bolt tightening method mentioned in the attachment.

David

gaz · Post by **gaz** » 5 Jul 2008, 8:17pm

PW · Post by PW » 5 Jul 2008, 10:28pm

The Sheldon method with a piece of scaffold pole as a lever extension and a couple of big heavy mates to hold the bike still and swing on the pole. It'll come!

Post by **Mick F** » 6 Jul 2008, 9:22am

Also, am I right in saying that Italian BBs are a different diameter than British?

A quick measurement would tell which you have, then you'd know you'd be turning it the right way.

Anybody know what diameter they are?

davidm · Post by **davidm** » 6 Jul 2008, 9:29am

Thanks everyone
I shall try the Sheldon method I have an industrial estate down the road, and one of the units specialises in fasteners Nuts and bolts etc, so will buy the largest possible to fit.
Cosmetically the bike is not up to much, but i use it for day to day use, short cuts off road etc. I have done thousands of miles on it over the years, and have not even had to true the wheels, so am really missing it now the the bb has finally given up. I have quite a few other bikes, but none can replace this one for hacking about on.
Shall keep you posted.

Lawrie9 · Post by **Lawrie9** » 7 Jul 2008, 10:21am

Try the rubber hammer treatment. If you knock the wrench or socket handle it will probably shift it.

davidm · Post by **davidm** » 7 Jul 2008, 3:29pm

Update.

Went down to the industrial estate this morning, i had worked out maximum diameter socket, bolt, washers to use. The shop there sorted me out with the bolt washers etc., and said i could have them for free!

I actually decided not to put a washer under the bolt head, as i wanted this to bite into the fixed cup, i figured that this would allow me both hands free to put some welly on the nut without having to hold a socket as well.

Sure enough with a bit of brute force manged to shift it, and out it came!
Thank you all for your help on this, it is much appreciated.

For your information there are many results on Google to identify the markings for left or right handed thread. (mine was left handed as i had thought)

Feel that i must participate a bit more often on here now. I've been around for a while and hopefully may be able to pass on some tips.

Post by **Mick F** » 7 Jul 2008, 4:41pm

Excellent news!

And thank you for getting back to us all.

(Sadly, some people take advice, and we never hear how they got on.)