Remove BB Loctite Strip?

[Claud]

A new Shimano bottom bracket has arrived (UN300 square taper), and the smaller piece (that goes in the opposite side to the main part) has a blue strip around it. I assume it's loctite? I've never had a problem with these working loose, and am always more nervous about one getting stuck, especially in a titanium frame. So I'm thinking to clean off the blue strip before installing (and add copper grease as usual). Thoughts?

[531colin]

I think corrosion is more of a problem between steel and alloy than between titanium and alloy.
I have always just greased the thread and bunged it in.....3 titanium frames, never a problem so far!

[Cugel]

A new Shimano bottom bracket has arrived (UN300 square taper), and the smaller piece (that goes in the opposite side to the main part) has a blue strip around it. I assume it's loctite? I've never had a problem with these working loose, and am always more nervous about one getting stuck, especially in a titanium frame. So I'm thinking to clean off the blue strip before installing (and add copper grease as usual). Thoughts?

Blue loctite doesn't go hard-glue-like (i.e. grab the threads so they won't undo) in any such screw thread I've ever used, on a bike or otherwise. You can always get them undone (with the right tool and leverage).

I'd rather have the Loctite and perhaps a marginal increase in the force needed to remove the component than no loctite and the risk of not only the part loosening and getting lost but also the other risk of the metal threads corroding together more easily and definitely becoming impossible to unscrew.

[rjb]

Wrap of PTFE tape wouldn't go amiss on most frames too.

[Cyclothesist]

I think corrosion is more of a problem between steel and alloy than between titanium and alloy.
I have always just greased the thread and bunged it in.....3 titanium frames, never a problem so far!

+1

[Claud]

Bril, thanks for all the replies. The loctite strip covers the middle third of the thread, the rest is bare. So I'll just leave the loctite in place and cover it all with copper grease like I normally do.

[Brucey]

IIRC blue loctite contains glass 'microspheres'. Each microsphere contains a little threadlock, and if they are evenly distributed, up to half of them break and disgorge their contents when the fastener is tightened. The fact that there are still some unbroken microspheres means there is usually some locking action if the fastener is tightened for a second time, even if it is months or years later..