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Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!cbosgd!ihnp4!ihlpg!fish
From: fish@ihlpg.UUCP (Bob Fishell)
Newsgroups: net.bicycle
Subject: Re: maintenance of $250 bike
Message-ID: <1469@ihlpg.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 6-Dec-85 11:15:54 EST
Article-I.D.: ihlpg.1469
Posted: Fri Dec  6 11:15:54 1985
Date-Received: Sat, 7-Dec-85 05:20:41 EST
References: <633@hlwpc.UUCP>
Distribution: net
Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories
Lines: 41

> A correctly adjusted component should ALWAYS have
> a SLIGHT amount of up-and-down and side-to-side play--enought to feel,
> but not to hear.

I adjust my bottom brackets so that there is just enough drag to push back
against one finger LIGHTLY, never with any end play, and certainly without
any up-and-down play.  This is absolutely essential for a rider  my
size.  When overhauling a bottom bracket, you should vigorously brush
the shell threads with a stiff nylon or wire brush, then coat them and
everything else with white lithium grease.  Just stick your finger in
there and spread it around real good.

The fixed cup should be tightened very firmly.  Pack the bearings with
as much grease as you can get on them, working it into the mechanism. I
just drag the entire bearing through the grease can and work it in with
my fingers.  You also want to smear grease liberally around the bearing
races and on the spindle.

You should install the lefthand crank arm and chainwheels prior to adjusting
the movable cup.  If you haven't removed the chain from the bike, get it
clear of the chainwheels so that the crank will spin freely.  Tighten the
movable cup until there's enough drag to feel when you spin the crank with
a finger, then back off about 1/6 of a turn.  When you tighten the lockring,
make sure you keep the movable cup stationary.  If the BB is adjusted
properly, the crank should spin without binding, but you should not
be able to feel any free play in the bearings when you jerk the
crank toward and away from the frame.

By the way, you should make sure that the bearings and cups you're
using are equivalent to  the ones you're replacing. English threads
are most common on bikes sold in North America.  You can make sure of
a good match by seeing that the numbers stamped on the cups are the
same.  Also, if you're replacing the spindle, make sure that the length
and taper are the same.  There are lots of variations, and it's
easy to get a bad match. However, if the spindle is worn out, you're
probably due for a new crankset anyway.
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				Bob Fishell
				ihnp4!ihlpg!fish