How To Fit A Press Fit Bottom Bracket

[@FPLMikkel]

Jon, could you guys please make a video series where you buy a frame and all parts off the 2nd hand market and then build a bike. It should not be super cheap, nor super expensive. It would be so interesting to see how you went about picking out what parts you wanted and a detailed look of how to build a bike from scratch!

[@MarkLucasRev]

Hi, I have PF30 on my Canondale Supersix. I would prefer threaded, but I really have no great reason to complain with press fit. When I came to replace a worn bottom bracket I did the following: 1. Made my own removal tool from an old steel seat post. Two vertical cuts about 10cm long then spread the ends out. Works like a dream. 2. Made my own bearing press using using a threaded bar and a series of large washers. So long as you are carful to kame sure the bearings press in straight it works a treat. I've also used the same tool for headset bearings. 3. Following advice gleaned from KZbin I smeared the contact surfaces of each cup with low-strength locktite to avoid creaks. Time will tell if this was a good idea when I come to get them out again!

[@LoeVG]

I converted my bike from press fit to a threaded wheels mfg bottom bracket. Best thing I've done. I hate press fit bottom brackets! I installed it with a home made press fit tool. Worked like a charm.

[@MrJonas2255]

Yeah you can just get a big ass threaded rod and some nuts/washers

[@dietmarsfotoreisen2773]

Hi jon, Great show and pieces of advice, I learnt a lot from your videos in addition to my existing knowledge as a mechanical engineer, especially in repairing my bicycles and the ones of my friends. They are al proud to have someone who repairs their bikes and lubes them.

[@gcntech]

dietmar schmidt That's great to hear, thanks for watching!

[@ilgour]

Best video on the subject out there, great one Jon. Wish every BB was threaded, so easy and painless to work with.

[@gcntech]

Thanks for watching, glad you found this one useful

[@jerrygundecker743]

It would be so nice if my math class were as much fun to listen to as nearly everything on GCN. Thanks for making this video so clear and understandable. Well done.

[@petinka721]

Thanks Jon! You do the tech show perfect! No one better than you!

[@bondy284]

Another top video Jon. You are a natural presenter 👍🇦🇺

[@gcntech]

Thanks Bondy

[@janvirtanen9110]

My favorite bb is the old shimano octalink. Never had any problems with. Works ages and never creaks. I even run it with campy everything Else :D

[@stephenthompson3636]

Thanks for this. Probably watched the video a few times before attempting the replacement but everything went well! .

[@fabiopunk1661]

excellent video - many thanks. The Shimano installation manual does not mention the use of any adhesive/ grease for the assembly of a press fit BB. Here, for Aluminium shell/ frame, it is suggested to use anti-seize grease (e.g. copper grease). That would make installation easier for sure, but what about the chance of the bearing moving under load? Thanks for your comments

[@stuartmcgill5065]

Thanks John :-) The time has come to replace the BBB on my Bianchi Aria and it looks very much like they are Press-Fits. Your video has shown me exactly what to do and, more importantly, what NOT to do.

[@TriDaddy]

@5:05 , Jon why don't you support the bike on our side so the frame being held by the repair stand isn't bearing the force of your impact?

[@narmadaengineering1980]

We would like to shrink fit a Roller having Harness of 60HRC with a non hardened shaft . Guide us how to fit. In my opinion Shaft has to cool to low temperature and press it. Holes size 45H7 and Shaft size 45p6

[@GregoryVeizades]

Why not use a standard puller and a slide hammer. Specialized tools are nice for sure. I have no ill will toward Park to Pedro's or anything. But press fit bearings are not a new thing at all and tools for that already exist. Secondly, what I have found to also work really well for preventing creaks period is automotive brake pad anti squeal paste. May be overkill, but it's readily available and works a treat.

[@EasternCompetition]

Please please please! More How-to videos. Fantastic job!

[@s0012823]

Instead of a bearing press you can use two small planks of wood and a wood clamp.

[@kuyajayyoutubechannel6327]

How can I remove bb71 shimano press fit in my carbon frame mtb plastic cup after installing the bb71 in my frame they cannot put grease so that why my bb71 is stock so wat is the best way to remove it can u help me.?

[@Lee_Jae_Min320]

Can the press fit bb can be reused?? Like add new grease after it removed and install it with new grease or need new bb?

[@brucearmenante7945]

How long should a Press Fit BB last? I went 4 years on my 2014 Cervelo R3 before I had to replace mine. Then the new one from my LBO only last 45 days before it started getting tight, then eventually replaced again. No wet riding, and my LBO blamed it on using a hose when washing the bike. I use the "shower" setting on the nozzle!

[@JCGZZG]

Let’s see if anyone help me, I have a Ceramic Speed PF30 (PF46) and a Ventum NS1 Carbon frame and ever since we first install it, the cups keep turning together with the crank, not as fast, but a full turn in about 25km, looks like the fit is just not as tight as it should be. I’ve tried carbon paste and it keeps turning. Yesterday I decide to use loctite 640 retaining compound (Ceramic speed specialist recommended), and today I checked and loctite 640 is still wet. Has anyone had any experience like this, should I use a primer, CS specialist said 640 does need a primer, PLEASE HELP!

[@rivnuts7398]

All the videos show the bearing cup with its bearing coming out of the frame using the tool. However, when I began to knock out the cup, the bearing alone popped out leaving the cup unmoved in the frame. Now what to do? Simply press in a new bearing or is there a dodgy method to get the old cup out without damaging the frame? If simply pressing in a new bearing, should a retaining compound be used?

[@teundilles]

With BB30 the cups are part of the frame and you would only replace the bearing indeed. If not BB30 you might be screwed (pun intended).

[@tabbyseago2844]

I've got no name front brake callipers.With small hands even though I'm using spacers and have moved levers to optimum position braking isn't secure on descents. Cables and housing are also new. Lever is Sora. Can I fit a standard fit dual pivot calliper? If so which model and will it be a worthwhile upgrade.

[@vilifiedgrey4804]

5:35 sprayed some degreaser there on the wheel rim as well :D :D :D

[@darrelstickler]

Do you have a URL/mfr-model for the adhesive primer and retaining compound? That's a new one for me and I think something I should try

[@MtbStoat]

Thanks, mate! Quick question, if you have what you might call a "reasonably priced bike" with a BB30 that creaks like a madman, is that a "catastrophic failure" potential, or just "really annoying"? Reason being I cannot get a shop to do my BB at short notice...thanks!

[@terrywalker7127]

Hope someone sees this: what about the sleeve between the cups? I think I saw you put that in. Does the sleeve automatically align with the two press fit cups? Or do you have to move it around somehow?

[@johnlesoudeur3653]

Have just fitted a Shimano PF92 BB and I had the same concern. I removed the press when I was near to making a connection with the tube to check internal alignment. No problems but it gave peace of mind to continue.

[@MarcoP70]

There is something therapeutic about the tech shows. 👍

[@Jose__Manuel]

Hello, can you tell me referencies about CBT Italian brand? Thanks.

[@waynerenshaw-multi-outdoor4521]

I have a press fit on my road bike and fat bike .. never had issues ever ... got both tools to, I use to smash it out with a flat head screw driver and mallet then slap a new one with a mallet and a magazine 👍😂 easy when you know how ....

[@bengt_axle]

Is there not an adapter (drift) to use with the the bearing puller so that you can pull the cup out of the frame, so as to not have to tap it out and risk damaging a stuck cup? Also, I think if you are hammering out the cup, stabilize the bike by putting the wheels on the ground.

[@spruce1000]

do you recommend shimano assembly paste or loctite?

[@Phaidrus]

Just removed the PF30A bottom bracket from my Cannondale SuperSix Evo (2017 model) and noticed that the aluminium cups were factory pressed into the carbon shell of the frame with grease.

[@tomcatoda2652]

i have a question . i am building the frame myself can i use BB 86 for 40mm inner diameter of my bottom bracket

[@gethind-j2390]

Nice one JonnyTech, keep 'em coming!

[@gcntech]

Thanks Gethin!

[@CM-hb9ob]

Is this possible and safe to put on for a single speed fixed gear bike - asking for a buddy of mine.

[@GilletNickOrme]

Great vid John, as ever.........but seeing that chain dangling against the stay, and scrape up and down it every time you hit the BB with the hammer made me wince!.....ouch

[@craigpaterson5085]

Threaded all the way for me - 1 year without creaks for me vs 1 month for my last press fit

[@BlackMesa322]

Unfortunately, aren’t there very few bike manufacturers with threaded bb on frames? Specialized, pinarello. Any others?

[@mtbboy1993]

@@BlackMesa322 Nicolai, Orange, Pole, but Pole does not make road frames, but. NICOLAI does, but alloy only. These brands are most known for mtb, but they make other types of bikes too.

[@markosasimakopoulos5719]

Mine creaks badly and I have changed 3 bb in 3 years

[@robsstuff1889]

do you have the model or part number of the BB removal tools?

[@georgehugh3455]

If and when I find my bike creaking at the press-fit BB, I'll be switching to one of Hambini's (or equivalent) threaded adapter BB's. So far all my creaks have been pedals, wheels, spokes, seats....

[@jonost24]

Can I use Loctite 242 when fitting a BB71 into an ally frame??

[@caperider1160]

Thanks for this video. Exceptional presentation!

[@justsomeguy69696969]

Love that jon matched his gcn jumper to the bike 😂

[@juniorridefast8836]

thought the same hahaha

[@gcntech]

It was certainly intentional

[@stuartdryer1352]

Great video Jon! Good to know the proper technique. You almost make me believe I could do this. But.... Instead I'll just buy a new bike.

[@gcntech]

Cheers Stuart! We believe in you

[@stuartdryer1352]

GCN Tech. That would be a mistake in the case of any bike you care about.

[@k.o.7405]

What if the bb won’t go in like you did it with your hands before using press fit tool

[@edwardlunn6975]

This system seems archaic compared to threaded bottom brackets, as long as everything is well greased, removing and installing a threaded bottom bracket with the correct tool is as easy as tightening and loosening a machined screw.

Do not use grease. Hambini explains well how and why to use retaining compound. Implying that the use of grease helps against creaking is silly: The symptom might be cured, but your bearings will still be moving. Use retaining compound to fix the cups/bearings where they have to be, and if your frame isn't trash, then that ought to be enough to stop the creaking.

[@Fanaleds-software]

Many manufactures advice using grease, so I'd trust them.

[@Haassan1]

Adhesive primer and retaining compound???

[@MrJonas2255]

Park tools makes them

[@micno2076]

Are there any alternatives for these? They cost quite alot from Park Tool...

[@germanfranco9144]

you help me a lot in this video thanks 🙏🏽

[@sherrylindsay154]

Thanks. It's much less complicated than I thought it would be.

[@vercinfestin5515]

What if your bb is keep on loosing?

[@juuljanssens3911]

Hey Jon, I have a bb30 pressfit bb. When I putted it in I greased it, and i wanted to ask if it matters because it isn’t mentioned in the video. (I have a carbon Ridley helium sl). Thanks #askgcntech

[@MrJonas2255]

If you have a bb30 carbon bike, it likely has a aluminum sleeve bonded into the carbon shell in which case grease is fine (he mentions not greasing raw carbon)

[@gcntech]

Do you ride with a press fit BB?

[@preston_mui]

yes, and i hate it

[@leqin]

Nooooooooooo!!!!!!!! the first thing I do when faced with a frame featuring one is either 1) find another frame or 2) turn to one of my threaded adaptors that DO NOT SQUEEK. Press-Fit is a abomination dreamed up by idiots who should be locked in a room alone with a loudspeaker playing all the creaking noises their stupid idea caused at 150db until their ears bleed and they beg for forgiveness for making bicycle riders suffer... and I have this terrible sense of deja vu like I've GMBN been here before..... :.)

[@veloriderkm]

I do but I don't use the Park Tool BB tools. I understand you're sponsored by Park Tool so this is not any kind of endorsement for any particular brand but rather what I prefer in my own personal experience. For 30mm setups, I use a BRT-002 from Enduro and for 24mm setups, I use the BRT-003. This tool both extracts and presses in the BB, no hammering required.

[@alkiou3613]

Nope, never. It's a flawed design which can not be fixed by good engineering.

[@angstanon]

I do and, until I put in a Wheels Mfg. threaded setup, I absolutely hated it. The Wheels setup killed the creaking beautifully and is much easier to work with.

[@gonetoearth007]

Great video Jon!

[@gcntech]

Gone to Earth Glad you enjoyed it!

[@simonm1246]

Great Video Jon 👏👍

[@philadams9254]

4:48 - What?! Doesn't this have the potential to crack the frame?

[@smaslankas]

I miss this guy

[@pelegrinsamblas]

Very nice and well explined video. Thanks a lot.

[@gcntech]

Pelegrín Samblás Glad you found it useful

[@TheWaxChainFanClub]

Hi Jon, do you recommend WD-40 or lube when smashing one out?

[@d4.2g]

I don't doubt for a second that you know what you're talking about. Unfortunately this has been as useful to me as an audiobook on the matter if you catch my drift.

[@nw2s]

Retaining compound... namely Loctite 660! Wonderous stuff.

[@JCGZZG]

Scott, I used loctite 640 but it seems not to be curing at all, 24hrs and that thing is still wet, did you us a primer?

[@jaescalantel2]

Thanks for the video even with the kind of bottom bracket I have !

[@Morlarix974]

short recap: throw the press fit in the bin and buy yourself a threaded adaptater :) you're welcome !

[@waynerenshaw-multi-outdoor4521]

Morlarix974 lol

[@Unimatrix69]

I would LOVE to be able to do that, but not so simple with Trek bb90 - thank goodness I have no creaking - YET!

[@markosasimakopoulos5719]

Mine creaks badly and I have changed 3 bb in 3 years, RAGING

[@ChuckD59]

@@Unimatrix69 2015 Domane here with a couple thousand miles and, iirc, the same bb90. The bearings themselves self-destructed prematurely but it's never creaked.

[@willemrm4033]

I have two bikes with PF BB's and after + 15000km no problem so far. The only issue for me is I need more tools (and more expensive onces) to replace them, or pay a mechanic to do the job. And unfortunately one is BB30 and the other one a 24mm BB86.

[@caveboy9988]

What Bb can you push in bearings by hand ?!

[@caveboy9988]

That was my point hence the exclamation mark.

[@JeremyHansenblue2kid3]

This was long over due. Gonna get this done this weekend

[@gcntech]

Great stuff, let us know how you get on

[@Fra93TheGrande]

Tried everything 😢 mine are stuck…

[@richardandersen9259]

Jon, great show is that Dan's bike? hahah

[@jonathanzappala]

The wheels mfg threaded press fit is the bomb

[@assadasdasdasda1342]

I prefer cones with ball bearings to cylindrical case ball bearings, but I think the second one is lighter. In this uncertain case digital scale comes in handy.

[@davepratt9909]

I came up with a simple 2 step process for replacing a noisy bottom bracket that has saved many a frame: 1. Take to bake shop 2. Pay bike shop

[@zero5uk]

I took this advice, Dave and came out with a BB 10x noisier than before it went in. £60 for my troubles--from soft click (annoying Mamil mates) to Loud creaks and crunches.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3qwoYlsa9NsoKc

[@wiggostheone5424]

I’ll stick to threaded I think but great video

[@Thefloppyearedcyclist]

Here in 2023… bloody great video

[@combatLaCarie]

Can we get an inexpensive GCN recommendation for a press?

[@graphics_dev5918]

I don't think so...Park Tool is one of their sponsors...

[@jackhammer40k_]

Use copper slip for titanium. Not grease or anti seize.

[@smokey7930]

"Some of you are huuuuuge fans", who? Not me or anyone I know

[@AndrewTSq]

the huge fans are the manufactors since its cheaper to make :D

[@MrJonas2255]

"I love pressfit so much!" -literally no cyclist ever

[@ryanotte6737]

Yeah, I can't think of anybody that is a big fan of press fit down there in the bottom bracket. From an engineering perspective, I can kind of see some advantages to the press fit for a carbon fiber frame since integrating threads into the frame could be problematic for the frame. That being said, the execution obviously sucks from all the creak horror stories that crop up. Creaking isn't good for the bearings or the frame. Manufacturers should either bite the bullet and figure out how to make a solid threaded standard for their carbon frames, or possibly only use those press fit cups that thread together. Those actually look really nice and solid. I'll be looking out for that solution if my current creaking problem is bottom bracket caused. Thanks GCN for bringing that solution to my attention.

[@n0zuae]

I only love pressfits if they were "BBinfinite " A one piece BB that solves everything. No creaks + super smooth.

[@richarddecredico6098]

Fred the Dentist loves them.

[@phillippitts6294]

Good show .

[@gcntech]

Cheers Phillip

[@milesfinch]

Beware BB30 uses a C clip to retain the bearing, make sure you don't hammer against that and risk damaging the frame!!

[@mtbboy1993]

Even just having bearing directly pressed in frame can eat the shell. But with astic the bb will be eaten. So far I haven't had any issues with threaded bb. So can integrated headsets. But press fit bearings in a linkage should work if it's done properly, and headset cups pressed in, best solution for that part of the frame, should last along time,if its proper headset. But no matter what you install tolerances are important.

[@darkm4g1c]

How to replace a Press fit BB Step 1:Remove parts from bike Step 2: Throw the frame in the bin Step 3: Buy a frame with a worthwhile BB standard

[@MrJonas2255]

Yup! Don't accept bike manufacturers cheaping out with inferior standards. Vote with your $$

[@turbosalsa]

is it ok to use 25mm inner tubes with 28mm tyres ?

[@MrJonas2255]

Yes

[@phxrsx]

Beats park tool's Tech Tuesday's.

[@shainexxxsescrimshaw7605]

Bottom bracket tools are not worth it considering the amount you have to change em,once every year or two

[@MrJonas2255]

Or every 3 months if you have a pressfit. Once every 5 or so years if its threaded

[@sixahem]

BSA. All the way 😜

[@grintalcycles8266]

Sounds like John may have been doing work in the house and broke one of those glass topped coffee tables.

[@gcntech]

🤔

[@karlbe8414]

Step one, remove all components from the frame, step 2, replace that frame with a BSA threaded version, step 3 replace components on new frame and threaded BB. No creaks, problem solved!

[@gcntech]

The threaded BB is coming back in fashion 👀

[@wsbull78]

I’d love to put to use what I learned in this video...on someone else’s bike!

[@gcntech]

Haha, well if you follow Jon's tips then you should be fine!

[@georgefarrowgreen01]

Not greasing your carbon shell is like not greasing your headset cups, what are you doing lol

[@bikeman123]

The press fit bottom bracket bearing on my Giant Defy seized after 6 months of dry riding. And no I don't use a pressure washer. Not impressed.

[@Fanaleds-software]

Just use grease on the carbon PF. All those adhesives are so dangerous.

[@philadams9254]

Wow, plenty of opportunities to write off your frame!

[@jackhendrix1386]

"destroy your frame" has been said way too many times for me to ever attempt this myself...

[@hodsgod]

You really don’t need a bearing press, a half inch bolt, nut and two washers is just as good and a lot cheaper.

[@Miersemann]

It's easy when they didn't use green locktide. Then it will cost you a few hours to get them out😡. I have done this last week.

[@shainexxxsescrimshaw7605]

They will tell you to Get a tool,park sponsor springs to mind,I've done it thousand times without specialist tools

[@gcntech]

Jon explains that it is important to use a tool to avoid running the risk of damaging your frame, that's why and not because they are one of our partners.

[@mtbboy1993]

Even using the pressfit removal tool can destroy the pressfit plastic bb's.

[@brucewayne3141]

How to fit a PressFit bottom bracket: Step 1: throw the entire frame away Step 2: buy a Threaded BB frame.

[@ftekkie]

The technique of hitting it out by force even with the tool like BBT-30 by Park Tools is often wishful thinking. It could easily be ceased and you'd not manage even by hitting it heavily. Not a good tool for it.

[@jonreed5510]

Why do manufacturers meddle with something that doesn’t need fixing. Threaded all day long. Better, no creaks, easier to maintain.

[@hugobrown2516]

Lol. Using a hammer on a CANYON? Trick question.

[@robertk1975]

Press fit 😞😞😞