How to Remove and Install Bottom Brackets - Threaded Shell (BSA, T47, Cartridge, etc.)

This video walks through the complete procedure of removal and installation of bottom brackets used in threaded shells, including three-piece cranks, threaded "thru-spindle" external bearing cups, and bottom brackets used in T47 shells.
Questions or comments? Leave them below!
See all our bottom bracket videos in our Bottom Brackets playlist
▶︎ • Repair Help: Bottom Br...
Video contents:
00:00 Preliminary Info
01:36 Removal
03:56 Installation - Thread Preparation
05:19 Installation - Threaded Thru-Spindle
06:09 Installation - Cartridge-Style
➤ Related Text Articles:
• Bottom Bracket Standards and Terminology - www.parktool.com/blog/repair-...
• Bottom Bracket Tool Selection: Threaded and Thread-Together - www.parktool.com/blog/repair-...
➤ Tools & materials used:
• Appropriate bottom bracket tool - www.parktool.com/category/cra...
• SWR-8 3/8” Drive Ratchet Handle - www.parktool.com/product/3-8-...
• SWB-15 3/8" Drive Breaker Bar - www.parktool.com/product/3-8-...
• PPL-1 PolyLube 1000™ Lubricant - www.parktool.com/product/poly...
• ASC-1 Anti-Seize Compound - www.parktool.com/product/anti...
• TLR-1 Medium Strength Threadlocker - www.parktool.com/product/medi...
• TW-6.2 Ratcheting Click-Type Torque Wrench - www.parktool.com/product/ratc...
For a text-based walk-through of this process: www.parktool.com/blog/repair-...
➤ Subscribe: kzbin.info...
➤ Like: / parktool
➤ Follow: / parktoolblue
➤ More Bottom Bracket Repair Help:
• What Type of Bottom Bracket Do I Have? ▶︎ • What Type of Bottom Br...
• How to Remove and Install Bottom Brackets - Press Fit ▶︎ • How to Remove and Inst...
• How to Remove and Install Bottom Brackets - Thread-Together ▶︎ • How to Remove and Inst...
• How to Remove and Install Bottom Brackets - Cup & Cone ▶︎ • How to Remove and Inst...
• Crank & Bearing Removal and Installation - Campagnolo® Ultra-Torque™ ▶︎ • Crank & Bearing Remova...
• One Piece Crank & Bottom Bracket Removal and Installation ▶︎ • One Piece Crank & Bott...
➤ Fix It:
Did you know that Park Tool is the #1 resource for bicycle repair education?
• Visit our KZbin Channel: / parktool
• Visit the Repair Help section of Parktool.com: www.parktool.com/repairhelp
• Check out The Big Blue Book of Bicycle Repair: www.parktool.com/product/big-...
➤ About Park Tool:
Since our founding in 1963, Park Tool has been the leading name in bicycle tools. Our KZbin channel is an extension of our mission to be the ultimate resource for mechanics and riders of all skill levels. Here you will find comprehensive repair help tutorials for a wide range of components and processes, as well as troubleshooting guides, tips and tricks, and information on the latest Park Tool products.

[@dustinmorse8497]

How many are here just to remember which way to turn a BB.

[@DealWithTheDevil.]

😂

[@Sungam909]

Me!!!

[@p504504]

We must protect Calvin Jones at all cost.

[@stateofdecay2210]

4 years later and the video is still one of the best

[@genova2006]

This guy is an excellent instructor

[@hollowedentity7097]

You fucking said it dude. This worked instantly.

[@sophiekirkman6963]

I know! If a Park Tool video isn't presented by Calvin, then I won't watch it 🤣🤣

[@mikekilburn3552]

I can honestly say excellent is an understatement. I just love how he's very thorough about his explanations probably one of the best bike mechanics I've ever seen.

[@kdrb17]

Yes I agree! I teach college lecturers and this is an excellent example of effective teaching/instruction.

[@cjSamuil]

The best!!!

[@RussellCambell]

Mission accomplished!! Bottom bracket replaced ultra annoying noise gone!! Thank you

[@TrentSiggard]

Try z4 ,$A wax x

[@timnolan3125]

Another quality video clearly explaining the process. Calvin is a legend!

[@krollpeter]

You should get an Oscar for the best instruction videos on the internet. The world would be a better place if all companies would so clear + concise about their products and how to use them!

[@centraterasen]

Calvin, you are the man and the instructions that you provide on this any many other topics are pure gold. There are a lot of hacks out there but you are the true diamond. Thank you for sharing of your experience with the masses.

[@tenpennyguy]

This video really helped me with replacement of two old square taper spindles by cartridges. The comments on care to avoid crossthread, use of threadlocker & grease, & torque were especially valuable. One lesson learned - The BB shell of older and cheaper bikes may be out of round, complicating the process of installing the cartridge.

[@tristanwwsd]

@enriqueamaya3883 I talk to Jesus every time I deal with out of round BB's.

[@godzillaisnuclea123]

This channel is so comprehensive, so clear and its free, i'm amazed that a resource like this exists today

[@BeeRich33]

godzillaisnuclea123 Drives the market of both shop service training, and DIY monkeys like me. I love working on my bikes.

[@davidlundmark9359]

it really is so amazing

[@Ballmead]

Love your videos mate. You're clear, concise and easy to follow. You've helped me out many times with my bikes.

[@Ballmead]

@enriqueamaya3883 Does Jesus need help with his bicycle too?

[@erikwiseman1702]

This channel, and Calvin in particular, has been an amazing resource. I have learned to do virtually all the basic maintenance on my entire family's bi,es and install a new group set on mine. However, the Park Tool threaded bottom bracket tool (BBT-32) was a fail, mainly because the Shimano bottom bracket drive side was poorly cast and the tool wouldn't stay on - a competitor's product had a piece to hold their tool on and it and finished the job in less than a minute. The existence of said tool and recommendations across the internet imply that this is a common problem.

[@ClaudiuB]

Wow, thanks about the turning directions. I was struggling to turn counterclockwise on chain side in order to disassemble it and before making any mistake I said: let’s check youtube

[@namdarbolour9890]

To prevent cross-threading the cartridge, one nice trick is to install the hollow cup (left side) first hand-tight. Then install the cartridge from the right side, so it will automatically center when it goes through the hollow cup on far side of BB, thus preventing cross-threading. Then back out the hollow cup, tighten the cartridge, then the hollow cup. This tip from Sam Tracy's "Bicycle: A Repair and Maintenance Manifesto, 2nd Ed, page 159.

[@codyhughes5520]

Thanks guys for all the help. I've decided I needed something to stay busy bought an gt avalanche needed some love with the help of you guys and Bermpeak I've been able to learn something different buy kinda the same. Cheers.

[@disparage1]

This video makes me want to personally thank the people who made it. Not many videos do that.

[@knowledgeispower311]

Thank you very much for this concise, yet thoroughly informative video! I was able to tune up all the bikes at my house with basic tools. You’ve saved me a bunch of money and the bikes are better than ever!

[@jubeirok5597]

Thx for all the tutorials - I replaced a creaking bb with a new one. ❤😊🎉

[@rich8037]

Here's a tip for when the old cup is really stuck, on a bike with cartridge bearings and square taper crank fitting: put the Park Tool in place and put a bolt (M8 *fine* x 40mm) through it and into the thread for the crank retaining bolt. Tighten this hand tight and then put a 32mm deep socket on a breaker bar over the Park Tool. You will be able to crack the cup unstuck and once it's moving a bit you can slacken off the retaining bolt as the tool will now be in much less danger of slipping out and damaging something. This has worked for me in the past, though if the cups are *really* badly stuck you may have to resort to the heavy brigade - angle grinder and drill.

[@rossross5620]

Thank's a Lot !!! your video's are excellent!!!! I'm learning to fix anything on my bike and also on my friend's bike. Plus my love for bike's grow more and more Thank's Calvin!!:-)

[@janinsweden8559]

Excellent instructions

[@ericre1363]

So helpful. I really appreciate all the instruction. Thank you!

[@dannypryordoyle2710]

Thanks Calvin! Trying to see if I can upgrade my old cartridge BB with a hollow-tech version of lighter weight.

[@JuanHoya]

mos comprehensive video on bottom brackets, nicely done!

[@michaelgreen9589]

Clarifying, as always. Thank you!

[@kaloyan2778]

My crankset broke and I'm learning how to replace the bottom bracket with it as well. Thanks for having so much information online. I disabled add blocker to try and support the channel somehow. Keep up the great content!:)

[@manabiker]

Thank you, I have a Steel Frame that came with aluminum Bottom Bracket Cups, after 6,000 miles all year riding in Michigan, the cups were eaten away on both sides, I put them back together with Anti-Seize compound, electrolysis is a big problem not mentioned, With Alum/Steel electrolysis a probem, grease works ok, but I have more faith in anti-seize, I owned semi trucks for many yrs with alum wheels and steel lug nuts, if you didn't anti-seize them you payed for it when it was time to remove the wheels. its not a lube, its water soluable, it can stand temps up to 1800 degrees, great for automotive/big truck exhaust. lubes don't do that, bikes don't get that hot, but they do seize. Happy Trails

[@Sparvar1]

You are amazing, thank you so much for your help! The first one I have found that makes sense and is easy to understand. And 10/10 on the moustache!

[@BrianWeymouth-Tasmania]

Another excellent Park Tool video, thank you.

[@reynoldeuler9802]

High Quality Video. Many thanks for the good work. This is why I always try to buy ParkTool products.

[@Silva0101]

These videos fill me with alot of confidence thank you

[@mohamedomar2038]

Lots of Respect, couldn’t be better explain than this!!! Thumbs up 👍

[@samuraisword1339]

this helped me fix my E-bike bottom bracket, incredibly useful.

[@TheChriscarr1210]

Calvin saves the day, again!

[@mnemotronic]

Good video. Thanks for pointing out all the variables (length, dia, threading) of the components I need to replace. Now I just wish I'd watched the video *BEFORE* disassembling the BB. When I was cleaning the spindle I noticed that one side was longer than the other. Now i don't know where the longer side goes. I'm guessing I'll notice a difference in the clearance between the crank arms and chainstays when I re-assemble.

[@wasifzihan4662]

Best repair guide i have ever seen.

[@albertf.9198]

I saved this great video for future reference. THANKS for all the help. Now maybe, I'll remember to pick up some tools from ur website.

[@cstrike105]

Thank you for the free tutorials

[@cstrike105]

Thank you for the detailed explanation

[@oliversjmildmay2970]

Thanks - Really Helpful And Clearly And Simply Explained :D

[@ffdar9119]

You guys are definitely the pro's, common sense and logic is great but nothing can replace experience

[@fx_jaguar8743]

Thanks for the video! this was super useful !!

[@keaixiaomeinv]

These videos are incredible.

[@RockoDSS]

Thank you!

[@jeffdavis291]

I could not get my Shimano BBUN 26 bottom bracket loose using the Park Tool BBT-32 tool. I tried a14" adjustable wrench. But the splines on the bracket are very shallow and the BBT-32 kept slipping off. Then I tried putting the BBT-32 in a 32mm shallow socket on top of some washers to get the tool's splines above the top of the socket and used a1/2" ratchet, then a 1/2" x18" breaker bar. It still kept slipping off. Finally I used my Milwaukee 1/4" driver and that worked like a charm. It beat on it for a couple of seconds and then spun it right off. i don't know if this is an approved method but it does allow you to keep pressing the BBT-32 into the splines and not allowing it to slip off.

[@DingbatToast]

Excellent reference 👌

[@Pushyhog]

Mr. C is the best & lights, action, camera, edit, edit timing, filmography videos.

[@NeroSixtyEight]

super helpful. Thanks

[@theepimountainbiker6551]

Have a strange noise in my brand new Riff BB, probably gravel, now I know how to take it out and clean it.

[@jahfish42]

Really useful thanks!

[@manrod4871]

Very usefull video like many others in this channel. 👍

[@TheAntibozo]

I love you, Park Tool!

[@alfredomartinez7978]

Simply "The Best"

[@velolocation6461]

excellent informative videos

[@pbjbagel]

I'm tearing down an old hybrid bike of mine and made the mistake of just looking at one of the sides before ordering the tool I needed. The non-drive side bracket has three notches and the drive-side has two flats. I was shocked to see this after I got the non-drive side off first. Luckily, I had just bought a wrench that just barely fit onto those two flats. But, I'm not sure if I did something wrong again because a bunch of bearings came pouring out when I removed the drive side bracket...

[@danshilling4240]

Great instructions. To may different tools, Industry needs standardization for the components and frames. Just like the auto industry.

[@tudorsavescu2329]

These Park guys keep taking my money ...

[@Johny40Se7en]

Thanks for mentioning the 'Cup and Cone' bottom brackets straight off the bat buddy. I didn't even know what that type is called. That's the type I'm trying to learn about. Nice one fella.

[@type17]

4:54 "But if you have nothing else, at least use some grease..." - would somebody please tell bicycle manufacturers about this!

[@madmartigan9720]

One time when I got new BB and wanted to go riding but didn't have any grease, I just used a butter as a replacement :)

[@mustangrt8866]

@@madmartigan9720 In Italy we use diesel fuel

[@richied9305]

In France, we use mayonnaise

[@C0deH0wler]

In New Zealand we use Aioli

[@ricardotijerina886]

in Mexico we use K-Y jelly...

[@leightonblue1056]

Spot on

[@mrenormouscroc]

And thanks for vids... very helpful

[@Pogi27]

Sir thank you I learn more to you

[@ahkl77]

Best BB explainer vid 👍

[@user-zx1my7hd1w]

Thanks

[@asdasd3383]

nice video as usual. cool music too

[@aemiliadelroba4022]

Nice 👍

[@tomjones715]

Nice video, I've got a 7 year old Apollo Feud Mountain bike the bearings in the crankcase have worn out making the pedals wobbly so I need to replace the bearings where the pedal cranks go, But I don't know What Type of bearings set up would I need for it? Might it be a new bottom end bracket cartridge type or one of the other types of ball bearings crankcase/bottom end bracket types, and what tools would I need to get the job done.

[@maxheadroom1506]

the hardest part is knowing what you have and then getting the right tools.

[@tickyo12]

HI I doing a couplet bike build. So how do I know if I need spacers on the BB?

[@tedceldor]

thanks bro.

[@ub3227]

I love how they don’t only use high end bikes, it shows how humble they are.

[@cesarabrego684]

They kind of figure out that us who try to DIY repairs, don't usually have high end bikes.

[@becyk_du_quebec]

It's like that in almost all their vids, as opposed to GCN tech videos, gotta love Park Tool.

[@jackglossop4859]

@@becyk_du_quebec I remember when GCN did a ‘fix squeaky seatpost’ video and the seat post they used to demonstrate it was some teardrop carbon fibre aero thing. Ridiculous.

[@Jonmc511]

Park tool I have a square taper bottom bracket. Question is is it possible to get a 1 inch longer bb axle. So I can fit a mid drive motor between my crank arms. I need it wider to be able to pedal when battery dies?

[@theviolinoob]

i got a new bottom bracket for my fixed gear.(Integrated crankset Single speed) but reallized that it had shortened the botton bracket length after install;;

[@twofoots5955]

Bought a walmart bike.....just trying to tighten the bottom up. It has knocking sounds and some wiggle to it. I doubt the bearings are shot. Its brand new. I did get to buy some new tools. Thats always fun.

[@swifttking4160]

I luv dis guy

[@ricardotijerina886]

Hey Park Tool, how do i find out if a have a Shimano octalink V1 or V2? Trek Road bike.

[@dacchidang8538]

quality education

[@adrianriches456]

Is Copper Grease suitable for this application?

[@elinpelin17]

Do you lubricate the crank when reassembling?

[@mrenormouscroc]

At 3.28m you say turn counterclockwise for Italian threadings. My Specialized Rockhopper has no indication numbering on ring and drive side is REVERSE threaded, which I understand is more common. Tried normal for a while until figured CAN"T BE! then reversed it off. The curse of Proprietary parts. No damage done All good in the end.

[@parktool]

A Rockhopper will have a BSA bottom bracket which is reverse threaded on the drive side.

[@R3zzRhino]

Would it be better to get the outside sealed ones I feel like dirt will clog the outside threads

[@nicksnow5606]

Calvin Jones in the realest MVP

[@albertst4987]

I have an old bike that i wanted to renew, but when disassembling it i noticed the brackets on the drive side of the shell go counter-clockwise to remove (and clockwise to tighten) so conventional parts as cartridge bottom bracket (i had bought one with integrated spindle) do not fit, do you guys happen to know if there are available some integrated cartridges that are compatible with my bike? (The model is a Rabasa Panther Mach II, is a bikecross/bmx like bicycle from 80-90s)

[@veselinpandov4006]

Check also his video for stuck bb 😉. Really helpful !!!

[@daveyt4802]

I have a VP cartridge style BB. Can you repair them? 10,000 miles on mine.

[@topspin6418]

Hey, excellent content as always but I have a question. Shimano’s notice says don’t use grease on the tread when the cup is made of plastic, do you recommend that and most importantly why ? Thanks !

[@AnotherMrLizard]

Grease is to form a barrier between dissimilar metals such as aluminium and steel but if your bb is plastic then there’s no reaction going on so it isn’t needed.

[@joy3122]

Hi and thank you for these helpful and such well made videos. I have noises coming from the bottom bracket when I do not pedal...any ideas? It's a relatively new bike, 300 KMS.. thanks in advance for your help.

[@parktool]

Noises when you are not pedaling? Can you describe these noises and exactly when and how they are made?

[@DeviorBlake]

Thanks for the video! Can you tell whether you have the tool for installation of Hope BB30 BSA threaded bottom bracket? I don't have it right now to measure it and count the notches, but I need to know what the tool to use with it. Thanks!

[@parktool]

We do not offer that tool unfortunately. BSA30 is a good description of that bottom bracket. The fitting is about 1/2mm too small for one of our tools and about 1/2mm too large for another.

[@mikagami69]

You guys should consider putting one out there, since they keep gaining traction in the states, and their cranks can be swapped to different platforms ala RF Cinch

[@milospesic5322]

Best bike maintenance chanel, period. Quick question: My bike is full Ultegra 6500, meaning it has Octalink v1, is it possible to use Octalink v2 on same cranks? Thanks

[@parktool]

No. The depth of the splines vary. Do not interchange.

[@milospesic5322]

@@parktool thank you

[@Jcyber15]

how do I tell which way I need to turn to undo my cartridge bottom bracket if it has no markings what so ever on it

[@humptydumpty2552]

Calvin Jones just got cooler.. (the background music tho)

[@NonLegitNation2]

okay, just wanted to make sure I was turning the right way to remove my external threaded bottom bracket. I was, the thing is just on there really tight, even though I used anti-seize. Gonna have to bust out the rubber mallet I guess.

[@benjackson6429]

Wish mine was this easy. My cannondale Stripped out since it was made of plastic.

[@walter.bellini]

Thank you Calvin for the series of awesome videos. Question: o have a good torque wrench that I use all the time, but didn’t realize that it doesn’t torque left turning items. So I couldn’t torque down the bottom bracket setup I did my best. Does the Parktool Torque wrench work in both directions? Thank you

[@parktool]

Park Tool torque wrenches work for both CW and CCW directions.

[@walter.bellini]

@@parktoolthank you so much for the quick reply and info.

[@rians3836]

The BB shell on my bicycle measures 77mm, tho I didn't use a caliper for the measurement but it's definitely nowhere near 68 or 73. How/where do I get one that fits.

[@andrewandres76]

Are english thread system has the same diameter?

[@vitalytarnover6171]

Thank you very much for the video! It helped a lot! But who the hell came up with all these variations of this stupid ass bicycle part? Have been having a hard time with it for the last 2 days. Thanks again for your instructions!

[@021sagaz5]

Hello Brazil!

[@021sagaz5]

Brazilian

[@chuchu00y]

Hello, my bike's box size is 68mm. I ordered a 68mm bottom bracket online and I received a 70mm one. It is compatible for my bike's box. Can you guide me please?

[@dodongbustamante9356]

SIR IF I CHANCE MY SQUARE TEPPER BOTTOM BRACKET TO A HOLLOW TECT, DO IHAVE TO CHANCE MY FD