How To Remove & Install A Press Fit Bottom Bracket | GMBN Tech Maintenance Skills

Press fit bottom brackets; unfortunately, often the source of annoying creaks on your mountain bike. But, with a little care and preparation during the installation, you can minimise the chances of these noises rearing their head. Rich shows you how 🔧
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[@dubbya57]

By far the best video for press fit. Ive spent the last hour looking at different videos and nothing comes close to this for concise and clear instructions. Thank you so much. Creaking so load on down stroke it was embarrassing. So as a handy kind of guy wanted to try this myself before the LBS. So again, thanks.

[@kaedeschulz5422]

I'm so happy that i have a threaded BB...

[@matlockmeat]

Press fit really are awful.

[@kaedeschulz5422]

@@matlockmeat Not really if you have the tools and the manufacturer isn't too dumb to make a round hole like niner. Thei frame have slightly oval BB shells wich cause ALL the creek's

[@michalm4953]

Thank you, Rich. Finally. I've been searching lately for the info on exactly this subject. Especially on what and where to use a compound. Now I can easily maintain my Luxes bb. Great job playing Doddies substitute. Thanks a ton!

[@martinschwartz7342]

Thanks, Rich! That was an informative and well-made presentation.

[@stevecrump1375]

Just what i needed to know for a new build. ...perfect timing 🙋

[@roha2317]

Great video and well explained, Doddy would have been proud

[@joshuac1364]

I love these maintenance videos. I’ve only hit maybe a dozen trails on my new trek and I’m already wanting to disassemble and clean it.

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

Thank you brotha!!

[@davidmorris8121]

My Trek carbon XC bike has BB90 (press/remove the bearings by hand), & despite that system having a bad rep, mine's been almost fuss free. I say 'almost' because, compared to a more sealed system, BB90 needs more frequent stripping down/inspecting/cleaning, IMO. But the bike's nearly 11 years old, so I can vouch for it! VERY good video, Rich!

[@Jacob99174]

Super informative, thanks!

[@rupedog]

Nice job Rich.

[@ianhill20101]

Gives squeaky clean a whole new meaning

[@1hutchy2go]

Rich good video get rid of the comb over looks terrible.

[@JayGee6996]

agreed, embrace it. It's 2021 no one cares if you have a bald patch, lop off the hair and forget about it

[@GM-jd2qi]

@@JayGee6996 Dam Straight !! loose the hair , keep the beard , it will improve your look 1000% Rich just do it !!!

[@Jacob99174]

@@JayGee6996 lol

[@olddude8889]

Love the comb over!

[@jeffwertz8108]

Nice job Rich!!

[@costasgavras4115]

Great video, thanks!

[@alandumais2080]

Awesome videos guys. Appreciate it!

[@ThunderStruckMTB]

Thank you Santa Cruz for my threaded BB.

[@bigwave7207]

That’s why I buy Santa Cruz. Pressfits are stupid.

[@JayGee6996]

Hello Hambini fans!!

[@neilcheshire5726]

Nice one Rich!

[@Fabio1532]

super, thank you!!

[@chrisivens3413]

#askgmbntech There are now several press-fit bb maintenance videos but it would be really good to do one for threaded bb's. Questions to cover include: where and when to grease, when to strip down, which bb's are re-greasable and which are sealed units, how much do bb's cost, do you need special tools, where does creaking come from in the bb and many more.

[@Alexandros_Patsialidis]

Finaly 💪🏼 Thanx 🙏🏼

[@rcs2003]

Threaded BB forever

[@ihatefsi]

At least we don’t have to worry about cross threading our frames

[@rcs2003]

@@ihatefsi haha. Weak excuse

[@harveybrooks2597]

@@ihatefsi Nobody cross threads a bottom bracket unless they're a complete tool.

[@ANTheWhizkid]

It´s the Tech channel :) What do I care about his hair cut game. I wanna soak up the knowledge and hes got plenty - I ended up on the vogue channel, if i wanted beauty advises. Super nice content, guys! Cheers.

[@crayefish]

I think Rich is even better than Doddy! Controversial I know... Really good fun to watch his videos. Great presenting style.

[@lukeonthestork]

Thanks Rich' that was well explained. Need to look at mine ASAP! Creak, Creak ;-(

[@felicetanka]

I like Rotor cranks. Thx

[@user-rc9ff5gc8i]

Why I will never get that super nice Yeti. Press fit on anything but a ultra light XC bike is to me a corner cut. Still a good how-to.

[@jonathancole9829]

I've had my pf30 bb in my Capra AL for 4 years and it's never creaked once. I've never removed the cups from the frame, just tapped the bearings out of the cups and pressed new bearings back into the cups. 5 minute job.

[@Will99x]

That's lucky, you can't always press out the bearings as many cups have a lip on the inside, do you know what brand BB it is?

[@jonathancole9829]

@@Will99x it's a RaceFace

[@autoSRI]

@@Will99x have a look at blind bearing pullers as they clamp to to tinnier race f the bearing and don’t need the back face

[@JohnTheBlindMilkman]

not gonna lie, I was low key hoping for a cake recipe in the middle of BB installation

[@joshuac1364]

That would have been a nice touch

[@mattomann1093]

When you are pressing in bearings, you should always do one at a time because they will go in a lot straighter that way. In the case of a BB, just take a big washer and put it on one side of your press while you press in the opposite bearing. It's also much safer to use an adaptor for the specific bearing that you're working with. If you do not have that luxury, take the old bearings and grind a layer off on the outside so that they can't get stuck in the shell. That way you are pushing evenly on the races avoiding any damage to the new bearing!

[@doonhilla]

Is Rich sporting a rather dashing comb over??

[@oakleypayne-meyer7534]

haha yea I was gonna say the sam lol. Poor dude, balding before his time

[@SG-cx9fn]

Haha yep, studio lights not doing him any favours there !

[@danmartinez9497]

It distracted from the BB replacement

[@CordlezToaster]

This was entertaining

[@skotsephrenia1]

Hi...can you use grease by any chance on those carbon frame PressFit BB? Thank you mate

[@mikerotchburns1622]

thx for the video, you convinced me to take this to the lbs. i also will never buy another press fit bb bike again!

[@wadeholden7380]

Wish I had a crank that easy to get out 😳✌🏻

[@clemens8744]

What bearing-extraction/installation tool do you use? I've been searching for on online for days and I can't find a decent one

[@Robinators]

And there are presfit threded BBs too

[@carlosfallas2169]

I recently replaced a threaded BB on my Rocky mountain bike, I replaced it after 12 years of service.

[@bigwave7207]

Great video! But I would never ever buy a bike with a pressfit. I learned the hard way too.

[@iainmo118]

What would you recommend as an alternative to Park tool AP-1, I can't find the stuff available anywhere!

[@ChrisBusinsky]

I've been searching for awhile through the forums. I have a 2016 Trek Stach that I inherited from a friend and I'm in the process of rebuilding it. One issue I had was with the cranks torqued to spec they put so much pressure on the pressfit bearings that the cranks barely spin freely. Whomever installed them didn't take the time to do it correctly. I was looking to find a slightly lower profile pressfit bottom bracket as all I need is a few mm, but I had the thought today to REMOVE the preload collar on the 30mm Hope Crankset. That did the trick it left me with about a .5mm space which I filled with a spacer and it was fixed. My question is, is it okay to run the cranks WITHOUT the preload collar? If I could find a thinner replacement collar that would work to which might actually help me fine tune it a little easier. Appreciate the help.

[@johnnygunz2300]

So a head press tool can be used for bb if careful but can a bb press tool serve as a headset press tool? Looking to buy one tool in the future should I need it

[@john_john_john]

Absolutely don't take my word for it, I've never done it myself, but an appropriately sized socket wrench and bolt can be used to remove and install bushes on car suspensions. They're press fit too, and the wrench works like a sort of press. If anyone is looking into doing this job themselves and doesn't have a bb/headset press, maybe search online how car mechanics install suspension bushes, it may help you. Also, the ammount of grime on those cranks is strongly persuading me to take mine apart lol

[@camperp195]

Long thread,two nuts two washers and two square washers do exactly the same job ,cost....£5 how much are bearing press tools 🤔🤔🤔

[@hannahbruni6051]

Have a headset bearing press Park Tool Hhp-2, what drifts/bottom bracket adapter cups can I buy for my tool? Thanks!

[@oakleypayne-meyer7534]

finally someone on gmbn NOT running those frozen moss grips..... thank god

[@jamiekerby864]

Hi have a cannondale scalpel which has an 83mm width bottom bracket tube. I have recently purchased a Hope PF46 Stainless Steel Bottom Bracket - 30mm, however when I go to install the bracket casing protrudes about 12mm on the drive side and 10mm on the other, therefore is this correct?

[@bikepackingadventure7913]

We all know why press fit BB’s creak and it’s not the BB itself.............. 😁😁 One word - tolerances 😏😉😉

[@jamesscott1198]

Park Tool Adhesive Primer AP-1 is like gold dust. What alternatives are there?

[@kirstyarnold814]

Please help, What best for my aluminium frame and nylon cups? Thanks

[@mojo3398]

i noticed that that plastic cup between the bearings ist somehow cracked open in my pressfit bb (no idea how, noticed it after it came back from the shop for swapping the main pivot). i just installed the cranks again and it's fine. but is this actually a problem? can moisture get in there somehow? from the seat tube or something?

[@bmaster7ify]

I have a Yeti SB130 with a bb92 and it is Dub. What is the proper tool to buy to remove that size BB?

[@jonathancory7241]

Is it possible to replace a pressfit BB with a threaded one?

[@nivdoron1439]

How about using Loctite 641 without primer for a carbon frame?

[@michaelrobinson9111]

What do the compounds cost ? Aswell as specific tools, it cant be cost effective doing it yourself..can it ?

[@erobertson1417]

Frames/QC are often the problem with BB wearing out quickly.

[@BassSwirls]

The industry doesn't care anymore.

[@barryray275]

This is a great advert for using your local bike shop.

[@lewisatkinson7277]

Great vid, thanks. Timing couldn't be better. How tight should you go when using the press-fit tool? So as not to over-tighten. Cheers

[@joshuac1364]

Looks like until it’s seated and there’s no gap. You can take a set of calipers and see how deep it’s supposed to go

[@lewisatkinson7277]

@@joshuac1364 Yes, but once there is no gap, how tight do you go?

[@rupedog]

Fingers only firm....u just have to feel it, but no need to hang on it. 'Just firm'.

[@zp2010mo]

67ft lbs.😉 The further in they are the better!😉

[@fud1376]

Had one on my old Zesty..Never again....!!

[@MrSamBowers]

What happens if the crank shaft is still in the press fit bottom brackets? I can now answer my own question. I took a hammer and a carpenter pry bar turn flat and put it up against the crank and beat it out with the hammer hitting the flat end of the pry bar. I couldn't get the bearings out so I pitch the frame.

[@teamvergs1324]

do I need to use primer if my frame is aluminium? thanks

[@stevenrowlands8506]

How do I remove bb-al86 19mm bottom bracket and what tools to use

[@BeerMatt96]

Showing my age by getting more than a hint of Kenny Everett's DIY presenter Reg Prescott while Rich works on his bike. #OneForTheTeenagersThere

[@crookedcrank2566]

You talked about lots of combos of material, but I don't think you touched on nylon BB to Al shell. In this instance what do you use - just grease?

[@SGT2603]

I installed mine without anything.. Just cleaned. But i would like to know what is best when pressing nylon into AL too

[@joshuac1364]

It’s probably the same used to press nylon into carbon but I’m definitely not an expert

[@dougsscalemodels]

Well, aluminum won't react with nylon so nothing HAS to be used but retaining compound still serves the same purpose regardless of frame material, it fills any gaps between the two and prevents the two parts from moving independently of one another. Thus helping to eliminate the possibility of creaks.

[@rupedog]

Retaining compound. Never grease....allows movement, but u cant hear it!

[@ChrisLeadley]

Best to check, I did mine recently and the manufacturer recommended using silicone RTV, just strong enough to act as a retaining compound but will 'let go' when you need to replace the BB again.

[@caramba10]

Can you suggest what brand tools I should buy :)

[@JayGee6996]

Buy what you can afford. If you’re on a budget just about any brand will do the job, the more you spend the less likely they are to break. Park tool are good but they are overpriced and there is better quality out there, they usually have something for everything though

[@bayarearob]

Can I replace my threaded press with a threaded cup

[@Stussy787]

What compound would I use if pressing in anodised alloy cups (Chris King) into a carbon frame?

[@Basement_CNC]

2:48

[@rupedog]

Retaining compound.

[@brianmasson2120]

Check with the frame manufacturer, some say to use retaining compound, some say dry, some say to use teflon grease. Follow their directions to maintain your warranty

[@Bear-Jew]

I see that BB removal tool is not so good if you had to make a "cut" in the video when wacking it.

[@sepg5084]

So much bike-specific chemicals. I hope there was a version of this that used generic hardware stuff. Bike-specific stuff have too much markup.

[@ianhill20101]

So an old seat post cut 2 slots in it and bend it outwards and wala bottom bracket shell remover

[@JayGee6996]

doubt a seatpost is the right material or thickness. You can get blind bearing puller kits for about £30, well worth buying

[@rupedog]

Yep, easy to make a pf bb remover...copy the prong design. Even if u buy an old post, still only couple £.

[@kjm-ch7jc]

No mention on steel or titanium frames.

[@ruleexe]

Do a video on a how to remove a seized Press fit bottom bracket

[@Sekhmet6697]

If the cups aren’t budging after hammering with reasonable force, stop. Don’t keep hammering or you can unbond the aluminum bb sleeve from the carbon frame. Remove the bearings and carefully cut the nylon cups with a dremel (sometimes a small cut releases most of the tension so try hammering the cups again every once in a while). To prevent the cups from seizing service them every year or so.

[@siddhant5068]

No Offence. But Rich is looking weird in Park Tool Apron.

[@teemu3370]

Masterchef anyone?

[@itarry4]

They wouldn't let him in a kitchen. Looks like he's wearing kids dungarees.

[@johnsonjay60]

Looks a lil fruity and tired or something

[@Hunter_Bidens_Crackpipe_]

Hammer and screwdriver, nuff said 🔨

[@RS-gq1fi]

Simply upgrade to the dub BB and you don't have to worry about about it

[@MrTheSkiper]

Anyone use Loctite 641 insted of park tool retaining compound?

[@nivdoron1439]

Exactly my question, and you might not need primer

[@LoamSlut]

When shopping around for a new frame anything with a press fit BB got an instant 👎

[@rupedog]

Yep....is a major factor in choice for me too. Tho do have a nice pf removal tool I made....never gets used now!

[@RocketMagnetUK]

Same here and threaded BB is a requirement also... I'd never buy a bike with PF as ease of maintenance is very important. Threaded is a really simple 5 minute job with 2 relly cheap tools, I've even changed a M8s threaded BB in the car park pre ride and is probably an easier job than replacing your pads with a threaded BB. One reason I no longer buy Yetis.. if I'm spending that sort of money the cost cutting of PF and extra maintenance faff is a deal breaker.

[@richardhaselwood9478]

No. I won't buy a bike with a threaded BB. Press fit is better in every way, stiffer, lighter, simpler. Threaded BB's are just a gimmick where bike manufactures admit they have crappy QA standards,

[@harveybrooks2597]

@@richardhaselwood9478 "Press fit is better in every way, stiffer, lighter, simpler" Only if you have the right bike/frame. "Threaded BB's are just a gimmick" No they were a way for manufacturers to cut the cost of threading a frame whilst boasting that their frames/cranks were marginally stiffer by removing the outboard bearings, only took a few years for most manufacturers to abandon pressfit and go back to threaded bottom brackets as it was not only causing a headache for consumers but for bike shops as well. Some manufacturers have made it work for them and some consumers have had no issues which is great but overall it's been a disaster.

[@LoamSlut]

@@RocketMagnetUK I was surprised to see Yeti uses press fit, not that I could afford one lol Also why I didn't go with a Rocky Mountain. Ended up ordering a Banshee Rune V3

[@screwyouyoutube5493]

looks nothing like my Scott. needed a special tool for both removing the crank and locking bolt for the bearing. Cannot get off the cassette side, needs completely different tool.

[@edt5276]

Too many commercials. Inadequate zooming.

[@fra93ilgrande]

I tried everything with specific tool but that BASTARD doesn’t remove still 🤬

[@SuperOlds88]

Not sure how good the tech advice was but he did a bang-up job of selling Park tools, which I suppose is the whole point of this video.

[@ridgebackdk]

5000 for a new bike and another for the tools to keep it moving.. seems we need new tools every bike

[@TheColson79]

I'm new to mountain biking but it seems like press fit brackets are a bad idea and It's hard to understand why they are used. They are low in the bike and exposed to the elements so they seem like they would require frequent service. Why make it so difficult to service on an expensive carbon fiber frame. Seems like everyone should be using the treaded type.

[@rich3633]

I recon it would be cheaper to buy a lathe and make your own tooling rather than buy all of these bike specific one job only tools. I dread to think what that bit of thin wall tube with some slits in it costs.

[@rich3633]

Just looked what that bit of all thread with some collars and a big wing nut cost... Wow. I recon the steel probably cost them 20 quid at most.

[@JayGee6996]

You can buy blind bearing pullers for £30 and they will do other jobs on cars and bikes too

[@retroonhisbikes]

Should be using Hambini bottom brackets, British made.

[@DanuelNuel]

Here we go Hambini worshipper :D

[@gingerb36]

The removal tool isn’t as useful if you have a 30 mm diameter crank spindle, although looking at the tools there’s bound to be two sizes 🤔🙄

[@cataca91]

Tou didnt even shown the part where you had to remove the second cup because its not as easy

[@drmoynihan]

Why don't all quality bikes have Threaded Bottom Brackets? My beautiful Commencal has a Pressfit BB - Why? This looks like one of those jobs that, if you do it too often you will ruin your bike. Buying tools for a job you will only do once every years is foolishness. Belonging to a community Bike Co-op ("collective" in my town) means that you do not have to own all the tools yourself. Unless you are going to open up a commercial bike repair shop, buying a quality bike stand (PCS-10.2) and a few tools is all you need for your home shop.

[@smallhatshatethetruth7933]

I'm running square taper, why am I watching lol?

[@Jacob99174]

Small hats mean small brains? Lol

[@danielazbell6416]

"Tolerances are so tight" no, the problem is that the tolerances are so shite. The majority of press fit frames are an embarrassment to precision manufacturing

[@BassSwirls]

Isn't this pressfit world shite... I so miss the good old UN51 days.

[@lonewolfmtb5060]

Rich great video but you gotta accept the comb over isn't working pal!! Looks like you dipped your hair in the chip pan.. shave it off!

[@DanuelNuel]

f* PF!!! long live threaded bb!

[@richardhaselwood9478]

Threaded BB's suck. Press fit anyday.

[@big_bird8597]

Fuck propriety tools and proprietary parts

[@vtecmossy]

Yeah I wouldn't buy a bike with press fit it's a terrible design

[@martsmith63]

What about your gloves?😅

[@teemu3370]

Seems like I will be giving Richaroo a chance to make me like him I dare ya

[@connorcampbell144]

The one person who disliked doesn't have a life

[@JayGee6996]

Was obviously doddy ;-)

[@connorcampbell144]

@@JayGee6996 I doubt Doddy would dislike the videos made by the company he works for, otherwise he would probably have been fired by now.

[@JayGee6996]

@@connorcampbell144 sorry I was joking, doesn’t come across well on the internet! There is always some who downvotes just out of spite

[@philb1639]

Highly recomends gloves, doesnt use them 😉

[@Muppetkeeper]

For the sake of god, take it to a decent bike shop and avoid buying all these tools just to mess it up anyway. And anyone using a hammer and piece of wood, please return your bike to the shop from which you bought it, you don't deserve it.

[@D91Mart]

🤡