Square Taper Bottom Bracket Service - How To Overhaul/Remove/Clean/Install

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

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[@paulnaude4203]

A great video and very helpful in helping me to plan and do my old bikes bearings. Cheers .

[@RickDelmonico]

1987 Schwinn Tempo 21".

[@kajkob]

This is STILL the best video on the subject.. RJ is the GOAT.

[@nobbyclark1346]

This is going to be a great help for me. The Park Tools Videos are all on expensive new bikes, but looks like this is more like my bike ! Thanks !

[@tomcatt998]

RJs videos R better than park tool one's

[@dugldoo]

Hey, Park Tools has lots of videos for older bikes. That's how I learned to maintain my fine 45 yo racing bike. But RJ does indeed have great detailed how-to videos for so many different situations. A great resource.

[@K.V.P14]

Park tools videos are the best on KZbin, they go through each possible scenario, Calvin is the best instructor you can get ! ( no dig at this video it is also very good)

[@B_COOPER]

Park tool is _mostly_ for the bike shop owner mechanic. But they know that Tim the Tinkerer is half of their audience as well. Park Tool is very good at recommending, let’s say a truing stand, but will also show alternatives like zip ties on the seat stays.

[@immanueldelcastillo6041]

I see we both came from the same place

[@anthonyorosco4262]

I liked your video! I’m overhauling an old cruiser bike given to me by my father in law. I’ve never worked on bikes before, so your information really helped. I also like fact that you’re straightforward and just instruct. Lots of KZbin hosts ramble on about their own personal stuff, or subject matter that isn’t related to the topic. A video that should take around 5 minutes takes 10 or 15 minutes because they like to hear themselves talk.

[@kevinhill4328]

I have watched this video so many times - incredibly clear and informative. Came back to it after replacing a shattered bearing cage on a Raleigh nitro - put the replacement cages on the wrong way round but RJ covered that and now all sorted.

[@michaelkirwan177]

Concise and enjoyable. Perfect narrative in that the procedure is always timed to fit the visual presentation provided by the camera-work. Confidence instilling to such a degree that even a novice can achieve a satisfactory result the first time out. The inclusion of variable possibilities is always covered and this is what makes RJ the "premiere" go-to guy for essential skills bicycle mechanic's videos. Always enjoyable.

[@mikeleiby6737]

Your videos I always come back to many times, clear, informative and good camera angle. Thanks !

[@johnpontaoe3637]

My bike in the shop to replace bottom bracket. This video helps me understand the details and appreciate the labor and special tools involved. Also thanks for describing and showing alternate types of parts used on different bikes

[@zr2982]

Excellent video, good camera work and very clear explanations. Great to see that people still take care of their old bicycles.

[@versatileduplicity9313]

Who else watches like 10 of these types of videos ro feel more confident in taking off your crank ?

[@jakovasaur]

I usually go to sites other than KZbin when pulling my crank.

[@borderlands6606]

Glad you changed the bearings. A lot of people go to all the trouble of removing a bottom bracket, then put the old bearings in! A worn or broken bearing will quickly destroy all the others and the cup. I used to go to a bike shop where the owner wouldn't use a new bearing if it fell to the floor, and would only insert them with fingers or a soft plastic tool. Loose bearings come in different grades and few of them are expensive, especially if bought from a bearing supplier. I mainly use sealed bearings now as they are so much better protected and aligned than the loose variety.

[@dat14u84]

This is the first KZbin video that I have seen in awhile.. you are amazing.. you help me fix my daughter's wheels l so I can fix her bike🎉🎉🎉 and now it is 7 we haven't eaten dinner because I was trying to get the dishes done and put her chain on until I watched your video and seen the problem! Thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you God bless you always

[@robbiestevens3162]

Thanks so much for this! All your videos are so informative and fun to watch and CLEARLY shot! You give me the confidence to go in and tackle all these jobs on the old frame I picked up for not much £p a few years ago! Thank you!

[@walterdalpiaz4349]

RJ, i've been watching your bike repair videos for a while now ( since my retirement couple yrs ago) and i have to thank you for such informative videos. I like that you cover topics over again, like this bottom bracket service. It helps the learning process (repitition), thank you and keep up the good work

[@robhall2108]

Brilliant video and gave me confidence to tackle my 1996 Peugeot racing bike Always been scared to refurbish bottom brackets but not any more Well done 👍🏻 for posting such an informative and helpful tutorial

[@hansdybka1331]

as usual i enjoy your thoroughness, clarity and clear depiction of the job at hand....cool and tks!

[@Vikingman2024]

great video, very well done! When installing the first row of bearings, held in place with the grease, you need to check it after hammering on the nut with the wooden mallet to make sure they have not fallen out of position.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

I have never had a problem.

[@jasterable]

I was thinking the same cause all that hitting made me think that the loose balls can fall out

[@jcd13able]

Even better, install the drive side cup first and hand tighten then install the spindle and then install the non drive side cup hand tight and then go back and start hammering the drive side cup in. That way the bearings won't fall out since the spindle holds them in place.

[@andrewbarrett7207]

Very useful indeed, as was your previous video on TA/Stronglight cranks. I have made use of your tips to remove the bottom bracket on my vintage bike, and thanks to your videos I think I am now reasonably confident I'll get it back on the road, and do the job properly.

[@rickearnest6431]

Great job, you do such a great job explaining...even the little things like proper placement of the bearings. Thank you!

[@majorpain1251]

Thanks RJ, saved me from searching for this episode. I have an old Specialized Sequoia that need the bottom bracket serviced. Not afraid to tackle it now.

[@musicgurupj4861]

You are just the KING of repairs RJ...Thanks..😾💪🏻

[@r.davies2702]

Just bought my first vintage bike. Swapped that type out for a cartridge BB, future proofing and saves me buying yet more BB tools.

[@wceager]

This was a great video! I just completed the overhaul of my bottom bracket on my 1970s Kabuki 12 speed. Turns out the spindle was installed backward. Maybe from the factory? The technique to find the right position for the chain ring crank is so important. There definitely was a better position on the square taper. It made a difference. I also replaced the caged bearings (9 @ 1/4") with 11 loose bearings. And Park Tool HPG. Thank you RJ.

[@BikeItUK]

Great tip about the writing on the spindle being right side up. You learn something new every day thank you! All the best Andy

[@kervilou5905]

very good job, RJ !!! light, sound, pictures, pedagogy ! very clear and interesting ! we save a lot of money with your vids ! thanks a lot ! mich from France

[@francoaliwalas5857]

Finally, a video tutorial that have a nice position of the camera, very informative and easy to understand and have the same crank of my bike. Thank You My Guy 😊 Love You So Much For Posting This Video❤️💖

[@Desi365]

Hey, this is the $30 Centurion ! Nice to see it coming back to life ! Dirty old tires make a bike ugly, need changing asap !

[@thebiggerbyte5991]

An excellent tutorial - will be servicing mine tomorrow! Thanks, RJ!

[@chrlmlln9018]

Dear, sir! A very big THANK to your very good and helpful instruction on how to overhaul the bottom bracket! I really needed your instructions! Wishing you all the best, please stay safe and healthy! Best regards from Sweden!

[@adamclark3428]

Brilliant video, super solid tutorial to help me restore my vintage bike

[@ipodgolfer13]

Let me share a story with you RJ. Recetly inherited a Carbon frame Dave Scott Triatholon bike maybe circa 1988ish, not sure. I was servicing the bottom bracket just like this one. Sat in a garage for 25-30 years and honestly was in amazing shape other than the usual things you need to swap out over time (tape, grease, cables, etc). As I'm putting the drive side bearing cup back in after cleaning and regreasing, I drop it and in my attempts to catch it, I punch it across the garage and then proceed to hunt down all eleven ball bearings for the next hour. Was not pleased. Didn't make that mistake again.

[@jcd13able]

You get only one shot while installing the cups, if you screw up then the ball bearings will be all over the place as you remove the cups and try again.

[@edyue1]

Thanks man, I didn't know that the drive side is clockwise, I was battling with it until I watched your video. Thanks, saved me a $ from taking it in the shop.

[@rchandos]

Me too! Was futily torquing away in the wrong direction, until I saw this video. Really helps when you turn it the right way!

[@treeefrogUK]

I always remember the rotation direction as: "left is right and right is wrong." On another note re grease on the square taper - that's a steel shaft and an aluminium pedal arm. Galvanic corrosion will soon join two dissimilar metals just from rainwater getting drawn into the gap between the shaft and the arm by capillary action - to say nothing of winter salt! I've needed an angle grinder to get a pedal arm off before now. With that in mind, I prefer a thin smear of grease on the taper, and take care not to overtighten the nuts/bolts.

[@fendermon]

@@treeefrogUK Great tips, tanks :)

[@albery1472]

Brilliant video. I just picked up my classic Miyata Le Mans bike from the most well known shop here in Dubai, and... the new bearings rub, so I suspect it's been overtightened. Sometimes you just have to buy your own tools and do it yourself. Thank you very much for all of your really informative, and well put together videos.

[@IsaacGonzalez-et2bq]

very useful. Now I know what I'm getting myself into. A few hours of work and several tools/materials which I don't have....I have a specialized rockhopper 2011 so not sure what I'll need yet, but this video I appreciate...

[@ZeroColdx911]

I just serviced my BB and that markings/letters do follow the way they should go in, helped me big time when installing it back. I used a caliper to confirm as well.

[@piyushrajput3907]

This is my second video which I am watching and the knowledge is just amazing, specially the reverse threading of the lock nut ... I subscribed

[@jimbob036]

Years ago when I was learning about bike maintenance, I was always told to leave a little bit of play in the bearings (wheels, crank, headset & pedals), so that the bearing surfaces couldn't grind together. Nowadays, on most of the videos I see, the advice is to have the bearings running smoothly, but with no play. Has this changed, or is it just a matter of preference?

[@Coaljet]

RJ, you are really talented at what you do. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@JackS947]

Such a helpful video. Thank you so much all the way from the UK!

[@pi416]

Great tutorial! Have used it for like the 3rd time when I need to take by bike apart, thanks for making it!

[@kimr.9906]

I have a 10-12 y/o Schwinn 21sp MTB and my local bike shop said it's not worth it. He said those $200 bikes at dept stores are sold as toys, and also how DOT don't recognize these bla bla. I'm gonna have to buy the tools and try it myself. Thanks RJ

[@tlecki1]

What a brill videos I've to say. Prob the best advisor on yt you are. I totally stuck with my bike repair at the moment but I'm watching you and moving forward step by step. Totay I stuck with cap removal on drive side but now I know I've to buy that specific tool

[@robeltesfay9755]

That's great job and it was very helpful lessons that's not easy to take the bearing of and replace on it. Thank you to your dedication

[@mattpohlhammer9482]

I appreciate hints about component orientation, such as being able to read the spindle markings right-side-up, when viewed from behind the bottom-braket. Older bikes can be so filthy-dirty that markings are not-so-obvious until after they are cleaned, so noting or photographing correct orientation can be difficult. I have a specific question about bearing grease. I see that your preference is for marine grease (StaLube blue, usually), and that you typically demonstrate OVERHAUL (complete tear-down, degreasing with mineral spirits, then reassembly of squeaky-clean cups, cones, and (often brand-spankin' NEW-replacement) ball-bearings. This is right-and-proper procedure - No argument. However, I'd be curious to learn if you would contemplate a less thorough maintenance in which the bearing-set is RE-LUBRICATED by adding fresh grease to existing grease (assuming it's clean enough). If so, is there a concern about mixing dissimilar grease formulations? Lithium-base grease is most common, but Poly-Urea grease is also available, such as is used in the popular Park Tool PPL-1 PolyLube 1000 "green" grease.

[@howardk04]

All of your videos really help me on my bike so thanks

[@zone7629]

Good video for those of us with older frames and not the new shit. Thanks.

[@robertferriter6908]

RJ- Bike Guy-thank you for your wonderful and insightful video. I was stuck with my Bridgestone 400, but you walked me through it. Excellent product knowledge that I can't get anywhere else, and well put together as well. Thanks again.

[@crispernator]

I have just done this i had to do it in reverse as i couldnt get the non drive side crank of while on the bike thought i had stripped the thread using the crank remover ,got it into a vice and tried the remover again and it came of watching your videos are good as you explain the procedures well my bike doesnt have that plastic thingo inside the framework and looking at the cranks i think someone else has had a go at them before me and they probably forgot to put it back in dont think it will matter much though .

[@thetalkingfly]

RJ- perfect instructions thank you! Cheers, TTF

[@meadows408]

Thanks for the video. I've had trouble with a couple of old bikes getting the threads on the bottom bracket clean, they felt gritty when I was trying to install the cups. My solution was to use some detailers clay to press into the threads and it cleaned them out pretty well. I think silly putty would also work.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3rVcnqGZ5eJaZY

[@jeremyrichards8327]

These old style cup bearings are fun to adjust to get perfect smoothness. Even tightening the locking can move the cup slightly outwards. Trial and error and a lot of patience.

[@user-yu2fv1zn4v]

I do not understand your language but looking I could understand a little more. Greetings I send you from ARGENTINA Villa Mercedes S.L Note: I speak Spanish and translate this text using the Google translator

[@geoffreycarter3981]

@Nobody Special Auto translate in the KZbin video settings.

[@_EDDE_]

👍 Amazing!!!! So informative!!! Best Bike-Guy in the world!!! Thank you sooo much, RJ!!!!

[@curt5288]

Ive been figuring out this stuff for hours! THANKS!

[@explosivemallard8038]

The crankset stuff is so surprisingly complex and un-standardized, it annoys me every time I think about them. Oh and all the specialized tools... Sometimes bikes seem like a scam.

[@cee1894]

Thanks RJ, your site is the place to go when I need to know. Really helpful.

[@jcd13able]

One thing that will become apparent later on is while riding for couple miles the bearings could develop play so it's possible to tighten the non drive side cup with the crank arms installed because the tools have cut outs in them to allow them to be inserted onto the cups. So after riding for couple miles, you can adjust the bearing pre load again, hopefully with the chain off the chainring.

[@tobyhart2149]

Super helpful, very detailed explanation! Life saver 🙏🏻

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dogphlap6749]

This video shows exactly what I wanted to see. Thanks very much.

[@dogphlap6749]

I obtained the specialised puller and removed the non-chain side crank. What surprised me was the amount of force I had to use i.e. I needed a 1m long breaker bar on the centre bolt of the puller and a 1m tube over the supplied spanner to separate the crank from the square shaft end. I was expecting a 'crack' like you get when separating the ground steel taper surfaces for a track rod end on a car but no, the separation was slow and took place over at least a full turn of the puller centre bolt. Still all good. With the crank off it was a matter of a minute to adjust out the excess play in the bike's bottom bracket. Another surprise was that my time to complete my morning ride has dropped from around 15:17 to 14 something so I guess the slack in the bottom bracket bearings was somehow absorbing some of my pathetic leg power. Who knew that would happen ?

[@cooltunesmadeeasy]

Best tutorial ever got me through my replacement thank you

[@thepunisher1951]

omg sir, thank you so much, I don't know what to say, you just saved my life, I'll remember this.

[@fixierya]

Mantaaap, penjelasannya lugas dan jelas bahkan walaupun tidak mengerti keseluruhan bahasa yg digunakan pun masih sangat jelas penjelasannya dan satu lagi menggunakan alat yg sesuai membuat enak untuk dilihat... Persis model bottom bracket yg terpasang di sepeda minion ku

[@stevelampley2591]

This was most instructional! Fun as well.

[@rickyvann8679]

Thanks r j , first time viewer and bike maintenance on my just recently found rusty murray from behind the tool shed . Good informative video.

[@johnlindsay3647]

Always remember that when I was doing my one-piece cranksets as a kid balls out it's a crude term but it works every time you can remember of all balls out

[@SanchoSanto]

This looks like the bracket I need to do maintenance on. I found a beat up bike that someone left on the curb. It is not an expensive one but I hate to see so much waste and a cheap bike is the perfect platform to practice on. I've used your videos to replace the axles, bearings, and derailleur but there is till a clicking noise coming from the bracket.

[@duncandee2514]

Another brilliant video from RJ 👍👍😎

[@jcd13able]

One can use silver sharpie to put marks onto the faces of the cups and bottom bracket to mark the preload position or to ensure that overtime the lock ring hasn't moved, etc. Same with marking the chainring crank arms to the tapered spindle on reinstall.

[@crdiazmunoz]

Thank you for taking the time in making this helpful video.

[@mikebrock1965]

Thanks a lot. This was the best video I could find. Had to replace the bearings on my Schwinn. But didn't have the plastic dust shield.

[@davideulivieri5138]

Very well done, nice & clear explanation. Very informative, as always!

[@dougrobinson9236]

Thanks for the links for the tools. I was trying to use a crescent wench to take off the bracket on the drive side but it wasn't working. The tool you used should work a lot better. Thanks

[@briteidea08]

Just overhauled one on a department store bike. Looked like a cartridge style from outside the cups. Tapped lightly on the grooves to remove. Discovered two things about the bike. One: There was only oil on the bearings. Two: There is a hole leading to the seat post tube from the bottom bracket. After reassembly, I pulled the seat tube and stuck my grease gun hose down there. Pumped grease down there.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

I am doubting pumping grease in to that hole will get the grease to the bearings where it needs to go.

[@briteidea08]

@@RJTheBikeGuy Very true! But there's definitely grease in the bottom bracket now. Lol The hole was about 1/2" in size. The hose tip was hitting the spindle. Pumped a good bit of grease down there. I do plan on making a plunger out of some rubber gasket material and dowel. Thanks for your great videos also.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

This why those holes are there: davesbikeblog.squarespace.com/blog/2013/2/18/vent-holes.html

[@briteidea08]

@@RJTheBikeGuy Yeah I remember reading something about those holes in the 1994 Bridgestone catalog. Not planning to stress too much over this bike. It was a worn Wal-Mart return that made its way back to the shelf. Half price is what sold it. It will be used around where I work or maybe on some property I own down south. Keep the vintage and more expensive bikes home. Just getting the kinks out of this one.

[@cinnamongmc5430]

@@RJTheBikeGuy I thought they were purge holes for welding process. Yes, this women was a welder👷‍♀️

[@tech2171]

Really helpful thanks, just what I needed to know.

[@davidknibbs9646]

RJ, It's a canndale in nice condition other than the crank needing bearings replaced 😢 yard sale my cousin again needs to be fixed.

[@gutierrezc8709]

Best video on the subject. Thanks.

[@allankelly652]

Very easy to follow and great detailed info. Cheers lad!

[@oghenefejiro3540]

Great tutorial 👍🏾! Got some worthy knowledge from it . Thanks ! Kudos 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@RandyDarkshade2]

You can use a hammer and flat head/slotted screwdriver to remove the lock ring, but that can damage the notches for the hook wrench. A hammer can be used to remove the cranks BUT it will damage the cranks so a hammer should only be considered if you do not wish to reuse the cranks (such as if the teeth have gone on the chain rings) Otherwise the proper tools is always the best way to go.

[@HamBone123456789ten]

All your videos are super clear and helpful. Thanks.

[@martyspeilburg5642]

Thanks a lot for explaining the minute details; those are what really help.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Bikecampcook]

Needed this today thanks so much saved me time and worked a treat.

[@xtman693]

My 1985 Diamond Back Apex had the Biopace sprockets. I remember having to adjust that set up, snug but not too tight. Even kept well greased the spindle would always get pitted over time.

[@jezohare3013]

thank you, best video from all I watched

[@mauricioorantes9809]

Kinda a weird question but this servicing of bottom bracket be done yearly or only when something is obviously wrong? How long does this service last approximately?

[@johnmcdonald6990]

Nice video. I have found that my "feel" for play can be inaccurate unless I have the drive side crank installed and use its leverage to detect play which I adjust before installing the other crank arm.

[@rchandos]

Same here. I find it necessary to go just a hair tighter so as to end up with no play when re-assembled.

[@playforplayforplay]

I have a bike that has the fixed cup basically sealed to it, is there any recommendations on how to deal with thar? do you think heat would be my best bet?

[@steeveknight1079]

Yep! Still soo good. Covers everything.

[@zakdk1]

...thanxs RJjust ,done one of these exact the same way last week ,watching this video assured me that i done it propely .

[@williamsteele8891]

Thanks for the great video! Much great advice on getting my old schwinn traveler 3 back on the bike trail.

[@jakedalida2938]

Hello, been watching your videos and i learned a lot. If i may ask, my bottom bracket seems very hard to spin, do i need to replace it or just regrease it?

[@davidknibbs9646]

Thanks for guy's like you . I just took off the bottom bracket and because it was making noise and I took it off and it was rusty inside of there but no plastic insert and I didn't count how many bearings in there. But I think something was holding the bearing in place its all rusted in there fell apart. Remember it was full of rust. Should I try to inspect the bearings or replace them and can I use packing grace for the bearings 😢😊

[@johnr625]

Great, well explained, informative video. Thank you

[@steveholcomb1904]

Excellent: you are a true teacher, thank you

[@choobv2]

Thanks RJ. That was really clear and really helpful. Specially that you mentioned the cartridge type, whuch is what mine is.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Glad it helped!

[@edkasch]

@@RJTheBikeGuy are free bearing type bottom brackets (like what you have here) and the sealed cartridge type interchangeable? just overhauled and was wondering if it would be an upgrade...Thanks again for the confidence building tutorial. I loved the cold setting video, too.

[@johnnicholoft6163]

Nothing went according to vid. Everythread and the stem taper fits were seized- only thing that save the day was a bigger handle. Had to get a automobile gear puller! to pull the crank arms. The bike toolset I bought had tools that were way too flimsy for the task. The vid gave me the method to follow, which is greatly appreciated.

[@patrickpotter8575]

Thanks. Wasn't sure of the direction of removal.

[@JamesBond-hy4kv]

Nice work. Wonder if the bike would take a new group set after the rear triangle and drop outs have been adjusted.

[@wannadzhan3058]

Thank you very much for your information.I learn so much in this video

[@rchandos]

Excellent demonstration, thank you!

[@howardk04]

You should do a video replacing twist shifters because it would really help a lot

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/q162YZuFoKmKrZI kzbin.info/www/bejne/npnTkH2sjs9gaqs kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKGmo2iwfZyeeMk