How To Remove/Install Sealed Cartridge Bottom Bracket
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- Опубліковано 9 лют 2025
- I show how to remove and install a sealed bearing cartridge type bottom bracket. These are really cool and are a great upgrade for a vintage bike. I installed one on my 1990 Trek 1000 replacing the original caged bearings set up. This bike is a mid 90's Mongoose Sycamore mountain bike.
This is an updated version of the tools I used: Park Tool BBT-22:
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No silly music, camera in focus, clear concise instructions, I salute you
I was wondering I left feeling smarter without the headache - great video.
Ditto, excellent!
As close to perfect instructional video as you can get. No flashy transitions, no screaming/yelling, no jump-cuts, and as you stated, no distracting music. I have always liked RJ's videos for these reasons....and of course, I often learn from them.
Yes!!
Finally...someone on the internet that explained it correctly in a free to view video, thanks !!!!! this really helped me - Nick
Thank you so much for this! I was about ready to throw my Trek dual sport off a cliff after bringing it to a shop twice this year for the creaking and clicking. A couple hours , about $30 in tools and a $15 part ..... I fixed it myself and I am back to loving my bike! I appreciate you , RJ!
Wow I would stop going back to them
Of all the videos I’ve watched.. this guy is the easiest to follow and understand .. thanks !!
ALWAYS appreciate clarity and demystifying bike maintenance. I just bought a new crankset and was a little concerned about the bottom bracket. I feel MUCH better now.
Great video! I have never messed with one of theses before so i wanted some visual instructions first before i attempted this on my own. Honestly this is one of the better ones i have seen. Definitely subscribed!
My old Trek 370 started creaking recently, came back to watch this vid before replacing the sealed bottom bracket cartridge...thanks again RJ, I should be good to go for another thousand miles on that old trusty bike now :)
way more than a thousand miles...
It looks like that I am little by little able to do everything on bikes thanks to you!! Very clear and thank you very much!
I regularly leave positivecomments on RJ the bike guy. He is easy to follow and I rarely go wrong when i do follow him. The key is the more you do the easier it is
I installed one of these a long time ago, needed a refresher to see how to do it, thanks!
I finally managed to remove my bottom bracket which I installed myself. It wouldn't budge at all using spanners and extensions. The core problem was holding the bb removal tool in place while you turn the spanner. The side that jammed was as in 2:16, ie the second side. After months of delay and thinking what I should do, I used two bb removal tools and an F-clamp with some lax on the other side (the other side was fitted in 90% in). This was just in case this side also turned when you unscrew the other side. There was no problem with flying bb tools now as the whole setup seemed secure. I used my foot and body weight on the spanner which I covered with some old clothing to prevent slipping. But for suspense the thing just wouldn't move. I thought perhaps I had turned the wrong direction but I put my faith in the instructions here and kept on trying.
I was in disbelief when I felt the bb tool actually moved and had to check the changed position of the spanner to confirm my luck.
Key: 1 Don't over tighten the bottom bracket a slight nudge after the caps stop moving in at the end of the thread is sufficient. If you ride a lot it pays to change or clean the bottom brackets on a regular basis.
2 Don't scrooge on the grease. The more the merrier. This time I greased the entire tunnel so water doesn't stick to the metal surfaces; and both the male and female threads.)
I've used that kind of anti-seize maintaining factory machines for decades. Nothing ever came loose from it until I wanted to take it apart. It saves so much trouble!
Very useful, many thanks: I've been looking about for some kind of instructions and this was the clearest and most concise I've found.
Right, I'm off to fit my BB on my bike...
ETA: Subscribed first...
I'm glad you only applied a "little" anti seize to them threads, Lordy-Lordy. Besides the pun, thanks for this vid. Now i can finish practicing on the wifey's bike.
Just signed in to thank you in kind for sharing this knowledge. My bike started squeaking from the bb and I needed to service it. I love riding and when my bike goes down and I can't ride, it is a bummer. Thanx again from the sunny and mild central coast of California.
Way cool... I now have the bottom bracket removed and ready get a new one installed. Thanks for the Video that actually makes sense and is easy to follow. :)
Once again ..saved me time and service call...Getting sqweeks from my bottom bracket from an old Giant mt bike...I changed the perals which helped alot but stilla faint sqweek...but was wondering how to change the bearings...now I know...thx..Pastor Chuck
ua-cam.com/video/84YpHC6523s/v-deo.html
First class videos top man RJ best videos on UA-cam
Do you have to do left side first ?
Hey RJ The bike guy can you make a video showing how to measure the bottom bracket to show how you can get the right size that you need for your bike
Bike Perv yes rj plssss
can I switch that for a euro bottom bracket?
Thank you. All clear. I have aluminum frame and old one completely stuck. Doesn't help even two feet pry bar with half drive. It's good idea to use torch or it's danger for aluminum ?
(no worry about paint, frame will be repainted after overall completed ) ?
Thought maybe you would mention cleaning the frame threads before reinstalling
and apply fresh grease.
My bike shop pulled out his whole tool box and sayed to me simply,you need all these tools that cost about 2 grand to reamove your crank bearings but I can do it for cheaper.Now I watch your video I was dam,ass,hustler lol.Its easy besides the ard to start stuff.lol
Thank you for showing what in need to know.
I just got some free parts from a friend, I got a Shimano sealed like this in your video, but one of the screw ins is plastic?
I have had so much trouble with these in the past.Had to put a bolt through the tool and hold it in place on the bracket.Then put that in the vice and turn the whole frame .These can be almost seized in solid.Extremely tight after sea water/perspiration and steel against aluminum.EXTREMELY hard sometimes.Gotta make sure you turn the tool or frame the right way!!
ua-cam.com/video/SJ1qosxTGbY/v-deo.html
Thanks, I got a Trek Earl last year and the bottom bracket is noisy when I peddle. I'm thinking of hobbying bikes so the first project will be looking at the Earl's bottom bracket. Thanks for the how to!
M was extremely tight too. So tight that I literally thought it was stuck in there forever. However, I did eventually get it out which was great. I first soaked it in WD40 (pour/spray copiously down the seat tube so that it pools at the bottom, and soak the outside of the BB shell around the threads in WD40 also). Then pour a full kettle full of boiling water over the BB shell (frame upside down). Pour it over slowly so that the boiling water has time to warm up the metal frame. The water shouldn't damage the paint job at all, but maybe mask off sensitive areas such as brakes.Then as immediately as possible fit a large, strong piece of metal pipe (~1m long) over a large adjustable spanner connected tightly to the BB tool. Lever down on the end of the pipe for maximum torque. It should finally begin to unscrew now. Worked for me where all other methods failed. Hope it works anyone else too.
I will try that. I am just concerned with mine as the notches are already damaged and sheer force may damage them even more
+Philo201269 Yeah that would be a slight worry. If I were you I would brace the removal tool tightly against the BB shell, strap it even? And also put some blocks under the tool so the force from the lever isn't getting to bend it down (as opposed to just purely rotational). Good luck! The hot water worked really well for me, so make sure you pour lots over it.
If you have a plastic cup on one side, try removing the metal side first.
If you have a plastic cup on one side, try removing the metal side first.
Better to use penetrating oil like Liquid Wrench, etc., superior to WD40. Even better many claim a 50/50 mix of acetone and automatic transmission fluid is tops. That and several applications over time.
Great video but seem that my left side is small then the bbt22 ? Any advice on show to take it off ?
Can these bottom brackets be opened and have their bearings cleaned and regressed? Or are we stuck with having to replace the whole bottom bracket?
So, how do you know the BB size of the cartidge and special tool? And how do you know the size+type of crank to specify for the cartridge?
Nice tips, this is quite detail compare to others... I subscribe, bro!!
A beautifully thought out and photographed how-to. You got the light just right and the camera real tight so you could see everything in detail.
Have an old Raleigh frame, want to do an upgrade. Want to use a sealed bottom bracket, any idea what measurements it would be? Thx....
If you were to torque it what would you torque it too? And torqued necessarily?
I have a sealed cartridge bottom bracket called Truvativ Giga X Pipe ISIS.
I understand the ISIS is the fitting but what does the GXP mean?
If I want to replace my crankset does that mean I need it to be specific to ISIS and GXP?
Thanks
I love your are always helping us with the knowledge of how to fix bikes live long RJ
Can I just use regular grease rather than the anti seize lubricant? Thanks for the videos!
I'm rebuilding this frame that has a 68mm BB Shell. I accidentally bought a 74mm bottom bracket. Will this still work?
I've found that a long metal pipe over the wrench does the job very well
Will the blue marine grease suffice; I don't have the other stuff?
hard job to do the bottom bracket removable not easy first time. the park tool 22 bottom bracket slipping out and is 3/8 wrench is small tool with no power leverage. the Pedro bottom tool 1/2 wrench is big with long bar you are strong man
is a 68x123.5mm square taper bottom bracket an incredibly rare size? i cannot find it even as an option anywhere sizewise. do i have any other options? i see 122.5 for some, but i know 1mm can be a huge difference sometimes... thanks for any guidance.
This video was really helpful. Cheers! Got me old banjaxed bottom bracket off and replaced.
I love RJ the bike guy!
My Huffy Outlier bike cheap bearings ring broke at 2200 miles. So local bike guy is putting in sealed bearing bracker. How many miles can I expect? I don't ride trails, just roads and sidewalks.
I remembered when my first time installation of this that I have no proper tools and I tighten it with just a hammer and a nail. ^_^
Me too, 2 weeks ago, but my dad showed me a better way
Would this be the same tool to remove ISIS style bottom brackets? Do you have the link to this tool? Thanks
While you have that BB out... i would take a brush and clean up the inside of the BB hole and put a layer of water proof-anti-seize grease, then put the BB back thru and finish up.. I see rust inside and cleaning that up and putting a layer of protection will help avoid future problems.
Is there a chance to damage the frame threads by removing the bb, let's say if it's really stuck?
Thanks again RJ your the Man Dude 😎💜
I much prefer old cup and cone bb,at least i can get them off to service
One time I had to put the tool in a vice and turn the bike.So tight.Sometimes I have to put a 8mm 1mm pitch bolt through the tool with some washers on to stop it slipping out.They can be VERY hard to get out because of corrosion etc.
There is always this: ua-cam.com/video/SJ1qosxTGbY/v-deo.html
I have a few questions about a bottom bracket on a 3900 trek and what tools I need to remove it so I can figure out what new one I need. Learning very slowly about repairing my own bikes as its expensive threw my LBS.
The tools vary depending on the bottom bracket. If it's got a sealed cartridge BB like the one in this video, you will likely need the tool used int he video. If you have an older square taper BB, then there are different tools. I will need to figure out what tools you need. They aren't too hard to figure out by looking at the BB and the tools. I have multiple videos with BBs.
Is there anyway to communicate so I could send a picture?
shyflirt1 its a 2008 trek 3900 still seems to have the original bb and crank on. Ive looked at treks archive site with no luck
You can post it over on my FB page: facebook.com/RJTheBikeGuy
Is this tool a 20 tooth? Also anti seize is great stuff. I had it on a freewheel I hadn't removed for years and when I did it came right off.
20 tooth? The BB tool? Not sure I'd have to go count.
Once had to hold the tool in with a bolt in the spindle and put the tool in a vice and turn the frame to get out the right hand side.Incredibly tight.Thought I would bend the frame.
ua-cam.com/video/lqLjzICoBks/v-deo.html
Clear instructions, bravo!
Hey RJ. I wonder if you have ever opened a bb like this, only to remove the spindle and use it for the fixed cup style of bb. I tried to google it but no success.
I have a fixed cup style of bb, bought new cranks and the spindle is too long for them. Chainline is way off.
It seems to be cheaper to buy a new bb-un25 for example, cut it open and remove the spindle, than it is to order just the spindle.
Do you think it could be done? Thanks.
How long should this repair last before you have to repair it again?
Problem, I just bought a new square taper, threaded and sealed bottom bracket, much like the one in the thumbnail. The cups or whatever they're called on each side will barely turn and I cannot remove either one in order to insert it into the bike. It's English threaded and I know I'm turning it correctly. Using the correct tool, a breaker bar, and vice grips and it barely turns but will not loosen up. Am I missing something?
sir can i use just a regular bike lube or grease instead of the kind of lube that your using. coz u cant find that kind of lube here where i live. thnks
Just finished removing (and then disassembling and greasing) the Shimano sealed cartridge unit in an old Schwinn Mt. bike, following this excellent tutorial. Thanks much!!!
how do you disassemble a sealed BB? I just got mine out and have no idea how to access the bearing to apply grease.
Very helpful video Bike Guy.. My first rebuilt ever.. The worst case scenareo for me..nothing would remove the cranks except for an angle grinder! replace chainset and BB anyway.. running perfect... After a thief stole my new MTB i decided to rebuild my old one and learnt heeps by doing it... Turn bad into good! and buy some serious D LOCKS too
Full Moon Party Video Sorry your bike stolen. I m surprised about the cranks. I have never had that much trouble getting them off with a puller tool except for damaged threads.
Bikes about 12 Years old , they were totally seized/welded.. Fork Joint splitter had no effect!.. crank puller tore the threads out completely
Another method is to remove the crank retaining nuts/bolts and ride a couple miles. This will often loosen the arms, but can potentially damage the surfaces inside the arms where they mate with the spindle.
DANTDM
Thanks great video 😊 I had to use proper force to remove mine! I'm guessing they didn't use anti seize when it was built.
is there a case it can be over thighten I naught a sagmit bb it kinda feel like heavy even on low gear ratio?
Good video. I recently got a specialized hard rock and need to change the bb can you tell me if the drive side is reverse threaded on specialized bikes?
Usually.
RJ The Bike Guy thanks . I have been out of the bike work game for awhile and you have no idea how helpful your videos are and the fact you actually respond to your msgs means allot to me
One more question. When i removed my bike's crank arms, it took some force. Now when i put them back, is there anything i should consider? I mean i struggled a bit to remove them and now when screw them back, i would hammer the arms a bit to be sure that they're tightly seated? Drive side seems to be specially important because after i put the arms back, i hear hissing sound from sprocket when the gear is on 5 and up (8 gear Nexus). It didn't have any such sound before i replaced BB. So i guess chain wheel is not precisely aligned with the sprocket? I did my best to really tighten the arm screw.
Maybe you can help. I have a felt q520 with a th cartridge type bb, I have an FSA Afterburner that I want to install. My question is, can I and if so how can I use a PF30 system in the bike?
Cj my buttom bracket was made out of plastic and i tried removing it with a screw driver, and the teeth of the buttom bracket got worn out and there is no way to grip the buttom bracket. Any suggestions?
I, a bike newbie, have a few questions about the bottom bracket:
1. What are the symptoms of a bad or going bad bottom bracket(noise, pedaling feel, etc.)?
2. When do you determine that a bad BB need to be replaced or just fixing/fine-tuning and put it back?
3. What's the advantage/disadvantage of the sealed BB over the earlier unsealed BB?
4. What/where measurement(s) to look for on the BB so you can get the correct replacement BB?
If the BB is turning smooth and quiet, then it is likely fine. But if turning sticky or rough, or has excessive play, or many other possible problems, it needs to be looked at. Generally cartridge BBs are just replaced. Older BBs can be overhauled, cleaned and lubed, new bearings installed. As far as measurements, if varies by type of BB. Older square taper BB's you measured spindle length and BB shell width. Most BB's use british threading, but vintage french and italian bikes had different threading as well as older made in England Raleigh bikes. So I can't give you a simple answer as there are too many variables. You will have to do some research.
I've always used Phil Wood waterproof grease as my anti-seize on threads. Should I change? A mechanic taught me that years ago and I never thought about it since.
It will work fine. I use marine grease most of the time these days.
@@RJTheBikeGuy Great! I have a Pogliaghi from the 90's set up as a half step that I want to change to a half-step with granny, but the BB on it is so good that I've never had to overhaul it, so I've forgotten how some of this works. Your videos are so helpful since I can see old and new stuff. This bike is built up with 7 sp Suntour Accushift, which I really like, so I'm juggling to see what to keep, what to get rid of considering that compatible freewheels are getting scarce and expensive. Good thing I like downtube shifters!
@@ef2b If you go to Shimano SIS, you will have a wide range of compatibility.
Thank you for the video😊
My hero. 👍
Awesome & Thanks Sir 🙏🕊
Are there any anti-seize lubricant for non-metal bottom brackets? I'm instaling a Hollowtech II BB from Shimano. Is there anything I can use?
Use a light coating of grease. I prefer marine grease. ua-cam.com/video/TcyaSEAhI5k/v-deo.html
Hy shyflirt1, I would have a quick question if you would be ok to answer it, I am restoring an old bicycle from my GF and now I repainted the frame I think the cartridge bracket its in overall good conditions, wen I turn it on my hand I can feel like there is some sand inside of it or some heavy grease dirty, I dropped oil around the two entries and turned till some dirty came out, Is that a mistake from me ? or would it have a better way for cleaning it ? thank you very much
Generally cartridge bottom brackets are not designed to be serviced. If they wear out, they are meant to be replaced. I have read that some models have seals that can be pried out. Then they an be cleaned with mineral spirits and then repacked with grease using a syringe. But usually they are just replaced.
nNice video; just a question: does the sealed cartdrige BB needs maintenance too? I mean, do it has to be disassembled or directly repalced?? THANKS
+giacotubo Generally a cartridge BB doesn't need maintenance, but is replaced when it starts having issues.
I see that your bike stand DOES stand against your force when you tighten the BB. I'm impressed! Is it Park Tool?
Yes. www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000OZFJS4/ref=nosim/youtube25-20
un consejo, cuando necesitas aplicar fuerza en la llave tanto para aflojar como para ajustar una tuerca debes hacerlo aplicando fuerza hacia abajo y no hacía arriba ya que sobrecargas tu brazo y puedes lesionarte, en cambio hacía abajo puedes usar el peso de tu cuerpo para ayudarte y hacer menos fuerza. Saludos
Good vids, any information on when to replace the sealed bottom bracket? What are the signs that a replacement is required?
If there is play in the cranks and the BB caps are tight. Of if there is roughness in turning the cranks.
Would you recommend using some kind of greece for the BB.I opened my today thanks to your videos and found brown stuff inside,I wiped it out and I am thinking I will get greese tomorrow and or should I use 3 in 1 oil.
Where are you going to put the grease? In place of the anti-seize stuff? Sure. Unless the non drive side is plastic, then don't use grease on that.
Do you think it's possible the unscrew the bracket with some handmade tool?
If you make a tool. But considering the tools are readily available and cheap, not worth making one.
The right side cup is pretty tight on. Any tricks for keeping the tool from popping off while torqueing?
Make sure the splines of the cup that the tool locks with are clean. Make sure the tool is fully fitted on. Press the tool in as you are turning it.
shyflirt1 Thanks! Finally got back to it. All I needed was more leverage from a breaker bar.
Cool!
Hey RJ, you haven't made any videos about pressfit bottom brackets. Will be be coming any time?
At some point.
Hey I have one of these on my 09 Jamis and it has a slight bump when you rock it back and forth does that mean that it is going bad or do these all have some play in them ?
+That50chevy It could be the unit is loose in the shell, or the bearings are worn. They shouldn't have much if any play.
TIP: always add antisieze grease when you pull these off. Then next time it will come off very easy. The grease is also a seal against water intrusion. The reason the get real tight. Is they are steel. and the frames are aluminium. So you get that galvanic corrosion of non similar metals. Which basically bonds them together.
Correct. Some job getting it off. Had to hacksaw chunnks and tap it out with screwdriver
What torque should be used for screwing these in?
hello again I have a quastion I upgrade my BB to sagmit seald bearing is there a case its over thighten because after a week it becomes hard to pedal
I can't diagnose the bike without working on it.
@@RJTheBikeGuy thank you sir.
I'm working on a eastern bmx freestyle bottom bracket . What direction does the bolt turn to loosen . The bolt that goes through the crank arm into the axle . Thanks for any help
Counter clockwise.
The spindle does not move when I tighten the bottom bracket, what could be the solution?
Thanks for the video. I have a question about those threaded cups that you removed using that special tool. My question is what does the cup, on the NON drive side of the bottom bracket actually do? I just seems to screw into the bike frame and the bottom bracket just sits inside it. So what is its function? Many thanks
It supports the cartridge on that side. There is way too much force, and weight for it too only be held on one side.
my BB started to make some cracking noise (nothing too horrible but its noticeable and annoying)
i suspect some dirt got into bearings
its a sr suntour cartridge
the bike is like 2 years old and i did no more then 2k km in dry weather
is it possible to clean the bearings ? or i should change the entire cartridge?
It might not even be the bottom bracket. If it is, then just replace it. But here is a video I did on BB noises:
ua-cam.com/video/84YpHC6523s/v-deo.html
its must be it i thought it was the cheap pedals so i changed it to no avail.took the chain off span the crank free and heard some ticking i belive under load that kinda cracks
Always great
I have the same un26 bottom bracket its awsome very smooth and very strong
I'm upgrading my Genesis Two Nine's bb from caged bearings to sealed cartridge. I could still use the 36mm fixed cup with the shimano bb-UN55 right? Or would I have to go out and get the type of fixed cup that resembles yours in the video?
Frank Dooley The sealed cartridge BB replaces the cups. Watch this other video: ua-cam.com/video/1BrVjDFqotE/v-deo.html
RJ The Bike Guy
The sealed cartridge unit that I've bought didn't come with a fixed cup though which led me to assume that it'd be fine with the one installed on my bike already. Haven't had the time to try installing it yet though, so I guess I'll see when I get to that stage. Thanks for the input, your videos are very informational and if no one has told you yet...You're awesome! thx again
Very helpfull video. I have a late 1990s Mongooae Croosway 850. I would loosen the bracket by turning clockwise on the drive side and counter clockwise on the other side? Also it's extremely tight and difficult to remove by hand. Beside using an impact wrench like in your other video, what else can I try? Should I take it to a bike shop to have it removed? How do I find out what bottom bracket fits my bike? Thanks again for all the great videos
More power, or take it to a shop.
I saw a video you made of a DIY tool from Shelton Brown that tightend the bracket in the direction ithat the bracket loosens to squeeze and turn it at the same time. Do you think this tool/technique will work for me?
i have a 2013 trek mamba mtb. it has shimano alivio cranks but i'm not sure about the BB. if it has a square tapered BB like yours, is it replaceable with a hollowtech 2 BB?
Yes, I am pretty sure it can.
faizal Muhammad your bottom bracket has splines
ua-cam.com/video/TcyaSEAhI5k/v-deo.html
Trying to remove square taper FSA TH 7420 with Park Tool BBT-22. BB is extremely tight. How to loosen? Thank you for help.
More force. Maybe try the drive side first. Remember the drive side loosens clockwise, unless the bike was made in France or Italy.
Can I whack the wrench with a rubber mallet? Will a lube spray help?
Yes. I prefer a wooden mallet for more impact. Maybe on the lube, but more likely to just make a mess.
It's working!! Thank so much!