I got a State 4130 frame and their BSA ceramic threaded bottom bracket. This is as far as it will tighten easily. This is my first time dealing with bottom brackets. Any help will be appreciated.
Threaded Bottom Bracket install
byu/burningapollo58 inbikewrench
by burningapollo58
6 Comments
Can’t tell if the threads are greased, looks like not. The entire inside of the BB shell should get a layer.
It’s common for there to be some amount of distortion in BB shells that causes the threads to be somewhat less than perfectly smooth and friction-free, even without threadlocker (I don’t see any pre-applied on the BB you’re installing). If it’s extreme, shops can fix it in most cases by chasing the threads with piloted taps. But it’s normal for it to stop being able to spin it in freely by hand and then have to use a tool. If there’s significant resistance once you have some leverage on it, that’s a sign of bigger issues and you might as well get the shell chased and faced. Distortion also causes premature bearing wear, so while all bearings go eventually, if you’re burning through BBs that could be why.
You inserted the BB relatively fast and started turning pretty quickly. Are you 100% sure you’re not cross threading it?
When I install BBs, I insert gently and then begin turning very slowly. If I feel any resistance in the first rotation, I back out and try again.
It was always standard to chase and face the BB of a new bike. Used to sell Guerciotti, Tommassini, Ciocc and Lynskey and cleaning the threads was always a necessity. You can get that thing in with a lot of grease and brute force, but getting it chased and faced will ensure less noise and longer life.
Too hurried in my opinion. It’s nice to get things done quickly, but a bottom bracket install requires patient work, or you will end up doing extra work correcting your mistakes. Just my opinion. Good luck, now.
Toothbrush the threads in the frame to make sure there is no goopy crap in them.
Some of the new BB’s come with blue Loc-Tite pre applied to the threads.
If frame threads are clean and BB is new it will go.
You need to stop and take a prejudiced look at the gap all the way round to see if the BB body is square with the shell. If you are confident it’s straight, tighten it down. But if it isn’t square with the hole, you need to unscrew and try to get ot straight when retightening.
If you cannot get it threaded straight, off you go to a shop that has a chasing tool.