I barely tightened the crankset bolt. Is it normal for it to spin so little?
Brand new crankset and BB doesn’t spin?
byu/Same_Turnip inbikewrench
by Same_Turnip
I barely tightened the crankset bolt. Is it normal for it to spin so little?
Brand new crankset and BB doesn’t spin?
byu/Same_Turnip inbikewrench
by Same_Turnip
7 Comments
It’s fine, the seals are new, you’ve got light cranks with no pedals. As long as the bearings spin smooth to the touch and the preload is correct, the spin test isn’t very meaningful.
You’ll be good. If you want smoother, look into wheels msg bottom brackets.
They are about 150 to 240 depending on what nicest one you want
How a bearing spins when unloaded has no relation to it’s resistance under load (unless it is obviously defect). This is as expected for a new and well greased bearing.
On the preload: you tightened the star-nut on the non-drive side no more than finger tight, yes? If so, you are good to go.
This is expected / normal. The brand new seals and bearings (not yet broken in) are adding some drag and your cranks are very lightweight with no pedals (very little momentum in your test spin).
Once you have the pedals and chain on and are pedaling this normally, you won’t even notice this drag. It will be reduced somewhat over time as the seals and bearing get worn in but a subtle resistance is normal for most bottom bracket bearings since they need to hold up under all the power of your pedaling!
Edit: A very loose / easy spin is a sign of a worn out bottom bracket (or, very expensive ceramic bearings!).
Normal.
As long as it’s a light, even resistance as you spin them, your legs won’t notice and they’ll break in.