Hi,
I recently installed a White Industries BSA bottom bracket on my steel frame. It went in with some resistance — I was only able to thread it about 1/4 to 1/2 turn by hand before it got tight, and then I used a BB tool to finish the installation. I made sure to check alignment visually during the process, from both top and side angles, and it looked okay to me.
I’m a bit worried about whether it’s properly aligned or cross-threaded. Are there any reliable ways to check the alignment without removing the bottom bracket? Or is visual inspection typically enough when the BB appears flush with the shell?
I’ve attached some photos taken from multiple angles. There’s no creaking or noise while pedaling, and the crank spins smoothly. But still, I’d like to double-check with more experienced builders.
Does it look okay to you? Should I be concerned and remove it to inspect the threads, or just leave it alone since it’s functioning fine?
Any advice appreciated!
(Photos will be added below)
by shin-tender
5 Comments
Pic #2 looks odd, but perspective is tricky could be fine. Is this a new frame? Did you have it chased and faced? If you have a good veneer caliper you can measure the faces to be sure they are square.
If the cranks are spinning smoothly it’s fine, at very worst you’ll wear out the $20 crank bearings a bit sooner.
If you cared to take the extra step next time, before you install the BB get the frame chased and faced. A good shop will have the tools (or you can spend the $$$ if you’re a tool nerd) to clean out the threads so that they’re completely smooth, and to face the frame so that the shell is perfectly square to the axle. This isn’t necessary most of the time, but it’s a nice extra step you can take to get things aligned perfectly.
Some be that way. No creaking and a smooth rotation on the stand is a good sign but not definitive until you ride it. Now, unless you personally are a gorilla or you used a power tool or a five-foot cheater on your BB tool, you probably did not cross thread-to-flush two, 24-mm diameter fine-threaded male pipe ends a full inch each into two female fine-thread pipe ends. You would have noticed! It is entirely possible the BB would have benefited from a face-and-chase but you’re past that – maybe go back to it if it creaks and shudders on a test ride (they never do, IME).
Thanks so much everyone for the helpful insights.
It’s reassuring to hear that smooth crank rotation and no creaking are good signs, and your explanations about thread alignment and facing really helped me understand the process better.
I’ll definitely consider having the frame chased and faced if I do this again in the future.
Really appreciate the time and advice – I feel much more confident now!
Is this a new frame? If so, did you chase and face the BB shell?