I found this bike abandoned and thought I'd have a go at restoring it. Sure enough, someone has had a go at removing a seized BB with the wrong tool and there's nothing to hold on to.
I've resorted to destroying the BB with a dremmel. I've managed two cuts in the cup, and even managed to remove the bearings, but it still not budging.
Any suggestions as to what to do next??
by littlejonnyfirepants
3 Comments
if it is a threaded BB
large pipe wrench, a long pipe and penetrant oil.
cover one side with cling film/wrap, spray oil, cover other side.
let it soak.
then use pipe wrench with the pipe for more leverage.
if still doesnt budge, i need to carefully cut inside (where the BB threads onto the frame)
the pry the BB threaded part inwards
Is the bearing race still pressed in? If so first try to pull that out. As long as that is in, there should still be pressure on the cup.
I had an old steel Colnago with an aluminium bottom bracket cup that was completely torn up from failed efforts to remove it. I soaked the BB shell in a solution of caustic soda for a day or two and it dissolved the AL (and much of the paint) but left the steel in fine shape. Might be a solution here too (if the frame isn’t aluminium as well).
Example (with a seatpost): [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROhjFb-a68M](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROhjFb-a68M)