so i got this hand-me-down from my gramps that was perfect to my size, but the problem is a terribly stuck bb (drive side). apparently he had bought it a few years back in the hopes of restoring it, but never really thought about it much. 2 LBS have tried, penetrating oil for about a week, heat, impact wrench and some long bars but not even a mm of movement. did verify we are turning it correctly lol.
i am assuming the only way this bb will come off is in pieces, but i dont have the proper tools nor do i have any idea how (w/o damaging the bb shell thread). LBS does not want to do it due to fear of frame damage. bb tool does not really bite into it that tight anymore it seems from all the previous efforts
anyone or any recommendations of a shop (machine shop or bike shop or independent contractor, i dont care at this point lol) in OC/IE or San Bernardino County (California) that might be willing to take a shot at this
kinda wanting to have this built up to show gramps before his 75th bday coming in a few months
by SJ_Kargador
5 Comments
Titanium is amazing… But it’s prone to galling. If you don’t use anti-seize compound, it’s a definite possibility. Unless you’re threading titanium to titanium, in which case it’s almost 100% certain. 🙁
I’ve never faced on BB before, but I come back to heat – propane/MAPP won’t work, need oxy-acetylene. Also need a very good grip so if the BB tool doesn’t grip, is there room to tack weld something to BB to provide grip? Beautiful frame BTW, worth saving (my MTB is a 90’s vintage Litespeed)
Soak light oil in threads, warm area, put tool in vice, tripple check you know what direction you are turning frame, 99% sure it’ll come right out
Well the comments suggested some good solutions but my go to when I’m messing with a seized bb is some penetrating oil and let it set for a day or two then clean up the bb a little and use a pair of channel locks or rib joint pliers to loosen it. Completely disregarding the bb itself because it will tear it up and make it look ugly. (and only the bb try your best not to tear up your beautiful frame 😭🙏)
Kroil. Let it sit. Heat a bit. Out like butter.