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Hi All,

Been having a few issues with the BB on my heckler

i had a replacement about 6 months ago, all seemed fine. Then the other week i went out and the pedals were really stiff when i started out - loosened up after 10-15 mins.

Went back to the shop and the guy said they sometimes seize as when the bike is washed water gets in. He replaced it under warranty and 2 weeks later its seized up again.

i would have thought they are be sealed bearings to avoid such problems, the guy said turn the bike upside down to avoide water sitting in the BB. I never hear of this b4 and wondered any ideas on looking after your bb?

FP

This happens with the lower end Shimano Hollowtech II BB's (Deore BB51 I think), they're pretty badly sealed. What BB do you have?

Cant recall of the top,

will check tonight - i dont think it was an expensive one tho

I've got the base level external bb on mine and it regularly gets washed with no issues
i would disassemble and check alignment when you build it up

I have one of those bb51's not had an issue with it to be honest i do get dirty water pour out my frame when i lift it up on end when i take it out though, perhaps cleaning it on an angle so it doesnt accumulate in the lowest point would help. BB's normally go stiff when the crank arm is not running straight and they wear a little, they get egg shaped inside.

Thanks all, will get greasy tonight ...

Also worth checking the correct amount of spacers are installed as you can crush the internal pipe and this rubs on the axle causing it to slow down or not spin

Mine died due to the MSG mud over on the Braintree course last month, but then I think nearly everyone's bike has something break it was that muddy. Horrible gritty stuff. Just comparing the BB51 to the XTR one I now have and the internal sealing is so much better. Although saying that the previous BB51 I had lasted 7 months including riding too and from work every day.

My BB51 lasted just under a year and as Eccles says above MSG finally see that I had to change it, it was loose and wobbly, I fitted a newer XTR one and the difference is IMMENSE, smoother and the feel is so so much better . Tested it Sunday in the Thorndon mud and gloop and it performed brilliantly...

BB51 removed...




Thoroughly cleaned out frame and re-greased and fitted new one...

Is the xtr one a bb70 or bb90 ? My bb51 got washed out on Tuesday in a 2ft deep puddle whilst out riding and after cleaning the bike up noticed some play do I need to replace

I think it's the bb90 for about £20 from rose bikes. Bb70 is xt.

i'd def replace if you are starting to get play
you spin yours a lot

Be cautious of storing bike upside to drain water away from bb area as it then just sits on the headset bearings andcorrodes them

Your also advised not to do this for a lot of hydraulic brakes.

I ordered a bb90b from pedal on for £27.55 delivered.

the hope stainless steel ones get good reviews but i cant justify £60 right now which is a pain.