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I would like to remove the bottom bracket from an old french peugeot race frame. I believe the frame was built in 79 judging by the decals and stamp on the bb.

The bottom bracket and spindle at the moment will spin, but feel very dirty and sounds gritting so I want to take it apart to clean/regrease.

I'm almost certain its a french bb and not swiss based on the info on from cyclespeugeot.com.

I'm about ready to start this but have a few questions.

  1. From what I have read, I only need to remove the left adjustable cup to service the BB?
  2. The left adjustable cup will be left threaded so will need to turn clockwise to undo?
  3. Is the lock ring also left threaded? It has an outer diameter of 47mm and i'm currently struggling to find a locking ring tool to fit.

I'm trying todo this properly as it seems getting a new or used french bb is not going to be worth it and I might as well get another frame.

If it helps, here are a couple of pictures:

enter image description here enter image description here

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If you can get a fingernail into a thread (which it appears you can with this BB) then you can tell which way it's threaded. If your fingernail "unscrews" as you rotate your hand counterclockwise (anticlockwise for you Brits) then it's a right hand thread. Basically your fingernail should "unscrew" the same direction you'd unscrew the lockring and cup. – Daniel R Hicks Oct 15 '12 at 22:02

1 Answer

up vote 3 down vote accepted

Usually one only needs to remove the left cup to service the bottom bracket. With Fench/Italian BBs the right cup is usually so tight it's not worth even trying (I personally attempted two times but never succeded EDIT. I also managed to damage a Park Tool BB remover, worth 15 quids...)

The left cup is always right threaded, in any case the lockring must have the same thread orientation of the cup.

As for the oversized lockring, I have had a good rate of success using adjustable pliers, just hold them tight enough so to avoid losing grip.

Finally, it's always worth repairing, or at least trying to!

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If all else fails put a large screw driver in one of the notches in the lockring and tap it with a hammer. – mikes Oct 16 '12 at 10:25

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