I have a square taper BB which has started squeaking.
When I took it out to see what size I have, when I was putting it back in I noticed that when I tighten it to a level which to me felt reasonable, the shaft became noticeably more difficult to turn. I slackened off a bit (and still tight enough to ride just fine) and then it was OK. The BB I have has not suffered any issues with slack cups, at least to my knowledge. Though it has given up the ghost after maybe 600 miles. Whether that's due to incorrect fit or poor quality I don't know - but it's some no-name cheapo.
The BB i have is 68x118mm. I'm considering whether getting a 68x115mm might be a good idea given the above, or whether I should get the same size and go not to so tight. What do you think?
Also, it looks like the Shimano UN55 is the only game in town - are those any good? Is there a realistic alternative? I haven't been able to find any brands in that price bracket that seem worth a try.
EDIT: Looks like I left the most important info out - I didn't realise this was of relevance at the time of initial post 1. The BB is a sealed cartridge type. 2. The chainset is actually a Gates belt drive. The belt tightening mechanism is through a split BB casing - i.e. the BB sits inside an eccentric alluminium case inside a split BB casing in the frame. This allows me to move it left and right and so changing the BB size will not affect the chainline. 3. I can't make out the existing BB make and so have no idea what the correct torque for it would be.
Thanks in advance.