3

I've recently acquired a 2007 Specialized Allez. As I was dismantling the bike for service, I discovered that the bottom bracket bearings are in rough shape. They aren't smooth at all. I took apart the bottom bracket cartridge and I've pulled out the sealed bearings.

Is it typical to replace bottom bracket bearings? Or do people usually just replace the entire bottom bracket cartridge all together? Looking on sites like Performance Bike, they don't seem to carry bearings at all.

Also, if I decided to replace just the bearings, do I simply need to find a good quality set of bearings that are the same size as mine (in this case 15mm x 32mm x 9mm)?

Improve this question
2
  • Normally the cartridge isn't considered repairable, and the entire thing is replaced. (But I'm surprised you even got it apart, so this may be an oddball that was intended to be repairable.)
    – Daniel R Hicks
    Commented Apr 8, 2012 at 22:28
  • (But do note that some sealed bearings are "preloaded" and will feel slightly "gritty" when twirled with the fingers.)
    – Daniel R Hicks
    Commented Apr 8, 2012 at 22:29

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
3

Without specially fitted tools, it is very difficult to install new bearings in a cartridge bottom bracket. Usually, the act of pressing the on to the BB spindle puts enough side load on the bearing to damage the new bearings.

If you want to give it a try, yes, you can just go to your local bearing house and match the bearings by the numbers printed on the rubber seals.

The normal procedure is to replace the cartridge, but the bearings are cheap, so it's worth a try, even if it's just to learn that it doesn't work out.

Improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.