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Just installed a wheels mfg PF30 bottom bracket into my carbon frame. It's the new screw one like this:
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The drive side cup pushed in by hand, following the instructions to use PTFE grease. The second cup screwed together with ease also. Compared to the previous bottom brackets I've installed this is unusual. Previous installs were using the old version of the wheels mfg PF30 BB that didn't screw together, and needed me to use my bearing press.
A quick scoot round the block reveals no obvious issue. Should I be worried?
If it was a tight fit then it wouldn't be able to screw together. I assume it's correct but could be wrong
As about, if it's screwing together, the cups can't be a press fit in the frame. The Hope version used an inner sleeve that pulls the two press fit cups together and holds them there.
I installed one of those in a SuperSix a couple of weeks ago. It definitely wouldn't have gone in by hand. The DS needed a press and the NDS needed the torque of five elephants to get it nipped up using a MegaExo BB wrench.
@Onzadog it is a pressfit BB, it works similar to the Hope one, it just doesn't need as fancy a tool right?
It is supposed to require a press to install the drive side according to the instructions. The non-drive side should install itself when you screw it into the other cup.
In my case, no elephants were required. It just seems odd that the previous two PF30 BBs were a much tighter fit. I'd like to assume this one is different due to the design, but based on munkster's experience, I am now thoroughly confused.
Maybe drop WheelsMfg an email or live chat (I think they have it) - they replied to me pretty quick when I had a query. Good luck!
Edit: just checked, no live chat, must've emailed them.
How many part to it? The Hope one is 3 piece, that looks like only two. If it is only two, you'd expect a less tight fit on one cup as it would be expected to turn.
And turn it indeed does...
...however, as per my post, it took quite some torque with the tool. I am not sure the cups are different in diameter even slightly. The grease helped the screwing in process but it was by no means easy.
You're right about the Hope of course, it is a different mechanism entirely but the end result is effectively the same; the two cups are mechanically joined together via a screw thread.
Munkster, thanks for the description. Interesting alternative approach. I'd much rather pull in a press fit straight rather than having to "screw" it in though.
I've dropped wheels mfg an email. I'll keep you posted.
Disregarding munkster's experience, I suppose it makes some sense that the tolerance is a bit more generous on the screw fit ones, to allow the screw force to tighten and align the cups, rather than yielding the bb shell.
Anyway, I'll see what they have to say about it
And here is what wheels mfg had to say about it:
Yes that isn't uncommon. I produce my parts to a much higher standard than your frame's bottom bracket so not uncommon. Especially problematic depending on material and manufacturer of the frame.The whole point of the thread together is not to have to worry about it, but you do need to make sure you tighten it down well.
I'll stop worrying.
I produce my parts to a much higher standard than your frame's bottom bracket so not uncommon.
Spits coffee out!!
I had exactly the same issue installing this bottom bracket in my 2014 stump jumper but the previous of bb was also loose so screwed it up tight and no problems so far.
Similar to two frames I have with the BB86/92 version of that BB - no problems or creaking on either.
I installed one of these a month or so ago into my carbon camber. Same experience as you, drive side cup went in by hand but still felt very solid once the other cup had been screwed in. No issues with creaking or movement so far.
I guess time will tell whether it's a decent solution to the pf30 problem. Hope next if it's no good!