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My new bike has a shimano external BB. After 4 months hard use I have noticed there is some play in the cranks. It feels like the wobble goes through the cranks (i.e. not a loose crank that would be one side only).
Is it likely that the BB is just a bit loose or is it knackered so soon? Can I get away with just tightening it? What tool do I need to do this?
Any help much appreciated
It might be knackered, it's not unheard of, or it might just need a tad more preload on the little plastic end cap, in which case you need one of [url= http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=3785 ]these[/url].
The bearings are lightly preloaded, like a headset, to remove any excess play. There are full details of how to do it on the [url= http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help ]Park Tool web site[/url]. Don't overtighten the cap or you'll accelerate bearing wear.
If you're going to change the bearings, which you'll have to eventually, you may as well get a HT2 tool combining the bearing cup installation spanner and the preload thing, Park does one, but there are other, cheaper options out there too.
HTH.
BWD has given you a great answer there - said it all really. I'd just add that the Park tool is worth the extra over cheaper alternatives. It fully encircles the bearing cup giving a secure grip on stuborn or siezed bearings. Most cheaper ones only go 3/4ers round and can "spring" or flex open under high pressures.
Might also be worth checking the cups are tightly screwed into the frame.
. "It fully encircles the bearing cup giving a secure grip on stuborn or siezed bearings. Most cheaper ones only go 3/4ers round and can "spring" or flex open under high pressures."
do you make that shit up ?
Marketeer in the making methinks.