I have had more than my fair share of BB failures from the Big S on MTBs and CX bikes. Just whisper the word mud to them and they seem to be afflicted by stiffening of the joints (bearings) leading to ultimate paralysis and an early trip to the bin.
I had hoped that similar issues would not afflict the BB on my road bike. The one in question never goes out in the wet, and unless there is some subliminal inter bike communing going on in the shed at nights, it has never even heard about mud, let alone been exposed to it.
So, after less than 1,000 miles my 105 BB has developed stiffness and a distinct rumbling.
Are Shimano totally unable to construct a durable BB? I have an unused Dura Ace BB (Xmas present) waiting to be fitted but is there any chance it will share the same fate as the now doomed 105 or might it just surprise me and last longer?
Does anyone know whether the Dura Ace is 'better' than the 105 or is it just a weight issue? Maybe I should just go for a Hope BB or similar and be done with it.
Face your BBs?
Overtightening the non-drive side cap?
Mine have lasted a couple of seasons of cyclocross racing as well as commuting in the rain. As suggested above, perhaps make sure your shell has been properly faced?
I suppose I should have checked it but as it came fitted on a >£2k carbon bike, I sort of assumed that wouldn't be an issue.
Funny (well not really) I was going to post a very similar thread. I replaced the BB on my commuter before I started my new job (20 miles a day commute) 500 miles later and the BB has that tell tale clicky sound! Mines a Tiagra, but I'm pretty sure they're all the same anyway. I'll be hacking it open and re-lubing it, but its not really good enough
