Perculiar Plastic (Shimano?) bottom bracket: removal method?

[S1m0nR]

Hello all,

I've started another thread about refinishing a Raleigh Road Ace frame, but wanted to keep this separate - hope that's OK!

The frame in question has a bottom bracket of a type I've not seen before on Raleighs - instead of the conventional pair of cups and lock-ring, it has what appear to be black plastic cups on each side.

I'm assuming that this is an early sealed bottom bracket - possibly a Shimano, given that this bike originally had a shimano 600 groupset.

Basically, I've got to dismantle the bottom bracket to enable me to refinish the frame and I'm wondering how to get this apart - I'm guessing that there must be some specialist tool that doesn't knacker the plastic (if it is plastic!). Then, once it's out - what are the chances of fitting a new Shimano sealed bottom bracket to the frame without having to re-tap the threads?!

Here's a pic of one side - sorry it's not cleaner - if that helps, I'll post a better pic once I've cleaned it:

Cheers for now...

 

[taylorsummers]

Looks like it could be a sealed one, think a company called SKF?? made them like that and a tool to go with it.

If you dont want it then the easiest way is to use a screwdriver and hammer or a monkey wrench.

Cheers
Craig

 

[taylorsummers]

just found this, which should get it off intact

http://www.google.co.uk/products/catalo ... FIQ8wIwBA#

Cheers
Craig

 

[S1m0nR]

Superb - cheers for the info Craig - I'll get the tool ordered because the BB itself is in good condition with no play at all so it can go back in once I've painted the frame.

All the best!

 

[hamster]

It's an SKF one. They are really good bottom brackets, and one of the few to last a decent time on my tandem.

It's advisable to bolt the tool on with a large washer as they can slip off quite easily...

 

[S1m0nR]

It's an SKF one. They are really good bottom brackets, and one of the few to last a decent time on my tandem.

It's advisable to bolt the tool on with a large washer as they can slip off quite easily...

Cheers for that - will do

BTW, do you know what threading that BB uses? i.e. is is a standard Raleigh affair so that I could use a standard Raleigh cup/spindle if I wanted to - or does it fit other cartridge systems?

Many thanks...

 

[GrumpyOldMan]

Looks like a FAG to me. I have a very similar one which I bought in the '80s but have never fitted. They were very popular at the time as they were one of the first to use sealed bearings (mind you, Biopace was also popular at the time, lol). The removal tool is the same for FAG or SKF and can be had from SJS for £5.99.

Cheers
Ian.

 

[Old Ned]

Looks like a FAG to me. I have a very similar one which I bought in the '80s but have never fitted. They were very popular at the time as they were one of the first to use sealed bearings (mind you, Biopace was also popular at the time, lol). The removal tool is the same for FAG or SKF and can be had from SJS for £5.99.

Cheers
Ian.

That's what I thought too. They were excellent brackets for the money but I only ever seemed to find them in long lengths. They worked well on a tandem for a couple of seasons and I've still got one tucked away somewhere.

 

[GrumpyOldMan]

A quick bit of Googling tells me that FAG bottom brackets come as standard equipment on all Brompton Bikes so I guess any Brompton dealer would be able to remove it from the frame.

Park Tools do a good FAG removal tool http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/park-tool-bb ... l-prod839/ but any tool is a waste of money if the BB is not to be reused so I would go to a Brompton dealer.

Service guide for FAG BB's can be found here: http://www.schaeffler.com/remotemedien/ ... _de_en.pdf

Looks like they are now made in the far east. The early ones like in the OP's pic were made in Germany. Don't suppose that will have affected the quality, it's just the way of the world nowadays.

Ian.

This is what it looks like out of the frame:

 

[thecannibal]

I prefer this Tacx tool to the others mentioned above. It screws onto the BB spindle all by itself - so no f*cking about with bolts/washers/sockets/Park cone spanners etc. in trying to secure the tool when you get a stubborn BB. Always gives a solid fit and you can use a nice big spanner with it. All decent bike shops will be able to order one in for you.