Hi all,
I'm back again already. I through i might quickly order new bearings and possibly new cages (although i prob don't need the cages) if i can source them. But i thought its prob best to ask your guys advice before i go blowing money when you all might say just replace. Its says on line if there is any pitting on the spindle races that you need to get rid of them. But i just wanted ask your guys advice first. Please see images below. I've listed all my questions as they is a few (sorry i know this must be annoying to experts on here, is the below is prob super simple and just common sense stuff).
0. Please see first image of the fixed side cage and bearings, there in pretty good condition. But the adjustable side (which is still stuck) the bearings are pretty pitted and have turned dark grey. Also please see image two. Again i think its the adjustable side the spindle is really quite bad when you do the ball point pen test, i have read you can clean this up with emery cloth, but i feel this has prob gone to far do agree?
Its annoying as the adjustable side is in good condition apart from one little notch in it. Also the fixed cup seems to have a crack or line running through the inside of it. When i was riding it, it didn't feel rough i only noticed something was wrong because it became loose.
1a. From seeing the images. Would you try and find replacement bearings and cages and just replace them and keep the current spindle?
1b. Or would you replace the bearings, cages and try and source a NOS spindle of right size? (which will prob be pretty tough to source).
1c. Or would you replace whole lot with a more modern cartridge style BB (I'm pretty sure i have a Tange Seiki LN-3922 that i think would fit this shell and just enjoy riding the bike again?
I did want to keep this bike fully original as i'm 99% sure this YST BB is the original that came with the bike from factory. But i don't think this bike will ever be restored to immaculate bike show quality so i'm not sure having the orginal BB would matter. Also i have read that the old cup and cone are pretty tricky to adjust perfectly with the pre-load etc, is this true? epecally for me being a notice etc. Could please ask what you guys would do?
2. It seems to also possibly have the orginal YST headset, would you (as intend to keep riding this bike if i can on w-ends etc) open up the headset and clean it all out & poss repalce bearing if needed before i ride it again, as if it is rusty inside like the BB was i'm probably damageing it?
3. If any of you say to source a NOS spindle etc and keep the original BB, do you all get your ball bearings from online or local bike shops? if you buy them online could recondement somewhere that sells these size bearings and cages, please see image 5, 6 & 7.
Thanks so much again to anyone that replies & can offer advice.