Shimano BB

[lingus75]

My commuter BB has started making some funny noises of late and I was wondering before I get the BB tool to replace whether the syptoms are normal?

I am used to old fashioned cone and cup BB's but the sealed unit has started to creak, not in a 'Cranks need tightening' way (already taken off re-greased), but something I can also feel through my shoes (not the shoes either as they are fine on my Felt). It is pretty old but has seen no off-road action yet. Is this the normal sign of it wearing out as I thought it would grind aswell? Also, as it's a square taper I was wondering if the Shimano or other brand are the most reliable and VFM?

[mk1fan]

Sealed BB either work or they don't. You don't say how long or the amount of mileage you've had out of it but I tend to go through one a year (32-miles a day). I use Shimano's UN-73 BB and have no issue with them.

[lingus75]

mk1fan said:

Sealed BB either work or they don't. You don't say how long or the amount of mileage you've had out of it but I tend to go through one a year (32-miles a day). I use Shimano's UN-73 BB and have no issue with them.

Blimey, think its about 4 years old and doing 14 miles a day for the last year then about 30 miles a week for the two before. As I can't remember any further back I guess I get a new one! Could be a good excuse for middle chain-ring, cassette and all cables from Bike in Bristol.

Just in case anyone in the Bristol area doesn't know, they will match any (in other words CRC) internet price with production of proof. Then, if you have a service they fit all parts for free!

Edited by lingus75 on Wednesday 26th March 16:58