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Using a retaining compound to install a press-fit bottom bracket

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  • March 31, 2018 at 5:50 pm #28312
    Anquetilslovechild

    Hi Folks,

    I’m building up a new carbon fibre road frame with press-fit for the first time.  Some say installing the cups with grease is sufficient to offset future creaks, others recommend using a retaining compound.  I know it’s all going to come down to the relative tolerances within which the two sides of the equation (frame and BB cups) have been manufactured, but does anyone out there know if using a retaining compound will affect the ability to remove the bottom bracket cups in future if/when I need to? (Build is a Canyon Ultimate CF SLX with Campagnolo BB86 cups)

    I’d be grateful for your tips or experiences.

     

     

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Viewing 7 replies - 1 through 7 (of 7 total)
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  • May 3, 2024 at 2:13 pm #915923
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    matthewn5

    An update: Campagnolo

    An update: Campagnolo recommends Loctite for press-fit BBs:

    https://www.campagnolo.com/on/demandware.static/-/Library-Sites-campagnoloLibrary/default/dw8d2bfe4f/pdf/Technical%20manual_bottom%20bracket%20cup_Campagnolo_Rev05_02_24_ENG.pdf

    April 2, 2018 at 5:52 pm #915921
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    Anquetilslovechild

    Thanks for that ‘The _Kaner’.

    Thanks for that ‘The _Kaner’.

    I’ll check out the Token BBs for the Campag ultra-torque crankset I’m installing, so I can consider it as an option.  Hope you sort out that BB on your Aeroad.  Having tried one at a Cyclist magazine track day two years ago it would have been my frame of choice if I was racing.

     

    April 1, 2018 at 2:30 pm #915919
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    The _Kaner

    Just orderd a 2nd Token Ninja

    Just orderd a 2nd Token Ninja TF24 (screw in) press fitt BB. (86.5/41mm shell)

    The first one I purchased was used to replaced the BB (Shimano 105/5800) in my Giant Defy Adv 2-E.

    This BB creaked from the ‘word go’. But, this was due to the original BB having a  manufacturing defect. I replaced it after about 500km, couldn’t stand the noise it made on every right side pedal stroke.

    Now, with the Token BB installed, no more creaks, grunching etc. No fitting compound required, just some Teflon grease to install and plain sailing from then.

    The 2nd one is going to replace the BB on my Canyon Aeroad. It’s becoming noisy, rather than just cleaning/packing with grease, I’ll replace the BB, I’ve a chain to replace too, so makes more sense to pull it all apart once. 

    The Token BB comes in many guises, but if you’ve a 24mm Shimano set up it’s literally 30 minutes work, out with the old and in with the new, the BB cups come with a fitting tool too, all you need is a ratchet/torque wrench…cranks back in and away you go.

    Might stock up on a few TF24s for later use seeing as they’re around €50. I’d rather pay that than pay for those awful ShimaNO press fit efforts.

    April 1, 2018 at 12:02 pm #915917
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    Anquetilslovechild

    Thanks Pilot Pete, madcarew

    Thanks Pilot Pete, madcarew and sammutd88,

    All very helpful replies from my point of view.  I’ll take the consensus that using a retaining compound is an option but not critical and will install with a good waterproof grease in the first instance.  I can re-consider using a RC if I need to troubleshoot further down the line.  It’s reassuring to hear that others haven’t encountered problems pressing a BB out after using it, but I’ll bear sammut88’s caution in mind.

    Cheers!

     

    April 1, 2018 at 11:08 am #915915
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    sammutd88

    I installed a Wheels

    I installed a Wheels Manufacturing BB86 press fit in my Canyon Ultimate CF SL with some Muc off grease. Went in easily and no creaks. I think a good quality BB will go in fine with some waterproof grease, as the tolerances on the Canyon frames seem pretty tight and coupled with a well made BB, you should have any creaking issues. I wouldn’t be putting any retaining compounds in a carbon shell BB, but each to their own. 

    April 1, 2018 at 9:52 am #915913
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    madcarew

    My Cannondale was built up

    My Cannondale was built up with press fit sleeve for a DA BB, and that was put in with a small amount of retaining compound to prevent creaks. It worked well, and when I did eventually upgrade to the carbon BB80 crankset it pressed out easily enough. 

    April 1, 2018 at 9:38 am #915911
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    Pilot Pete

    Depends what BB you are

    Depends what BB you are fitting. I’ve fitted BB30 bearings into a metal shell using Loctite 641 which did a great job. It is medium strength and specifically for installations which may need removing again at some point. 

    Knocking the bearings out with the correct removal tool was not a problem.

    I have since fitted a cBear BB into the same frame, but this time using Morgan Blue Aquaproof Paste as recommended by the manufacturer. This is not a retainer as such, but does the job (eases installation with tight tolerance fit parts and prevents creaking). Again, no issue when removing.

    So it depends on your installation, but go with manufacturers recommendations if they offer them or else check out Loctite products and don’t use the incorrect one (for permanent installation)!

    PP

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