Bottom Bracket Installation and Maintenance

Installation of 24mm Spindle Bottom Bracket

Bottom bracket (BB) installation requires specialized tools. We recommend the procedure be performed by a qualified professional bicycle mechanic. To ensure proper installation, the use of high quality facing and thread chasing tooling is strongly recommended. Use BB marked MTN (A) on 68 or 73mm BB shells with mountainstyle cranks. Use BB marked ROAD (B) on 68mm BB shells with road-style cranks.
24mm Spindle BB Compatibility & Specs
BB shell width 68 mm, 73 mm compatible with most Shimano , FSA and Race Face crankset design external BB configurations that use a 24mm crank spindle front derailleur seat tube mounted, E-Type (BB mounted) chain guide ISCG tab mounted, BB mounted BB thread type english BB weight 108 g (includes spacers)

Preparation of Bottom Bracket Shell

Proper preparation of the BB shell is required for best BB performance, durability, longevity and reduces the possibility of installation problems. 1. Chase the BB shell threads to ensure that threads are properly formed. 2. Face the BB shell to ensure that the ends are square and parallel to each other. Be sure to remove all frame paint from BB shell/BB cup interface. 3. Using a small file, deburring tool or sand paper, carefully remove any sharp edges or burrs from the BB shell edges. 4. Clean BB shell threads and surfaces to remove any chips, shavings, and/or cutting oil.
Installation of Bearing Cups

1. Note BB cup orientation marking on BB threads before greasing threads, as marking may be obscured when grease is applied to threads. Apply a generous coating of waterproof grease to the threads on the BB cups, as well as on the BB shell threads on the bicycle frame. 2. Follow crank arm manufacturers instructions to determine proper BB cup spacer orientation. Proper spacer configuration is essential for correct bearing preload, chain line and crank arm positioning. Note: if using a 68mm BB shell with 0 or 1 2.5mm BB cup spacers, move center sleeve inner O-ring to inner groove on center sleeve. See exploded BB diagram for details. Some crank set designs may require additional spindle spacers to be installed onto the crank arm spindle to achieve proper BB bearing preload. Three spindle spacers are included and are only required when dealing with undersized BB shells, oversized crank arm spindle lengths, and other BB spacing inconsistencies. Additional Chris King spacer kits are available through any authorized Chris King dealer, or directly from Chris King. Make sure that the double O-ring side of the center sleeve is pressed into either BB cup, seating the inner O-ring External BB Cup Tool on the inner edge of the BB cup. 3. With proper BB spacers installed on BB cups, thread BB cups into frame using a compatible BB cup spline tool (see below) and torque to 40Nm (30 ft/lbs). BB cups are compatible with the following external BB cup spline tools: Chris King External BB Cup Tool, Park BBT-9 and Shimano TLFC32/TL-FC33. The Chris King External BB Cup Tool features an optimized spline interface that minimizes the chance of marring BB cup anodization and is compatible with 3/8 socket wrenches and torque wrenches. 4. Clean crank spindle and apply a thin layer of grease to spindle surface. Spindle should be insertable into BB using hand pressure. Use of a mallet or other excessive force may cause bearing to separate. If fitting issues are encountered, contact Chris King Customer Service for assistance at [email protected] or call 800-523-6008. 5. Before passing spindle through second BB bearing, be sure spindle is properly aligned with BB bearing spindle sleeve. Follow crank arm manufacturers installation instructions to properly install crank assembly and achieve optimal BB bearing preload. 6. Check for bearing play by pushing/pulling the crank arm toward/away from the frame. To eliminate bearing play, confirm proper spacer orientation and readjust bearing preload. Readjustment of bearing preload may be necessary as bearing breaks in. Check for lateral play in BB/crank set assembly after first hour of use. Recheck periodically during first 100 hours of use. Keeping optimal preload on BB bearings will help maximize their longevity.
24mm Spindle BB assembly

Non-drive side (L)

Drive side (R)

Tech note: move center sleeve inner O-ring to inner groove when using a 68mm BB shell with 0 or 1 2.5mm BB cup spacers.

G E

A. BB bearing spindle sleeve B. non-drive side BB cup assy C. BB cup spacer, 2.5mm

D. bicycle frame bottom bracket shell E. center sleeve outer O-ring F. center sleeve

G. center sleeve inner O-ring H. drive side BB cup assy

Installation of 24mm Stepped Spindle Bottom Bracket

Bottom bracket (BB) installation requires specialized tools. We recommend the procedure be performed by a qualified professional bicycle mechanic. To ensure proper installation, the use of high quality facing and thread chasing tooling is strongly recommended. Use BB marked MTN (A) on 68 or 73mm BB shells with mountain-style cranks. Use BB marked ROAD (B) on 68mm BB shells with road-style cranks.
24mm Stepped Spindle BB Compatibility & Specs
BB shell width 68 mm, 73 mm compatible with most SRAM GXP, Truvativ and Bontrager external crankset design BB configurations that use a 24mm stepped crank spindle front derailleur seat tube mounted, E-Type (BB mounted) chain guide ISCG tab mounted, BB mounted BB thread type english BB weight 125 g (complete assembly, includes all spacers)

Preparation of Bottom Bracket Shell

Proper preparation of the BB shell is required for best BB performance, durability, longevity and reduces the possibility of installation problems. 1. Chase the BB shell threads to ensure that threads are properly formed. 2. Face the BB shell to ensure that the ends are square and parallel to each other. Be sure to remove all frame paint from BB shell/BB cup interface. 3. Using a small file, deburring tool or sand paper, carefully remove any sharp edges or burrs from the BB shell edges. 4. Clean BB shell threads and surfaces to remove any chips, shavings, and/or cutting oil.
Installation of bearing cups

1. Note BB cup orientation marking on BB threads before greasing 24mm Stepped BB Spindle Spacer Guide threads, as marking may be obscured when grease is applied to crankset BB shell width 1 mm spindle spacers threads. Apply a generous coating of waterproof grease to the threads road double 68 mm 0 road triple 68 mm 5 on the BB cups, as well as on the BB shell threads on the bicycle mtn triple and double 68 mm 4 frame. mtn triple and double 73 mm 4 2. Make sure that the double O-ring side of the center sleeve is pressed mtn triple and double 73 mm with E-type FD 1 into either BB cup, seating the inner O-ring on the inner edge of the tandem captain 68 mm 0 BB cup. tandem stoker 68 mm 8 3. If installing a MTB-style BB and crankset into a 68 mm BB shell, install one 2.5 mm BB cup spacer onto each bearing cup. No spacers are required for all other setup configurations. 4. With proper BB spacers installed on BB cups, thread BB cups into frame using a compatible BB cup spline tool (see below) and torque to 40 Nm (30 ft/lbs). BB cups are compatible with the following external BB cup spline tools: Chris King External BB Cup Tool, Park BBT-9 and Shimano TLFC32/TL-FC33. The Chris King External BB Cup Tool features an optimized spline interface that minimizes the chance of marring BB cup anodization and is compatible with 3/8 socket wrenches and torque wrenches.
Preparation and fitting of crank spindle

1. Remove BB bearing spindle sleeves (black plastic pieces) from the inner diameter of both bottom bracket bearings by hand. If not removable by hand, carefully insert the tip of a small screwdriver or penknife under outer flange of BB bearing spindle sleeve and gently pry it out of the bearing using alternating prying locations. 2. Clean crank spindle and spline interface and apply grease to splines 3. Slide adaptor sleeve over the spindle splines until it sits flush with the shoulder on the spindle shaft. Tech tip: if resistance is encountered when sliding adaptor sleeve onto spindle, slide adaptor washer onto splines and apply even pressure to the top of the washer to slide the sleeve up the splines until it sits tightly and evenly against the shoulder on the spindle shaft. Then remove the washer from the spindle before proceeding. 4. Determine the recommended number of spindle spacers required for your crankset/BB shell interface by referring to the Spindle Spacer Guide
Stepped Spindle BB assembly
A B C D E F G H I J K L M

A. crank arm, non-driveside B. adaptor washer C. BB cup assy, non-driveside

D. bicycle frame BB shell G. adaptor sleeve E. BB cup assembly, drive side H. disc spring F. bearing spindle sleeve I. spindle spacers (4 pictured)

J. spindle splines K. spindle step/shoulder L. crank spindle

M. crank arm assy, drive side

in this manual. Slide recommended number of spindle spacers onto spindle so that they sit flush with the drive side crank interface. 5. Slide the disc spring onto spindle. 6. Insert crank assembly through drive side of bottom bracket. Note: crank spindle will be loose inside of bearings. This procedure is for fitting only. Do not use cranks without bearing spindle sleeves installed on bottom bracket. 7. For an ideal installation, the outer edge of the adaptor sleeve will protrude from the outside edge of the bearing by 0.5 mm. A protrusion of 0 mm to 1 mm is acceptable*. If adaptor sleeve measurement falls within the acceptable range, move to Step 10. *Tech Tip: the three white plastic spindle spacers included add up to 1 mm of thickness. These can be used to gauge the protrusion of the adaptor. 8. If the outer edge of the adaptor sleeve is inside the outer edge of the bearing, remove one 1 mm spindle spacer between the drive side crank interface and the disc spring and then go back to Step 5. 9. If the outer edge of the adaptor sleeve protrudes more than 1 mm, add one 1 mm spindle spacer between the drive side crank interface and the disc spring and then go back to Step 5. Tech tip: three white plastic spindle spacers have been included to fine tune BB bearing preload. They each have a thickness of .33 mm. These spacers are only required when fine tuning of the BB bearing preload is necessary. Additional spacer kits are available through any authorized Chris King dealer, or directly from Chris King Precision Components. 10. Once proper fit has been determined, remove crank from bottom bracket and reinstall bearing spindle sleeves into BB bearings. Proceed to Installation of crankset section.
Installation of crankset

1. Slide spindle through BB on bicycle. Tech note: Spindle should be insertable into BB using hand pressure. Use of a mallet or other excessive force may cause bearing to separate. Before passing spindle through second BB bearing, be sure spindle is properly aligned with the hole through the second bearing. If fitting issues are encountered, contact Chris King Customer Service for assistance at [email protected] or call 800-523-6008. 2. Slide adaptor washer onto spindle spline that is protruding through the non-driveside bearing. 3. Install non-driveside crankarm by following crank arm manufacturers installation instructions. 4. Check for bearing interface play by pushing/pulling the crank arm toward/away from the frame. Check for excessive bearing drag by spinning crankset. If bearing play or excessive drag is detected, proceed to Stepped Spindle BB Installation Troubleshooting, other side. Tech Note: Readjustment of bearing preload may be necessary as bearing breaks in. Check for lateral play in BB/crank set assembly after first hour of use. Recheck periodically during first 100 hours of use. Keeping optimal preload on BB bearings will help maximize their longevity. Tech Note: every effort has been made to maintain the crank manufacturers chainline, however some adjustment of the front derailleur may be necessary achieve proper alignment.
Stepped Spindle BB Installation Troubleshooting

Play: If play is detected in bearing interface, add one white plastic spindle spacer between the drive side crank interface and the disc spring. Reinstall crank assembly and retest for bearing play. Repeat as necessary. Drag: If excessive drag is detected in the bearing, remove one 1 mm spindle spacer from the drive side spindle and replace with two white plastic spindle spacers. Reinstall crankset assembly and retest for bearing drag. If excessive bearing drag is detected again, remove one white plastic spindle spacer from the drive side spindle. Then reinstall crankset assembly, retest for excessive drag. If excessive bearing drag remains, remove one plastic spindle spacer from the drive side spindle. Reinstall crankset assembly and retest.

Bottom Bracket Maintenance

Chris King bearings are designed to provide the maximum life of any BB with a minimum of maintenance. Besides an occasional bearing preload adjustment, the only service necessary is an occasional cleaning and regreasing of the bearings. Riding conditions will dictate how often to service your BB. In wet conditions, service may be necessary as often as every 3 months; in dry conditions, up to every 6 months. The BB bearings can be serviced by two different methods. When rotating the inner bearing race, if resistance or drag is detected but the bearing is feels smooth, a relubrication is due. Proceed to BB Bearing Relubrication with Chris King BB Injector Tool section, below. If a Chris King BB Injector Tool is not available, proceed to BB Bearing Cleaning and Relubrication section. If the bearing feels gritty, contaminated, or if significant resistance is detected, then it is necessary to fully clean and relubricate the bearing. Proceed to BB Bearing Cleaning and Relubrication section. All BB bearing service can be performed with the BB mounted to the bicycle frame.

Service of Bearings

BB Bearing Relubrication with Chris King BB Injector Tool

The BB bearing can be easily flushed with new grease using the Chris King BB Injector Tool. This service should be performed periodically. 1. Remove crank set assembly and spindle from BB according to crank set manufacturers instruction. 2. Remove BB bearing spindle sleeves (black plastic pieces) from the inner diameter of both bottom bracket bearings by hand. If not removable by hand, carefully insert the tip of a small screwdriver or penknife under outer flange of BB bearing spindle sleeve and gently pry it out of the bearing using alternating prying locations. 3. Insert BB Injector Tool into bearing 4. Attach grease gun tip to grease fitting on BB Injector Tool 5. While continuously pressing BB Injector Tool into bearing to form seal, inject fitting with waterproof synthetic grease until all contaminated grease is purged from bearing 6. Wipe purged grease from bearing surface 7. Reinstall bearing spindle sleeve by pressing the sleeve back into bearings inner race by hand
BB Bearing Cleaning and Relubrication
Chris King 1. Remove crank set assembly and spindle from BB according to crank set manufacturers instruction. BB Injector Tool 2. Remove BB bearing spindle sleeves (black plastic pieces) from the inner diameter of both bottom bracket bearings by hand. If not removable by hand, carefully insert the tip of a small screwdriver or penknife under outer flange of BB bearing spindle sleeve and gently pry it out of the bearing using alternating prying locations. 3. Carefully, using a small screwdriver, pick, or penknife, remove the snap ring by inserting tool into split of snap ring. Gently work one end of the snap ring toward bearing center until it is out of its groove. Follow the ring around with the tool until the snap ring is completely dislodged. 4. Lift and remove exposed rubber seal to access the interior of the bearing. 5. Thoroughly flush the bearing with a light spray lubricant (e.g., WD-40) and blow dry with compressed air. Some solvents, synthetic lubricants, and greases with high-pressure additives may attack and damage seals and other nonmetallic materials. Minimize exposure to these substances and thoroughly dry bearing assembly after cleaning. If a Chris King BB Injector Tool is available, proceed to BB Bearing Relubrication with Chris King BB Injector Tool section and follow steps 3 through 6, then proceed to step 7, below. If an injection tool is not available, proceed to step 6, below. 6. Lay a bead of waterproof synthetic grease around the top of the bearing. Rotate the inner race to work grease throughout the ball area. 7. Wipe dirt and other contaminants from the seals and snap rings. Used snap rings and seals can be reinstalled unless warped, punctured, or otherwise damaged. If damaged, replacement seals and snap rings are available through any authorized Chris King dealer or directly from Chris King. 8. Replace rubber seal between inner and outer bearing race. 9. Insert one edge of snap ring into groove of outer bearing race. Press along entire groove until snap ring is fully seated; a small gap should be visible between both ends of the snap ring. 10. Turn inner race of bearing by hand to test for binding. If bearings do not run smooth, repeat steps 3-9. Binding is often a result of improperly seated seals and/or snap rings. 11. Reinstall bearing spindle sleeve by pressing the sleeve back into the bearings inner race by hand. 12. Reinstall crank set according to crank set manufacturers instructions.

Questions? Please e-mail us at [email protected] or call the Customer Service hotline at 800-523-6008 Replacement parts can be purchased through any authorized Chris King dealer, or directly from Chris King. Common spare parts are available on the online web store at www.chrisking.com/store.
Made in the USA

All Chris King Precision Components products are manufactured in the USA using industry leading environmental and quality control standards. All trademarks, registered trademarks, and logos are of their respective holders. King Cycle Group, 2011. All rights reserved.
Chris King Precision Components

2801 NW Nela Street, Portland, Oregon 97210 800.523.6008 www.chrisking.com [email protected]

rev. 5/10-A