Crank loose!

[steve954]

Evening everyone, I don't normally vist this section of the p/h but I have a problem with my bike! The crank is working itself loose and I need to tighten it but it's a bit new school for me and I haven't a clue where to start or what tools I will need! I have taken a few pics so can someone please tell me where I need to start?

[gazza285]

Sounds more like your bottom bracket is knackered. New bearings required.

[steve954]

gazza285 said:

Sounds more like your bottom bracket is knackered. New bearings required.

I thought these had adjustable bearings?

[Pablo16v]

Yeah, how old is the BB? Truvative GXP's aren't known for their longevity. If you want to see how it's installed type "install truvative GXP bottom bracket" into you tube.

[gazza285]

steve954 said:

I thought these had adjustable bearings?

Not for a while, easy enough to change though, and cheap. You'll need Allan keys, a drift and a hammer, on-line guides are your friend.

[steve954]

Pablo16v said:

Yeah, how old is the BB? Truvative GXP's aren't known for their longevity. If you want to see how it's installed type "install truvative GXP bottom bracket" into you tube.

The whole bike was bought new in 2009 so about 4 years but I would say less than 500 miles use.

[steve954]

gazza285 said:

Not for a while, easy enough to change though, and cheap. You'll need Allan keys, a drift and a hammer, on-line guides are your friend.

Got all that I will have to give it a go.

[anonymous-user]

Use Allen key to remove non drive side crank. Tap axle to remove drive side. Clean it all up, put it back together using cooper ease or something similar. If you've been riding with it loose you may have damaged the bottom bracket but its unlikely. Previously the axle was part of the bottom bracket but these days the axle is on the crank and the bb is hollow. Use google images and search for gxp chain set and gxp bottom braket and it should make sense!

Edited by anonymous-user on Wednesday 19th June 21:58

[steve954]

pablo said:

Use Allen key to remove non drive side crank. Tap axle to remove drive side. Clean it all up, put it back together using cooper ease or something similar. If you've been riding with it loose you may have damaged the bottom bracket but its unlikely. Previously the axle was part of the bottom bracket but these days the axle is on the crank and the bb is hollow. Use google images and search for gxp chain set and gxp bottom braket and it should make sense!

Edited by pablo on Wednesday 19th June 21:58

Just had a look online and it's fairly straight forward so a job for tomorrow night I think.
Many thanks for all your help.

[gazza285]

Cooper ease?

[aka_kerrly]

gazza285 said:

Cooper ease?

Anti seize copper grease, or lithium grease, molly grease (often referred to as general purpose grease), CV joint grease or if you are really fancy I've heard of people using waterproof marine grade grease!

if you need spare parts chain reaction cycles stock most FSA bits as it is highly likely you will need to replace the allen key bolt on the non drive side as FSA make these out of alloy that has the strength of a Baby Bell.

[gazza285]

aka_kerrly said:

gazza285 said:

Cooper ease?

Anti seize copper grease, or lithium grease, molly grease (often referred to as general purpose grease), CV joint grease or if you are really fancy I've heard of people using waterproof marine grade grease!

if you need spare parts chain reaction cycles stock most FSA bits as it is highly likely you will need to replace the allen key bolt on the non drive side as FSA make these out of alloy that has the strength of a Baby Bell.

I know, just made me laugh.

[aka_kerrly]

gazza285 said:

I know, just made me laugh.

Fair enough, I mixed you and the OP up hence me explaining different greases.

[Smartboy]

Talking of grease - degrease your chain and treat it to a glug of fresh lube immediately!