How to Remove Press Fit Bottom Bracket?

You may be here looking for solutions as to the many ways you can stop that creaking noise from the bottom brackets of your bike. Or you may be reading this for the simple reason of converting how to remove Press fit bottom bracket to something else.

Whatever the reason may be, removing a bottom bracket may seem complicated at first, but once you learn how to remove press-fit bottom bracket safely and efficiently, you will be able to enjoy a smooth bike ride without any complications!

Before we dive into that, let us learn exactly what a press fit is.

What is a How to Remove Press Fit Bottom Bracket?

Press-fit is an engineering term defining a type of bracket that holds two loose objects at an angle. This basically refers to the insertion of an object into a slightly smaller opening to achieve a force around the object that holds it in place. It is achieved through normal friction and force. A press-fit is also sometimes referred to as an Interference Fit.

Now that you have a simple understanding of what a press-fit is let’s discuss the main problems leading to its removal.

Problems with a Press fit Bracket

Usually, press-fit brackets do not cause any issues. However, a simple case of misalignment or a bad fit can lead to problems.

Bicycle manufacturers will bond together 2 bottom brackets. Once bonded, they have a set shape. Sometimes due to the bonded form and an absence of an object that fits correctly, the brackets and dowels do not align, ultimately leading to the bracket being worn down and the creaking sound it produces.

Another problem that may arise due to the manufacturers is that the brackets may be produced differently. The brackets are made of carbon fiber, so if the production is not carefully monitored, it can lead to a variety of brackets ranging in size. This may lead to a bracket being a loose fit and ultimately causing the same problem; creaking.

Whatever may have caused a misalignment or loose fit, you may want to know how to remove press-fit bottom bracket. We will now discuss the smoothest ways of doing so, as well as the tools you will need.

The Materials or Tools

To remove a bottom bracket safely, you will need the right tools. Now you must find out the ID (Inside Diameter) of your bearing. The procedure will mostly depend on that. In general, you will require either a Bottom Bracket Bearing Tool Set (BBT) or a Headset and Bottom Bracket Cup Remover (RT). These sets come with screwdrivers specifically made to remove bracket bearings of bikes.

Depending on the ID of your bearings, you will need a BBT anywhere from 30.4 to 90.3. If the ID exceeds 25 mm but is below 30 mm, you will require an RT-1 set. Once you have the screwdrivers, you may also need a hammer; this will be further explained in the main procedure section of this article.

The Main Procedure

In order to remove a bottom bracket, you must follow the instructions below. The instructions have been divided based on the ID of different bearings. We will start off with a 30mm ID.

Step 1- For a 30mm bearing, you will need the BBT-30.4 set. This set will come with a driver and a blue guide. Start by placing the driver through one of the bearings.

Step 2- Center the tool by using the blue guide from the set. This will allow you to ensure the driver does not slide off and the impact does not ruin any other part of your bike.

Step 3- Position the hammer right above the driver and hit the driver with a sufficient amount of force. This will loosen up the bearing enough for it to come off after a few more impacts. Repeatedly hammer the driver until the bearing comes off.

Step 4- Repeat the same thing on the other bearing.

Now we will move onto a bearing with an ID of 22-24mm.

Step 1- For this bearing, you will need a BBT-90.3 set. This set comes with a driver with an expanding end. Start by sliding in the driver through one of the bearings.

Step 2- Pull the driver through until you hear a clicking noise. This noise will be emitted once the expanding end is in the bearing and has been positioned properly. The sound will let you know when to continue to the next step.

Step 3- After hearing the clicking sound, place the hammer directly above the narrow end of the driver and start hammering. Keep hammering until the bearings fall off.

Step 4- Repeat this on the other bearing.

There may be a slight possibility of damage to the bike or even inside of the bracket. In certain cases, this may happen due to the bearing being too small. For which a peg of 14-17mm OD (Outside Diameter) must be placed to keep the bearing tight against the bracket.

For a bearing with an ID of 24-29mm, you will follow a similar process.

Step 1- For this, you will need the RT-1 set. This tool is a driver similar to the 90.3, and the process is mostly the same.

Step 2- Pull the driver through until you hear a clicking noise. This noise will be emitted once the expanding end is in the bearing and has been positioned properly. The sound will let you know when to continue to the next step.

Step 3- After hearing the clicking sound, place the hammer directly above the narrow end of the driver and start hammering. Keep hammering until the bearings fall off.

Step 4- Repeat this on the other bearing

Precautions

Follow these guidelines for proper precautions.

• When placing the driver, make sure to get a good grip to prevent bad damages
• When hammering, ensure proper finger placement to prevent painful injuries

Final word

Now that you have learned how to remove press fit bottom bracket, you must be careful about the entire process and precautions that we mentioned above.

Therefore, if you follow the guided procedures step-by-step, you will easily get it done by yourself.

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