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When To Replace Your Bottom Bracket

In most cases, your bottom bracket will provide years of trouble-free use. But all good things come to an end – someday your bottom bracket will wear out and need replaced.

But how will I know when to replace it?

Checking your bottom bracket for wear is actually pretty simple and does not require crank arm or bottom bracket removal!

Just take the chain off the chainrings (you can rest it on the bottom bracket shell or remove it completely) and then just spin the cranks.

If the cranks spin freely and quietly, your bottom bracket is fine. If you hear a rough, grinding sound, there’s a good chance the bottom bracket is worn out.

At that point, you may want to remove the old BB and install a new BB.