Posted by: RAHrider
With regards to cleaning and repacking bearings, I have always just replaced sealed bearings but I decided I'd give it a go on an old raceface bb on my single speed that was a bit crunchy. I watched a youtube video then went at it with a small screwdriver to get the seals off - that part went smooth. When I did the first one, the bearings were all visible so i cleaned them with a rag and then packed in a ton of fresh grease. When I went on to the second one, there was another "seal underneath" - I didn't realize the cartridge was in backwards so you couldn't see the bearings. Of course I went at prying at the retainer and partially removed it but couldn't get it to seat in again so I ended up just pulling it out. Now I have loose bearings on one side. Ended up throwing some grease in and putting the seal on. Seems to spin nicely.
I'm going to go and get a new BB but anyone ever run a bb bearing with no retainer ring?
What do you guys use to clean the bearings? Do you do it differently for a bb cup where you only have access to one side of the bearing?
Thanks for your advice
My method, whether doing it from one side still in the bike or removed is basically the same. I usually do this in the frame, once I pull them it's usually time to replace.
Pop the seal off, and shoot the bearings with penetrating oil. Spin them a few times, blast with a blow gun on your compressor (makes a mess, so beware), shoot with oil again, repeat until they seem totally free of gunk. Then blast them one final time with the blow gun to remove any remaining penetrating oil. It's a quick job.
This works without a compressor blow gun, just takes more time and more penetrating oil to get them clean. If you think the penetrating oil will get inside your frame while doing this, I'd use Triflow instead. It makes a fantastic (though expensive) cleaning oil, and won't dry sticky or caustic the way WD-40 or other penetrators can.