Bottom bracket issue

[Norwood42]

Hi, I had a more modern bottom bracket fitted to my 1970’s Regina road bike. The BB has started moving side to side when I push pedal back and forth. It has a 1mm ish gap around it every time it moves so must be letting in moisture and dirt etc
Any ideas if it’s repairable?

 

[Takingabreak]

More info required and pictures... Retrobikers love pictures. Which type of bottom bracket is fitted?

 

[neilbah]

Is this a square taper BB of the cartridge variety with one fixed and one free cup? If so it sounds like the non drive side wasn't done up enough.
Were the threads in the frame known to be damaged? for example some shops fit frame-saver type thread together BB which does not utilise the original threads in the shell. I would take it back to the LBS or whomever fitted it and see if they can tighten it down or apply something like a threadlock to prevent it coming undone. There are occasions where the NDS cup needs to be inserted beyond flush with the BB shell however the threads may have bottomed out if they were dirty and not chased or worse still if they just done it up anyway without ensuring a clean interface.

 

[Midlife]

Is it the axle moving side to side or the actual bottom bracket in the shell ?

 

[SteelNipple]

BSA bottom bracket in an italian BB shell?

 

[Norwood42]

More info required and pictures... Retrobikers love pictures. Which type of bottom bracket is fitted?

I can't remember which type but will find out.

 

[Norwood42]

Is it the axle moving side to side or the actual bottom bracket in the shell ?

The threaded bit is visible and its the whole thing moving side to side.

 

[Norwood42]

BSA bottom bracket in an italian BB shell?

No idea sorry.

 

[lingua27]

Sounds like the whole cartridge BB might not be seated properly in the shell if you’re getting that much side-to-side play. A couple of things to check once you know what type it is:

• Threading: Italian vs English makes a big difference — Italian shells are 70mm wide and both sides are right-hand thread, while English are 68mm and have the left-hand thread on the drive side. If it’s Italian and someone fitted the wrong type, it could explain the movement.
• Fit in the shell: If you can see daylight around the BB, it might not be the right size or the cups aren’t tightened down correctly. Sometimes a thin spacer or thread locker is needed if tolerances are loose.
• Shell condition: Old frames sometimes have worn or slightly damaged threads. A shop can chase the threads to clean them up, or in worse cases, a threadless BB (like a Shimano UN55 with adaptor sleeve, or a Token unit) can be a workaround.

Definitely wait until you confirm whether the shell is Italian or English before buying anything. Once you know, it’ll be easier to suggest the right fix...

 

[juvela]

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there is a Regina marque which issues from France


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