12-09-2011, 10:17 AM
I removed the old bearings and thoroughly cleaned the bearing cage then filled it up with brand new standard 3/16" bearings that measured out identical to the originals, using a spring caliper tool.
It seems I have two choices; either tighten until the BB is not smooth, which leads to nice tight BB axle/crank arms with no play but a rough bumpy roation due to bearing friction, or tune the BB cups so there is a tiny bit of play, but runs very freely and smoothly. I can't seem to find the sweet spot where everything runs smooth, yet free of unwanted play.
It seems I have two choices; either tighten until the BB is not smooth, which leads to nice tight BB axle/crank arms with no play but a rough bumpy roation due to bearing friction, or tune the BB cups so there is a tiny bit of play, but runs very freely and smoothly. I can't seem to find the sweet spot where everything runs smooth, yet free of unwanted play.