Just installed a new press fit BB with the proper tool. I lightly greased the shell and it went in very easily.

Since installing it I’ve noticed that both the bearings on both sides are very stiff. On the non-drive side it’s so stiff I can bearly rotate it with my fingers. With the crank installed, there’s a lot of resistance to rotation. If I spin the crank it turns less than half a revolution.

What have I done wrong? Should I have greased the bearings in some way before installing them in the frame? Could I have pressed the cups into the frame with too much force and damaged them? Will they loosen up with use?

Unfortunately I didn’t check how the bearings felt before installing the cups so I can’t determine if the installation has been the problem or if they were stiff out of the box.

Thanks for any ideas! Schweiz

sounds like the seals are stuff – new bearings with high quality seals can be a bit stiff although that sounds a bit much – I’d get the bearings out again and check them just to be sure so long as you dindn’t put pressure on teh inner race . seal and the proper tool should avoid that you shouldn’t have damaged the bearings

What cranks are you using?

Using XT hollowtech cranks. The crank “shaft” was a tight fit through the inner cover of BB and required a few decent taps but everything is aligned properly.

Unfortunately I don’t have the removal tool for the cups. They’re Shimano BB91. Perhaps I’ll try and knock them out with a 10mm allen key which was recommended elsewhere.

if you don’t have the right tool you could damage them – try taking it for a ride and see if they loosen off which they will if its just tight / dry seals

Cheers TJ – will do.