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I have an FSA external bearing type BB that needs new bearings.
1) What size do I need?
2) Is it possible to get the old ones out without special tools?
3) If I need a new BB what is compatible? Are all external type BBs interchangeable?
Thanks for any help.
1 what cranks, and mostly standard
2 depends what you mean by 'special' - usually just a BB spanner and allen keys
3 usually yes, just buy Hope
1 - there should be an index number on the bearing, something like 67022RR. That tells mr bearing shop bloke what size it is.
2 - careful work with a pin punch and a hammer may get the bearing out of the shell
3 - not always eg truvativ and shimano are different sizes internally
you're supposed to change the whole bb, cups and all. this is what the manufacturers say, hence do not disassemble printed on the cups. if you're doing this then a bb tool is all you need [url= http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Park_Tools_Hollowtech_II_BB_And_Crank_Arm_Tool/5360013016/ ]like this[/url]
you can if you want just change the bearing though. depending on the design of the bb cups you have it is more or less difficult to drift the old ones out - BETD do a good set of drifts and widgets for removal and refitting, all you'll need is a bench vice. IIRC they sell the tools for £25, or free if you buy fours sets of bearings.
as far as the sizes, i don;t know off the top of my head the dimensions. however, FSA use a different axle size than shimano. you can buy adapters to use FSA cranks in shimano bearings - [url= http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=26899 ]hope make some[/url]
BETD sell suitable bearings for either size. i get on well with their (rather more expensive than local bearing shop/ebay) bearings. YMMV.