Just helping a mate remove his old fsa cranks from a square taper BB and the thread has pulled out the crank arm !! FFS ... i was trying to help and now i feel gulity !
any way to get them off with out cutting the BB spindle ?
It happened to me with an FSA crank, octalink in my case, a big hammer/mallet will get it off eventually - square taper are tighter than ocatalinks. I zip tied an old headset spanner to the crank so the end went over the axle to improve the hitting surface.
Another alternative is a gear puller if you have access to one of those - I didn't.
it's ****ed now 🙁 hacksaw it or angle grinder it off
cut parallel to the axle as close as you dare, it will loosen.
mini ball joint separator will remove it
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If it has a bottom bracket that requires a B/B spanner to fit it you're in luck. If it's a current type then you're not.
If it is a old one do this - Loosen the drive side cup a few turns so the axle moves back and forth a bit. Squeeze a spanner or similar between the B/B cup and the back of the crank. Using something like a large bolt as a drift on the axle, tap with a hammer and it'll pop off in one go easy.
Obviously not doable with bottom brackets that have the internal notches to facilitate removal. The jemmy stye ball joint remover is your best hope.
BTW ever tried sawing through a B/B axle? there as tough as old boots.
If its a write-off anyway just take the bolt out, apply gt85 in the corners of the square taper if you can and ride it off kerbs repeatedly, hovering gracefully over the saddle so you land with a thump on your perenium when it finally falls off the bb spindle. Much more fun than the above (also viable) methods, but you won't be able to use the crank arm again.
Alternatively dremel through to the bb spindle (alu is softer so doesn't take [i]that[/i] long.)
Mini Angle Grinder is the quickest method, bloody hard work with a hammer
If you are anywhere near Cambridge bring it round and I will do the business on it
Tony, I have a few tools at work which should get it off, including TJ's idea. Drop it round if you want and I'll take it to work.
neilb67 - Member
Tony, I have a few tools at work which should get it off, including TJ's idea. Drop it round if you want and I'll take it to work
cheers neil , ill speak to him today and see what he says,was doing him a favour swapping bits over from his giant onto a inbred frame he`d bought off me !! ..... may just hacksaw the cranks off so i can get the BB out as i know he wants to sell the frame ..... oh and hes from over your way as well
cheers neil
Ive got crank pullers, forks, ball joint splitters so should be able to get it off. Tell him to drop it off. Off to the Peak now so will be in later tonight.