have removed tophat etc, but before i go in with a big hammer can anyone explain, or point me to a website with info, how to remove the bearings from ht2 bb cups?

can it be done without specialist tools?

This one is quite comprehensive…
http://www.mountainbikerides.co.uk/fettling/hollowtech2bb.htm

IME it rather depends on yr cups, the shitmano ones have a ledge so you cant drift the bearing out properly/easily so need a tool (a la betd tool) the SSC cups just use a 21mm socket and drift them out then pop the new ones back in easy peasy.

ps, its stage 6 that need plenty of care, not quite the hammer fest the guide suggests..

Couple of tips:

I use the ht2 spanner to hold the cup when knocking out the bearings: open workbench or vice until its just wider than the cup, rest the spanner on it and then sit the cup on the spanner. Lightly clamp the other end of the spanner. Stops things sliding around when knocking the bearings out (which come out very easily IME)

A headset press really isnt necessary to replace the bearings. Before installing the cups in the frame, gently tap a bearing into the cup a bit, then use a vice to squeeze it in (it’ll go in straight like that) and use the old bearing as well in the vice to squeeze it in the last bit so you dont mash the cup.

I’ve done this half a dozen times now and it really is a ten minute job (not a ten minute job that takes two hours!)

many thanks.

p.s. anyone know where i can get a spare ‘tophat’ from?

oops!

Post a wanted on the classifieds, i’ll have a rummage in the garage tonight too.You wont get a new one as its a non-serviceable component according to Mr Shimano

I’ve found it easier to leave the cups in the frame, you then have a solid base to work from when it comes to hitting them. Also recommend dipping it in a pan of boiling water for a couple of minutes first to expand the cups as the bearings will then come out so much easier.