Removing PF30 bottom bracket

So I’ve had my first encounter with a PF30 BB, and want to install a KCNC PF30 adapter so I can use my XT chainset.

I thought that what with them being press-fit, I could just tap them out with the same makeshift tool i use to knock out headset cups. But they just won’t budge. Do I need to hit em harder, or do I really need to buy the tool?

And if I do need to buy the tool, is there any reason to go for a Park BBT-30.3 rather than one of these: http://qwertycycles.co.uk/products/cannondale-bb30-bearing-removal-tool-kt011?

For info – it’s a Whyte 146 carbon, so I’m a bit nervous about being too enthusiastic with the hammer 🙂

The bb30 tool will likely just take the bearing out of the cups.I use a rocket (headset) tool.Wrap a tea towel round the bb area and pour boiling water over it.This’ll soften the plastic and seems to help.
And buy a bigger hammer.

I tried a proper headset tool too, but it didn’t seem to want to expand once inside the BB. Almost like it needs a narrower one.

As one lbs mechanic said to me, after several hours of sweating & swearing trying to persuade it out… Hit it harder!
Though the boiling water idea might also help

I made a thinner version of a headset cup removal tool for pressfit BBs. On the basis that I only take them out when they’re knackered the fact it cuts into the plastic cups a bit isn’t a problem. If I was removing one and was planning on refitting it I’d buy the proper park one.

You have to hit it a lot harder than a headset. Just make sure your tool isn’t gouging bits out of the inside of the BB shell.

GB

Hmmm, just had a little look on youtube, and it looks like the Park tool does take the complete cup out as well as the bearing. Suppose I should just go for it.

Yep the parktool does the job in seconds, everything else is just a faff
Cheapest place for the parktool is fatbirds

I used a 1 1/8″ headset ‘rocket’ with the subtle addition of a cork shoved up it to drive mine out of a plastic frame, worked fine with a dead blow hammer.

Hmmm, just had a little look on youtube, and it looks like the Park tool does take the complete cup out as well as the bearing

Unless the cup is in the frame tighter than than the bearing is in the cup.It’s usually about 50/50 ime (having done about a 50 so far 🙁 I hate cannondale.

Hmmm, just had a little look on youtube, and it looks like the Park tool does take the complete cup out as well as the bearing. Suppose I should just go for it.

I have the park tool and don’t see how it can take the bearing and the cups out. As per my usage it can:
a) remove the cups from the frame
b) be used to install the new BB cups if you have a headset press (or DIY equivalent)

The “lips” of the tool edge line up perfectly with the cups and not the bearings so don’t see how it could remove the bearings from the cups.

I have considered what would be good to remove the bearings but currently the price of good bearings is the same price as the entire unit so I’m not too concerned.

Also, agreed. Large hammer/mallet and weetabix for breakfast required.

Also it’s worth noting that the tool does ensure that when you remove the cups and insert the new cups, you are doing it in a way exactly perpendicular to the BB Facing. I imagine this would help prevent damage to the frame.

Post the video url if you don’t mind, if it can remove bearings that’d be ace!

I remember there being a newer version of the park tool which was specially made for the PF30 BB, it has an extra ledge on the blue mount things that come with it (three ridges instead of two) – called BBT-30.3 rather than BBT-30. HTH!

He seems to use the BBT-30.3 to get the cups out, then uses a makeshift drift to tap the bearings out. Not at all elegant really.

Thanks for the tips – BBT-30.3 on order from Fat Birds 🙂