In attempting to fix the slight grind on my bottom bracket, I’ve taken out the angular contact bearing to give it a good clean and re-grease.

In the process, I’ve accidentally removed the “cage” holding the bearings in place between the races. I can’t get this cage back on, so the bearings are rolling loose inside the race. If I roll it round long enough, they all congregate together, and then there’s a lot of play between the inner and outer race.

Do you think I’ll die if I use this for one (shortish – 10 mile) ride tomorrow until I can get a new bearing set or am I likely to fubar my bottom bracket and crankset?

If the bearing faces are disposable – what’s the worse that can happen – can you chuck a few more in for good measure(not too many though)

But if they can come into contact with ‘expensive’ bits I’d be wary.