{"id":4208,"date":"2019-01-17T05:11:38","date_gmt":"2019-01-17T05:11:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/?p=4208"},"modified":"2022-10-10T08:54:18","modified_gmt":"2022-10-10T08:54:18","slug":"pf30-bottom-bracket","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/de\/pf30-bottom-bracket\/","title":{"rendered":"Pf30 Bottom Bracket &#8211; The Complete Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">This article covers <span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>all the important things<\/strong><\/span> you need to know about pf30 bottom brackets.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">Topics covered include<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\"><a href=\"#pf30bb30same\">What is the difference between BB30 and pf30?<\/a><\/span><\/li><li><a href=\"#exampf30\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">Examples of PF30 bottom brackets<\/span><\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#removpf30bb\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">Removing PF30 bottom brackets<\/span><\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#pf30bbtool\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">PF30 bottom bracket tool<\/span><\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#installpf30bb\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">Installing PF30 bottom brackets<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">And what tool you are most definitely advised <strong>not<\/strong> to use.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">But first, a story&#8230;about creaking bottom brackets.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">The Event is the annual Taipei Cycle International Bicycle Show.<\/span> <span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">The year is 2012.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">A Shimano rep is wandering the lower floor checking out the smaller bike brands.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">He wanders through a small booth, notices they use Shimano, notices all models are sporting threaded external bottom brackets.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">\u201cHow come you aren\u2019t using a press fit BB on your range . . . <span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>anywhere<\/strong><\/span> on your range?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">&#8220;Dodgy reputation . . . squeaks n stuff like that. Anyway, our customers are happy<br>with threaded . . . don&#8217;t fix sommit that ain&#8217;t broke . . .&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">Good point. For the average rider what&#8217;s the real advantage? Really . . .&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">But we&#8217;ve come a long way in the intervening years.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">Press-fit is well established. There&#8217;s several solutions to the various pf problems that have cropped up over the years.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>PRESS FIT BOTTOM BRACKETS<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\"><br>First a little historical context.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">The square taper bottom bracket was\u2014and still is\u2014a dependable workhorse.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-size: 24px; color: #11fa00;\"><span class=\"has-inline-color has-central-palette-1-color\"><em>You might also like these articles:<\/em><\/span><\/span><br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/building-a-bike\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"9229\"><span style=\"font-size: 24px;\">10 Essential Steps in Building a Bike<\/span><\/a><br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/bsa-bottom-bracket\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"7877\"><span style=\"font-size: 24px;\">BSA Bottom Brackets<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">Then Shimano took the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/bike-bearings\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"9533\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">bearings<\/a> out of the BB shell and placed them on the outside.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\"> That enabled making them bigger and, theoretically, more durable.&nbsp;<\/span><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">The external bearing bottom bracket promised among other things<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>greater stiffness<\/strong><\/span> due to larger crank spindles and BB bearings<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">ease of on-trail maintenance\u2014you <span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>don\u2019t<\/strong><\/span> need to carry <span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>a crank puller<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">There is no shortage of cyclists who swear by square taper. This design gets you out on your bike safely and reliably.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">Check out a range of views on both sides of the debate over at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bike198.com\/the-square-taper-vs-external-bearing-bottom-bracket-debate\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bike 198<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">Bearings had been located in cups pressed into a bike\u2019s headtube . . . forever.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">It was only a matter of time before the design was translated to bottom bracket bearing assemblies.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">Enter the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/press-fit-bottom-bracket\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"9501\">press fit<\/a> revolution in 2006 with the BB30.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-family: 'arial black', sans-serif; font-size: 32px;\"><a id=\"pf30bb30same\"><\/a>ARE PF30 &amp; BB30 the SAME?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\"><br>No they are not the same. But they are also not all that different.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">The design difference comes down to whether the (sealed) bearing, common to each, is<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>pressed directly<\/strong><\/span> into the bottom bracket shell or<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>pressed into cups<\/strong><\/span> which are then pressed into the bottom bracket shell<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">size of the bottom bracket shell<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"403\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-vs-bb30-1024x403.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4291\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-vs-bb30-1024x403.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-vs-bb30-300x118.png 300w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-vs-bb30-768x302.png 768w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-vs-bb30.png 1088w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">6806 is a number you\u2019ll see describing the bearings used for both pf30 and BB30. This is the bearing category designation.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">The 6806 bearing has<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">an ID (internal diameter) of 30mm which is the OD (Outer Diameter) of the crank spindle<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">an OD of 42mm<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">a width of 7mm (the visible race)<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/30mm-24mm-bottom-bracket-bearing-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"30mm 24mm Bottom Bracket Bearing\" class=\"wp-image-4209\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/30mm-24mm-bottom-bracket-bearing-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/30mm-24mm-bottom-bracket-bearing-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/30mm-24mm-bottom-bracket-bearing-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/30mm-24mm-bottom-bracket-bearing-768x768.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">In the case of a BB30, the bearing is pressed directly into a 42mm BB shell and will look like this. Well, the top one anyway.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">The lower, included for contrast, is for a standard 24mm spindle and 33.9mm bottom bracket shell ID.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/bearing-race-cage-grease-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Bearing Race with bearing Cage and bearings in Grease\" class=\"wp-image-4211\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/bearing-race-cage-grease-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/bearing-race-cage-grease-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/bearing-race-cage-grease-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/bearing-race-cage-grease.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">If you were to prise a cover off one side of your sealed bearing it would look like this.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">This is a technique you might consider if you&#8217;d like to have a go at <span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>cleaning and re-greasing bearings<\/strong><\/span> that still have life in them, but which may have become dry and\/or contaminated.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">What you see there is the outer race and the inner race. The bearing cage is sandwiched in between. The very, very . . . VERY finely machined balls run along those twin tracks.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">The difference in the case of a pf30 bottom bracket is that the bearing is pressed into <strong>cups<\/strong> having an OD of 46mm requiring a 46mm (ID) BB shell.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"779\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/ceramic-bearings-779x1024.jpg\" alt=\"24mm and 30mm Ceramic Bearings\" class=\"wp-image-4212\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/ceramic-bearings-779x1024.jpg 779w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/ceramic-bearings-228x300.jpg 228w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/ceramic-bearings-768x1010.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/ceramic-bearings.jpg 1470w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 779px) 100vw, 779px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">If you&#8217;ve got ceramic bearings, by the way, then they&#8217;ll likely be color-differentiated like this.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 28px;\">BB30<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">BB30 increases the spindle diameter and gets rid of all the material that used to support the bearings\u2014the bearing cups and everything in between. The resulting crank is thus both <span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>lighter and stiffer<\/strong><\/span> since there is less crank distortion under the extreme torque that they are subject to.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">And if anything defined the 2000s it was the conversation around stiffness in the context of the carbon revolution.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\"> Q-factor adjustment also becomes possible.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">When you think about it, the bottom bracket is doing the job that the frame should do.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">The bottom bracket shell in particular once housed bearings with a minimum of support. <span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Why carry this extra weight?<\/strong><\/span> The logic of placing sealed bearings directly in a modified bottom bracket shell is sound.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">But . . . and the <em>buts<\/em> are significant.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">BB30 requires extremely precise machining of the bottom bracket shell to get this right.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">Or in other words, the tolerances are quite strict\u2014there is little leeway for error.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">If a frame-maker is out by a margin of even 0.3mm, it will make a difference and the <span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>bearing will probably not fit,<\/strong><\/span> and making it right means higher costs.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">Given that BB shells in carbon frames are normally alloy, not carbon, you have the situation of the sealed bearing&#8217;s outer race being in direct contact with the shell. Hence the reputation for creaking.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">You need to check a bike&#8217;s BB shell for precision prior to installing a BB30 setup. That requires specialist tools quite independently of those required to actually install the bearings as well as removing them.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">An oversized inner diameter can be reamed. Should the BB shell be oversized to start with, then <span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>it&#8217;s all over<\/strong><\/span> red rover . . .<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">In addition, the bearing seats within the shell must be completely aligned. If not, the <span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>bearings will wear out<\/strong><\/span> before their time.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">When pressing the bearings in with the tool to the limit of the circlips, overtightening may damage them.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">Getting the bearings seated in just the right place is the trick here . . . not hard but another variable to take into account nonetheless.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 28px;\">PF30<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">In 2009 SRAM responded to BB30&#8217;s inadequacies.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">Instead of directly installing them into the BB shell, the sealed bearings are seated in cups which are then positioned in the BB shell\u2014<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>tolerances do not need to be so strict<\/strong><\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">So with a pf30 system you don&#8217;t need the specialist gauges and tools<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">And if you are a bike shop taking delivery of a frame, you won&#8217;t be stressed out as to whether the jolly old BB shell is within tolerance or not.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">In fact, you can minimally get away with just one simple\u2014and free!\u2014wrench that is supplied with the pf30 unit.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">Let&#8217;s now take a closer a look at the pf30 bottom bracket.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-family: 'arial black', sans-serif;\"><a id=\"exampf30\"><\/a>EXAMPLES of PF30 BOTTOM BRACKETS<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><br><span style=\"font-size: 20px;\">Here is a brief look at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/bottom-brackets\/press-fit\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">several types of pf30 bottom bracket available in the market today<\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-threaded-bottom-bracket-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Pf30 Threaded Bottom Bracket's sleeve\" class=\"wp-image-4224\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-threaded-bottom-bracket-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-threaded-bottom-bracket-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-threaded-bottom-bracket-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-threaded-bottom-bracket.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">A very convenient design is this self-installing\/self-extracting model.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">Crafted from solid aluminum through CNC (Computer Numerically Controlled) cutting, at 260g it is both light and durable.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"434\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/threaded-pf30-bottom-bracket-tool-1024x434.jpg\" alt=\"Pf30 Bottom Bracket Tool\" class=\"wp-image-4226\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/threaded-pf30-bottom-bracket-tool-1024x434.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/threaded-pf30-bottom-bracket-tool-300x127.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/threaded-pf30-bottom-bracket-tool-768x325.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">Briefly, you can install and remove it with a pair of gloves.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">You&#8217;ll only need a tool for the last bit of tightening, or the first bit of loosening when removing.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/rGLEN2R88lQ\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">Whilst not the focus of the article here, there&#8217;s a lot more on that in the video.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-stardard-sleeve-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Stanrdard Pf30 Bottom Bracket with Sleeve\" class=\"wp-image-4216\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-stardard-sleeve-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-stardard-sleeve-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-stardard-sleeve-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-stardard-sleeve.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">This is the press-fit type that you are most familiar with, also crafted from aluminum.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">Good for bottom brackets shell widths from 68mm thru 86.5 mm. It also has the sleeve complete with a seal to keep the muck out.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">The only thing, of course, is that you need a tool.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">Luckily we have just the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/bike-toolsets\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">toolset<\/a>, which we <strong>demonstrate in the section on installation and removal below<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/PF30-alloy-cups-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Pf30 Bottom Bracket alloy cups\" class=\"wp-image-4213\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/PF30-alloy-cups-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/PF30-alloy-cups-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/PF30-alloy-cups-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">A similar design. Aluminum cups without the sleeve. Again, you need the tool to get this one installed and removed.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1918\" height=\"1261\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/PF30-nylon-cup.jpg\" alt=\"Press Fit Bottom Bracket nylon cups\" class=\"wp-image-4217\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/PF30-nylon-cup.jpg 1918w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/PF30-nylon-cup-300x197.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/PF30-nylon-cup-768x505.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/PF30-nylon-cup-1024x673.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1918px) 100vw, 1918px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">If you are on a budget or just don&#8217;t think you need an aluminum model, then nylon cups can do the job.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-family: 'arial black', sans-serif; font-size: 32px;\"><a id=\"removpf30bb\"><\/a>REMOVING PF30 BOTTOM BRACKETS<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><br><span style=\"font-size: 20px;\">You are probably not using a bottom bracket such as the GP30 self-installing self-extracting model mentioned briefly earlier (covered in detail in the video).<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">So you need to know how to <span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>remove your particular pf30 BB quickly and easily without damaging<\/strong><\/span> either the BB or the BB shell in the process.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">Okay, you&#8217;ll not likely damage the BB shell . . . maybe just rough it up a bit or scratch the outer surface paint job.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">You can certainly mess up your bearings though.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">Compared to threaded bottom brackets, there\u2019s a much greater potential for press fit bottom brackets to move in the shell and thus creak.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">You want to be able to go through the process of both removal and re-installation quickly and easily so you can <span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>diagnose the source of problems with a minimum of hassle<\/strong><\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">Due to the greater range of tolerances with pf30 bottom brackets, getting the installation exactly right is even more important.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">Or the crank-spindle connection tolerances are too lax resulting in too much movement, and therefore squeaking, at that interface.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">If you are having problems there look into using loctite along with the correct number of spacers or wave spring-washer to tighten everything up. Check out the <a href=\"https:\/\/forums.roadbikereview.com\/components-wrenching\/fsa-slk-crankset-installation-requires-loctite-172960.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">discussion on this forum<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">Also make sure the noise is not coming from the pedals\u2014did you install them with washers? <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">No washers is a common cause of creaking and clicks that can be misdiagnosed as coming from the bottom bracket or the frame more generally.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Don&#8217;t underestimate the ability for sound to transmit across the frame<\/strong><\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\"> A click or squeak can seem like it comes from everywhere or clearly from one point. But no matter what you do you can&#8217;t eliminate it because you cannot actually pinpoint the origin of the sound.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">Investing in a specialist tool, then, makes sense, especially if you are a cyclist who puts in a lot of miles on your bike.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 28px;\"><a id=\"pf30bbtool\"><\/a>PF30 Bottom Bracket Tool<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">This model is a common tool for installation.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"443\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/press-fit-bottom-bracket-installation-tool-1024x443.jpg\" alt=\"Press Fit Bottom Bracket Installation Tool\" class=\"wp-image-4218\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/press-fit-bottom-bracket-installation-tool-1024x443.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/press-fit-bottom-bracket-installation-tool-300x130.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/press-fit-bottom-bracket-installation-tool-768x333.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">When I say common, I mean you have your standard bolt design with the 30mm-fit brackets. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">A pf30 bottom bracket&#8217;s inner diameter slots inside the bearing cup. The outer face covers the BB cup.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">Turn the bolt and your bottom bracket gets pressed into position.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">All well and good. <span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>What happens if you want to remove your pf30? You&#8217;ll need a different tool<\/strong><\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"316\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/press-fit-bb-removal-tool-1024x316.jpg\" alt=\"Press Fit Bb impact Removal Tool\" class=\"wp-image-4265\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/press-fit-bb-removal-tool-1024x316.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/press-fit-bb-removal-tool-300x93.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/press-fit-bb-removal-tool-768x237.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">An impact design like this will get your bottom bracket out of the BB shell.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">However, the chances you&#8217;ll end up with a damaged BB are high.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/press-fit-bb-impact-tool-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Press Fit Bb Impact driver for bb removal\" class=\"wp-image-4251\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/press-fit-bb-impact-tool-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/press-fit-bb-impact-tool-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/press-fit-bb-impact-tool-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">Damage is much more likely where nylon is involved.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-size: 20px;\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; color: #000000;\">The tool wedges behind the cup and you tap away until the BB is clear of the shell.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">You&#8217;ll hope you can simply tap it out anyway.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">If you can gently press your pf30 bottom bracket into position you should be able to remove it the same way.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\"><strong>So if at all possible,<\/strong> <span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>avoid tools that rely on impact<\/strong> <\/span>to remove a pf30 bottom bracket.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-case-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Pf30 Bottom Bracket Toolset with Case\" class=\"wp-image-4214\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-case-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-case-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-case-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-case.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-toolset-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Pf30 Bottom Bracket Toolset\" class=\"wp-image-4264\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-toolset-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-toolset-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-toolset-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-toolset.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-size: 20px;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">This is the toolset that we use to complete that task, <\/span><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">a kit that<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>installs<\/strong><\/span> your pf30 BB <strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">smoothly<\/span><\/strong> and easily<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">won\u2019t put any <span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>stress<\/strong><\/span> on the bearing as you do it<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">allows you to also <span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>easily remove<\/strong><\/span> a bottom bracket<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">You are able to both install and remove your pf30 BB without taking a hammer to anything.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 28px;\">The Removal Process<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">The key components we will use from the toolset are the:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">split steel-hitch<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">driver<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">bolt and retainer<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">8mm allen wrench<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">Each side is removed one after the other. You could start with the drive side or non-drive side.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">In the illustration that follows we&#8217;ll start with the drive side.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"809\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/driver-split-steel-hitch-1024x809.jpg\" alt=\"Pf30 bottom bracket toolset Driver Split Steel Hitch\" class=\"wp-image-4258\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/driver-split-steel-hitch-1024x809.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/driver-split-steel-hitch-300x237.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/driver-split-steel-hitch-768x607.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/driver-split-steel-hitch.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">On the left there is the split steel-hitch. On the right is the driver\u2014the hitch expands over the end and connects with the BB cup inside the BB shell.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"847\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/split-steel-hitch-grommet-1024x847.jpg\" alt=\"Rubber Retainer on Split Steel Hitch\" class=\"wp-image-4256\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/split-steel-hitch-grommet-1024x847.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/split-steel-hitch-grommet-300x248.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/split-steel-hitch-grommet-768x636.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/split-steel-hitch-grommet.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">The narrow end of the driver fits the steel-hitch&#8217;s inner diameter.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/bolt-driver-steel-hitch-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"process of mounting split steel hitch onto driver\" class=\"wp-image-4243\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/bolt-driver-steel-hitch-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/bolt-driver-steel-hitch-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/bolt-driver-steel-hitch-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/bolt-driver-steel-hitch.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">The ruBBer retainer\/grommet allows the hitch to expand around the driver where it sits securely, seated against the driver&#8217;s recessed face.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/steel-hitch-mounted-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Steel Hitch Mounted to driver\" class=\"wp-image-4257\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/steel-hitch-mounted-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/steel-hitch-mounted-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/steel-hitch-mounted-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/steel-hitch-mounted.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">This is how the driver and hitch will sit inside the BB&nbsp;shell. The bearing-cup retainer screws onto the bolt which hold the driver and hitch square to the BB cup as you turn the bolt.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"776\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-tool-retaining-band-1024x776.jpg\" alt=\"Pf30 Tool Retaining Rubber Grommets for Split steel hitch\" class=\"wp-image-4250\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-tool-retaining-band-1024x776.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-tool-retaining-band-300x227.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-tool-retaining-band-768x582.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-tool-retaining-band.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">These ruBBer retainers are fairly heavy duty. But a good supply of extras comes standard with this toolset.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">With the bottom bracket still fully installed, the split steel hitch must be first inserted in behind it.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/insert-steel-hitch-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Inserting Steel Hitch into pf30 bottom bracket\" class=\"wp-image-4248\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/insert-steel-hitch-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/insert-steel-hitch-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/insert-steel-hitch-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/insert-steel-hitch.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">The technique is to feed the hitch through on its side. Then rotate it forward.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/driver-hitch-installed-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Split steel hitch installed in driver with both installed in bottom bracket\" class=\"wp-image-4245\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/driver-hitch-installed-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/driver-hitch-installed-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/driver-hitch-installed-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/driver-hitch-installed.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">The driver inserts into it from the opposite side, then pushes the hitch flush against the inside of the bottom bracket cup.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"785\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-toolset-bolt-1024x785.jpg\" alt=\"Pf30 Bottom Bracket Toolset Bolt\" class=\"wp-image-4262\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-toolset-bolt-1024x785.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-toolset-bolt-300x230.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-toolset-bolt-768x589.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-toolset-bolt.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">The bolt is next. It inserts straight through.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"736\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-tool-retainer-1024x736.jpg\" alt=\"Pf30 Bottom Bracket Tool Retaining cup for bottom bracket removal\" class=\"wp-image-4261\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-tool-retainer-1024x736.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-tool-retainer-300x216.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-tool-retainer-768x552.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-tool-retainer.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">The retaining cup threads onto the bolt until it neatly connects with the bottom bracket shell&#8217;s rim.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/retaining-cup-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Retaining Cup for removing pf30 bottom bracket\" class=\"wp-image-4255\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/retaining-cup-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/retaining-cup-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/retaining-cup-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/retaining-cup.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/driver-bolt-retaining-cup-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"attaching bottom bracket retaining cup to bolt\" class=\"wp-image-4244\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/driver-bolt-retaining-cup-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/driver-bolt-retaining-cup-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/driver-bolt-retaining-cup-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/driver-bolt-retaining-cup.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">When the retainer sits snug against the BB shell rim, it acts as a nut to the bolt. Turning the bolt pressures the driver, with the hitch evenly applying pressure to the BB cup.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"771\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-8mm-allen-wrench-1024x771.jpg\" alt=\"Pf30 Bottom Bracket 8mm Allen Wrench\" class=\"wp-image-4259\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-8mm-allen-wrench-1024x771.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-8mm-allen-wrench-300x226.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-8mm-allen-wrench-768x579.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-8mm-allen-wrench.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">All that&#8217;s needed now is the 8mm Allen wrench.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pressing-bb-to-cup-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Pressing Bb into Cup\" class=\"wp-image-4252\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pressing-bb-to-cup-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pressing-bb-to-cup-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pressing-bb-to-cup-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pressing-bb-to-cup.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">No real force is required here. With a few turns of the bolt, the BB is progressively pushed out into the retaining cup.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">A great advantage here, of course, is that you need not worry about the bottom bracket as it comes out. There will no be falling to the floor with this unit.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/removing-pf30-bottom-bracket--1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Removing Pf30 Bottom Bracket\" class=\"wp-image-4253\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/removing-pf30-bottom-bracket--1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/removing-pf30-bottom-bracket--300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/removing-pf30-bottom-bracket--768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/removing-pf30-bottom-bracket-.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">You simply extract the driver and hitch together with the BB sitting in the retaining cup. Once you wind the retainer off the bolt, the bottom bracket is clear of everything.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">Or you can slip it back over the driver.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">You get a clearer picture of how this works when extracting the bottom bracket from the opposite side.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/inserting-driver-hitch-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Inserting Driver with split steel hitch into bb shell\" class=\"wp-image-4249\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/inserting-driver-hitch-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/inserting-driver-hitch-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/inserting-driver-hitch-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/inserting-driver-hitch.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">Because the bottom bracket has been removed from this side, you can insert the driver with the split steel-hitch already in place.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/bolt-driver-left-side-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"bolt in driver ready to press out the pf30 bottom bracket\" class=\"wp-image-4242\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/bolt-driver-left-side-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/bolt-driver-left-side-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/bolt-driver-left-side-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/bolt-driver-left-side.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">Push the bolt through.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/driver-left-side-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Driver removing bb on non-drive side\" class=\"wp-image-4246\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/driver-left-side-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/driver-left-side-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/driver-left-side-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/driver-left-side.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">Once you thread the retaining cup onto the end, the driver is held perpendicular to the BB by the retainer&#8217;s pressure against the BB shell on the other side.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/driver-removing-pf30-bottom-bracket--1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Driver Removing Pf30 Bottom Bracket\" class=\"wp-image-4247\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/driver-removing-pf30-bottom-bracket--1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/driver-removing-pf30-bottom-bracket--300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/driver-removing-pf30-bottom-bracket--768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/driver-removing-pf30-bottom-bracket-.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">It&#8217;s a matter now of simply turning it until the BB releases from the BB shell into the retaining cup. Then the whole lot exits the&nbsp;shell from that side.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-family: 'arial black', sans-serif; font-size: 32px;\"><a id=\"installpf30bb\"><\/a>INSTALLING PF30 BOTTOM BRACKETS<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><br><span style=\"font-size: 20px;\">If you are using a self-installing press fit BB such as the GP30, installation is a breeze.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">That unit also comes with its own wrench, specific to the model.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/rGLEN2R88lQ\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">Here&#8217;s the video on that if you didn&#8217;t catch it above. The <span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>video also demonstrates the process described here in exhaustive detail<\/strong><\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/forum.slowtwitch.com\/forum\/Slowtwitch_Forums_C1\/Triathlon_Forum_F1\/Specific_Loctite_%23_for_press_fit_BB_bearings_P6385931\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">There is debate<\/a> around whether to apply grease or loctite to the cup\/shell interface due to the common complaint of creaks in press fit bottom brackets.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Applying grease makes sense<\/strong><\/span> where it is necessary to assist in the surfaces smoothly moving past each other.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">Or, in other words, so they do not seize up because they are too tight to easily turn into the BB shell.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">Whether or not you will have to deal with a creaking pf30 BB sooner or later largely comes down to tolerances.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">The first consideration is the BB shell.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/46mm-bottom-bracket-shell-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"46mm Bottom Bracket Shell measured with vernier\" class=\"wp-image-4210\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/46mm-bottom-bracket-shell-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/46mm-bottom-bracket-shell-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/46mm-bottom-bracket-shell-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/46mm-bottom-bracket-shell.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">Frame manufacturers are exceedingly precise in machining the bottom bracket shell. If the specification is an ID of 46mm, you will likely find deviations of perhaps 0.1-0.2mm either side of that.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">This one measures between 45.97mm &#8211; 46.03 due to vernier &#8220;error&#8221; or deviation due to its sensitivity.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-size: 20px;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">That is super-precise given frame manufacturers&#8217; unofficial acceptance of <strong>an overall frame alignment tolerance of 3-4mm. (<\/strong>Yes, your [alloy] frame could b<\/span><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;\">e out by as much as 4mm).<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-shell-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Pf30 46mm Bottom Bracket Shell\" class=\"wp-image-4215\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-shell-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-shell-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-shell-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-shell.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">You&#8217;ll notice the inclined edge cut to fit exactly to the angled edge of the pf30 bottom bracket when it is fully pressed into the BB shell.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">So you\u2019ll find most pf30 bottom brackets you install will fit snug and firm and likely not develop creaks and groans down the track.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">Nevertheless it may happen that your pf30 bottom bracket or the BB shell\u2013or if you are really unlucky to get two outliers, both!\u2014have greater than average deviations from the specifications.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">In that case, some grease, or loctite, may be required to <span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>quieten things down<\/strong><\/span>. You should certainly follow manufacturers advice on what to in this situation.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">Or experiment. There are many variables involved when it comes to how a bike behaves as an integrated unit.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">It&#8217;s tempting to think that all you need to do is find the independent variable (the one variable that affects all the others . . . or in other words, the culprit!).<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">However<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">what specific components you use<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">what brand of components you use<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">whether you are using components from different manufacturers<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">All come together uniquely for any particular bike build.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 28px;\">PF30 Bottom Bracket Installation Tool<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">We&#8217;ll be employing the same kit as for removing the BB.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">And, as with the BB removal, we install one side at a time.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"783\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-installation-tool-1024x783.jpg\" alt=\"Pf30 Bottom Bracket Installation bb press piece\" class=\"wp-image-4260\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-installation-tool-1024x783.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-installation-tool-300x229.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-installation-tool-768x587.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-installation-tool.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">These are the two instruments we need.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">The ring mounts onto the press-bracket. Because this toolset is multifunctional, that recess serves other purposes. In order for the press-bracket to fit perfectly to the pf30 bottom bracket face, we need to temporarily fill that space.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"791\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-toolset-component-1024x791.jpg\" alt=\"Pf30 Bottom Bracket Toolset bb cup press piece\" class=\"wp-image-4263\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-toolset-component-1024x791.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-toolset-component-300x232.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-toolset-component-768x593.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-toolset-component.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">We&#8217;ll also need this piece to contain the bolt\u2014the head of the bolt rests here.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"831\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/inserting-pf30-bottom-bracket-1024x831.jpg\" alt=\"Inserting Pf30 Bottom Bracket into non-drive side shell\" class=\"wp-image-4228\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/inserting-pf30-bottom-bracket-1024x831.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/inserting-pf30-bottom-bracket-300x244.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/inserting-pf30-bottom-bracket-768x623.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/inserting-pf30-bottom-bracket.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">The first action is to seat the bottom bracket cup by hand as far into the cup as it can go.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-press-piece-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Pf30 Bottom Bracket Press-In Component\" class=\"wp-image-4233\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-press-piece-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-press-piece-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-press-piece-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-press-piece.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">Then fit the ring to the press-bracket. On the right is the 30mm outer diameter extension that will sit where the spindle will be installed later.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">This is threaded, so the bolt screws into it.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-tool-bolt-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Pf30 Bottom Bracket Tool Bolt\" class=\"wp-image-4236\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-tool-bolt-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-tool-bolt-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-tool-bolt-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-tool-bolt.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">The convex side will fit perfectly into the bottom bracket shell on the opposite side.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/installing-pf30-bottom-bracket-tool-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Installing Pf30 Bottom Bracket Tool for drive side cup installation\" class=\"wp-image-4229\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/installing-pf30-bottom-bracket-tool-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/installing-pf30-bottom-bracket-tool-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/installing-pf30-bottom-bracket-tool-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/installing-pf30-bottom-bracket-tool.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">We slot it into place and all that remains is to thread the bracket onto the bolt.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-press-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Pf30 Bottom Bracket Press\" class=\"wp-image-4234\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-press-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-press-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-press-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-press.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">This is the view just as the 30mm extension is about to enter the bottom bracket proper.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">Once it does, the whole assemblage squares up. Even though the BB cup is sitting slightly askew in the BB shell here, it will be pushed parallel to the BB shell face almost immediately.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"541\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pressing-pf30-bottom-bracket-1024x541.jpg\" alt=\"Pressing Pf30 Bottom Bracket into bb shell\" class=\"wp-image-4241\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pressing-pf30-bottom-bracket-1024x541.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pressing-pf30-bottom-bracket-300x159.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pressing-pf30-bottom-bracket-768x406.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pressing-pf30-bottom-bracket.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">It only takes a few turns of the bolt to pull the press-bracket in, and with it, our pf30 bottom bracket.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-installed-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Pf30 Bottom Bracket Installed completely\" class=\"wp-image-4232\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-installed-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-installed-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-installed-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pf30-bottom-bracket-installed.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">Snug as a bug . . .&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">Installing the BB in the opposite side means a small <span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>change in how we use the tool<\/strong><\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/preparing-pf30-bottom-bracket-bolt-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Preparing Pf30 Bottom Bracket Bolt for right side installation\" class=\"wp-image-4238\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/preparing-pf30-bottom-bracket-bolt-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/preparing-pf30-bottom-bracket-bolt-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/preparing-pf30-bottom-bracket-bolt-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/preparing-pf30-bottom-bracket-bolt.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">The &#8220;driver&#8221; end of the assemblage must be reversed so that its concave surface is facing the frame.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 20px;\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Because we have already installed the pf30 BB into one side of the BB shell, this piece is designed to fit right over the top of it.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">This way there will be no pressure exerted on the BB cup. The only pressure will be on the cup on the opposite side as it is being pressed into the BB shell.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/press-fit-bb-tool-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Press Fit Bb Tool installation\" class=\"wp-image-4239\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/press-fit-bb-tool-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/press-fit-bb-tool-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/press-fit-bb-tool-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/press-fit-bb-tool.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">Having seated the pf BB cup as far inside the BB shell as it will go, the press-bracket can be threaded onto the bolt. Once it is sitting snugly inside the bottom bracket cup, we simply engage the 8mm Allen wrench on the right side.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pressing-bb-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Pressing Bb fully intio BB shell\" class=\"wp-image-4240\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pressing-bb-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pressing-bb-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pressing-bb-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pressing-bb.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">The bolt turns smoothly and independently of the cup on the right pulling the BB cup easily into the BB shell.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">Unscrewing the press-bracket from the bolt and putting everything back in the case takes a jiffy.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: 'arial black', sans-serif; font-size: 32px;\">FINAL COMMENTS<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">A pf30 bottom bracket was a welcome development to the BB30 standard.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">If you&#8217;ve got one, it&#8217;s well worth learning how to remove and replace it, or master re-installation if you are in trouble-shooting mode.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">Leaving aside the larger philosophical question of &#8220;Did Press-Fit bottom brackets practically improve our cycling lives?&#8221;, did we leave anything out here?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">If you had the chance to convert your press-fit BB setup to\u2014or back to\u2014a threaded system, would you do it in a heartbeat?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">Or is the best cycling kit decision you&#8217;ve ever made?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">Is there anything we&#8217;ve missed out here?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;\">Let us know in the comments below . . .&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"style-bul-ef36f9ca-b757-1b8b-fdf3-fc50624597ab\">\n<style class=\"style-bul\">#bul-ef36f9ca-b757-1b8b-fdf3-fc50624597ab li {} #bul-ef36f9ca-b757-1b8b-fdf3-fc50624597ab li:before {}<\/style>\n<\/div>\n<span hidden class=\"__iawmlf-post-loop-links\" data-iawmlf-links=\"[{&quot;id&quot;:264,&quot;href&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/www.bike198.com\\\/the-square-taper-vs-external-bearing-bottom-bracket-debate&quot;,&quot;archived_href&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/web-wp.archive.org\\\/web\\\/20250708082338\\\/https:\\\/\\\/www.bike198.com\\\/the-square-taper-vs-external-bearing-bottom-bracket-debate\\\/&quot;,&quot;redirect_href&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;checks&quot;:[{&quot;date&quot;:&quot;2026-11-01 02:09:54&quot;,&quot;http_code&quot;:403},{&quot;date&quot;:&quot;2026-11-04 03:41:23&quot;,&quot;http_code&quot;:403},{&quot;date&quot;:&quot;2026-11-07 17:44:55&quot;,&quot;http_code&quot;:403}],&quot;broken&quot;:false,&quot;last_checked&quot;:{&quot;date&quot;:&quot;2026-11-07T17:44:55+00:00&quot;,&quot;http_code&quot;:403},&quot;process&quot;:&quot;done&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:265,&quot;href&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/forums.roadbikereview.com\\\/components-wrenching\\\/fsa-slk-crankset-installation-requires-loctite-172960.html&quot;,&quot;archived_href&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;redirect_href&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/www.roadbikereview.com\\\/components-wrenching\\\/fsa-slk-crankset-installation-requires-loctite-172960.html&quot;,&quot;checks&quot;:[],&quot;broken&quot;:false,&quot;last_checked&quot;:null,&quot;process&quot;:&quot;done&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:266,&quot;href&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/forum.slowtwitch.com\\\/forum\\\/Slowtwitch_Forums_C1\\\/Triathlon_Forum_F1\\\/Specific_Loctite_%23_for_press_fit_BB_bearings_P6385931&quot;,&quot;archived_href&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;redirect_href&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;checks&quot;:[],&quot;broken&quot;:false,&quot;last_checked&quot;:null,&quot;process&quot;:&quot;done&quot;}]\"><\/span>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This article covers all the important things you need to know about pf30 bottom brackets. Topics covered include What is the difference between BB30 and pf30? Examples of PF30 bottom brackets Removing PF30 bottom brackets PF30 bottom bracket tool Installing PF30 bottom brackets And what tool you are most definitely advised not to use. But [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":6376,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"no-sidebar","site-content-layout":"plain-container","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[144],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4208","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-bottom-bracket"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4208","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4208"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4208\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6376"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4208"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4208"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.firstcomponents.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4208"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}