This video is the second part of our demonstration of the bottom bracket & spindle replacement on a LeMond RevMaster. In this video, we discuss the installation and re-assembly portion of the part replacement procedure. Click here to view Part 1, the disassembly and inspection of the bottom bracket and spindle.
Tools Required
- Phillips Screwdriver
- Torque Wrench
- Lock Ring Tool
Procedure
- It's a good idea to clean the threads thoroughly before installing the new parts.
- To begin installation install the right bearing cup completely into the frame. CAUTION: The threads in the frame are very small, be very careful not to cross-thread the bearing cups. Don't forget that the right-bearing cup is reverse threaded, so you will have to turn the cup counter-clockwise to install it. Once the bearing cup is installed completely tighten the cup against the frame.
- The next step is to install the spindle into the bearing cup. Pay close attention to which end you stick through the frame. As seen in the video, you will need to install the long side of the spindle into the frame and through the right-bearing cup.
- Continue by starting the left bearing cup into the frame. CAUTION: The threads in the frame are very small, be very careful not to cross-thread the bearing cups. The left bearing cup turns clockwise to install.
- This step is very important. We are going to install the lock ring, but we need to be sure the adjustment is correct before tightening the lock ring. To do so install the lock ring but do not tighten it. Now continue to tighten the left bearing cup with the bottom bracket tool while spinning the spindle with your other hand. Once you can feel resistance on the spindle as you are turning the cup, back the cup off just enough that the spindle spins freely.
- Now hold the cup in place with the bottom bracket tool and tighten the lock ring. When tightening the lock ring using a piece of cloth or something soft to make sure you can get enough torque on the lock ring. Once you have the lock ring installed spin the spindle to make sure it spins freely.
- To further verify the adjustment of your bottom bracket assembly, use a rubber mallet to tap lightly on each end of the spindle to check for movement from side to side. If during inspection you are continually finding your bottom bracket cups or crank arms lose, it may be necessary to use a couple of drops of medium thread locker on the parts and let them sit for approximately five minutes. Then re-assemble.
- Now install the crank arm bolts (use thread locker if the bolt is not new or does not have any, allow thread locker to dry before using).
- Once the complete assembly is installed we will torque the crank bolts.
- Leave the left side crank arm at the bottom of its stroke and install the right crank arm at the top of its stroke.
- Then start the crank arm bolt by hand.
- Now tighten the crank arm bolt.
- Now that both crank arms are on the bike you will need to install the belt.
- To do so put the belt over the flywheel pulley, route it under the tension pulley, over the pedal, and start it around the crank pulley as shown in the video. Slowly turn the crank arm counterclockwise until the belt is installed completely. Be sure that the grooves on the belt are lined up with the grooves on the flywheel. Improper belt installation can damage a new belt very quickly.
- To torque the crank arm bolts it will make the job easier to use the brake tension to lock the flywheel in place.
- Now use a torque wrench set to 30 Foot Pounds to torque the bolts as shown in the video. In the video, we use a click style and a beam style torque wrench. Either will work, just be sure to use the recommended torque.
- To test drive belt tension, mount the bike and try to make the belt slip. If the belt slips a significant amount it needs tensioning. A small amount of slip is ok, you just don't want to install the belt too tight. Belts will stretch over time and you may need to come back and do this again periodically.
- Once the belt is adjusted correctly tighten the belt tension idler with a 7/8" wrench.
- The final step is to replace the belt cover and re-install the drive belt cover bolts. When installing the drive belt cover do not forget to install the two Phillips screws from the backside of the cover.
- This completes the procedure of replacing a bottom bracket and spindle on a LeMond RevMaster indoor cycle.
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