Do you grease BB30 shell before installing new bearings?
 

I'm about to replace my BB30 bearings with some hybrid ceramics, and I've seen a couple web sites recommend applying a thin layer of grease to the shell. It seems that would increase the likelihood of creaking, but if I don't, will the steel races bind to the aluminum shell?

It decreases the likelihood of creaking.

Do it. Lots of it.

yes absolutely.

Anti-seize is better. It is thicker and stickier will stay in place longer.

I would not recommend hybrid ceramic bearings.

Grease is most commonly used with some using antiseize instead. Just go easy with the antisense. Don't want any to get into the bearing.

Lotsa grease, particularly around the clips. Also pry the seal off the bearing and clean grease in there. To PREVENT the typical, "Creaky 30" condition.

And above for Anti-sieze. Problem with that is that is can migrate to the bearings and get inside, killing said bearings. Altho they have 'seals', they aren't 'sealed'.

Good grease is better, I use marine, waterproof grease.

Re: Do you grease BB30 shell before installing new bearings?
 

In did lots of reading on this bb30 stuff. Found a great thread on weight weenies. My last bearing install I used loctite rc/609 retaining compound. Its not a thread locker, you can still remove the bearings. Nice solid install. Use a small amount on a q-tip, just need a thin coat inside the shell. Then press in bearimgs. Let dry for 6 hours. The only thing creaking now is the nds sram force crankset.

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I thought they recommend using Loctite (680?) to install with the bearings?

Re: Do you grease BB30 shell before installing new bearings?
 

In have heard success stories with 609 and 680. I went with what was available. I use the park bb30 tool for removal and a headset press for installation.

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And you are sure it's the NDS sram force crankset that's creaking..what about the left crank arm will creak? pedal, connection to the spindle?

Or the bearings?

It creaks where the nds bolts to the spindle. There are two other guys I ride with that have creaking force cranks. They have the gxp version. A re torque will fix it before a ride but it will come back. Or a splash of water mid will shut it up.

How about a bunch of grease on the spline? With lotsa grease on the spindle?

Seen lotsa sram cranks, and one thing for sure, if I install and it makes noise, I will see the bike again. Don't see a of of returns for creaking cranks.

But whatever blows yer skirt up.