Octalink 5500 BB - Crap bearings etc?

[oldguy00]

So just started trying to build a frame, and went to install an italian thread bb-5500 BB..
First issue is that compared to other italian BB cups I have, same numerical markings, the 5500 cups were -very- hard to thread in, like they were ever so slightly out of spec, too large.
Second, once in, the spindle on this seems really stiff, and not very smooth. Is this typical for the bb-5500 unit (105 level...)?

[KidWok]

I worked with a bunch of those and also the 6500 BB. Usually not the BB that's the issue...maybe have the BB threads chased.

Those spindles aren't supposed to feel like they spin freely. The bearings are well sealed and should last a long time. Once you're on the bike, it will feel better after some time to break in the bearings.

Tai

[oldguy00]

Thanks for the info on the bearings. Maybe will give it some time to try and break in.

The threads - it just seemed odd that other italian BB cups I had were threading in much easier to the same frame, just the new 5500 didn't want to..

[zzy]

The 5500/6500 BBs have very thick seals, so they don't rotate freely, but last a very long time. Also a tighter fit on a ITA BB isn't a bad thing as it will help the NDS cup resist walking out, as ITA BBs are prone to doing.

[GregL]

Shimano bottom brackets nearly always come with a thread locking compound pre-applied. You can see it on the left side threads in the photo below. The thread locking compound may have made it harder to install your BB.

Greg

[oldguy00]

Thanks all.

Regarding the threads, it was difficult to turn them even before they reached the white thread compound. But they did go in, and I read some other posts online about other people having the same issue with this BB.

That said, once I installed the cranks on it and spun them, it felt fine, so maybe turning the BB by hand wasn't such a good indicator of how stiff it was...

[oldpotatoe]

Originally Posted by oldguy00

So just started trying to build a frame, and went to install an italian thread bb-5500 BB..
First issue is that compared to other italian BB cups I have, same numerical markings, the 5500 cups were -very- hard to thread in, like they were ever so slightly out of spec, too large.
Second, once in, the spindle on this seems really stiff, and not very smooth. Is this typical for the bb-5500 unit (105 level...)?

I'd chase the BB threads, use plumber's tape on RH cup, make sure it's TIGHT and as long as it isn't binding or feels like it's full of sand, it is pretty sluggish..lots of grease and seals in there.

[oldguy00]

Originally Posted by oldpotatoe

I'd chase the BB threads, use plumber's tape on RH cup, make sure it's TIGHT and as long as it isn't binding or feels like it's full of sand, it is pretty sluggish..lots of grease and seals in there.

Thanks, this is a frame just repainted by Allan Wanta. He did say he'd chase the threads after repainting. BB is in there now and I don't have thread tools. But it didn't feel like sand going in, just really tight.

Cheers

[AngryScientist]

it's not uncommon for BB cups to feel tight going in. as long as there is no obvious binding, the cups thread all the way in and sit squarely in the shell, it's all good. i'd echo the advice that a hand spin test is not a good indicator of bearing performance. given it a few hundred miles and it'll break in a bit.

[Big Dan]

I'm still using 1 or 2 of those BB's.
The 6500 and 5500 BB's are pretty good units.
Ride on.

[GonaSovereign]

Those BBs (in particular the 6500 Ultegra one, but 5500's good too) have one of the best performance:cost ratios in the history of bottom brackets. No BB at twice the cost from any manufacturer will be around when the Shimano is cruising. Not sexy, but excellent.

[Bob Loblaw]

Also love the octalink bb’s. The only thing about them is there are two different specs and they aren’t compatible. It’s easy to ruin a crank if you have the incompatible bb spec. DAMHIK.

[muz]

Even the cheapest Shimano BBs work well and last a loooong time.

[Fivethumbs]

I've used 5500 BBs for years and have had only positive experiences.

[Louis]

I'm not sure what flavor of Octalink BB I have in my daily driver, but it's been in there for ages, through all sorts of conditions, and has been great.