Old Postal Bike Rebuild Help!

[mhilla02]

G'day guys!

Basically this is my first rebuild and I think it may be an old single speed that the postal service used to use (not sure of a way to be certain)
I believe the rear hub is still in good nick and the "back brakes" function well but one thing that is giving me issues is the BB. It has a grinding feel to it and I think it is on its last legs and would like to purchase a new one but I'm unsure of which one to get. I'm pretty handy with everything else but I think the cranks and BB are just one area I need definite help on. Let me know of the sorts of pictures you'd like if you need some to verify what BB will be needed.

Thanks guys!

[HappyHumber]

Basically...

pics of the BB i.e. the crank area. The non-driveside will be least obscured.

Also, have a read around here... It's a good a starting place as any to identify what you have.

This better not be one of those nice rack orientated postie bikes with a smaller front wheel. I'd love one of those as a cargo hauler!

edit: hyperlink highlighted

[mhilla02]

No its not one of those smaller front wheel ones. I only think it was an old postie one because i saw one with almost identical lugs on ebay thats all haha.
I'll get some pictures up now!

[mhilla02]

[mhilla02]

So i'm guessing that its the conventional cup and cone bottom bracket according to sheldon's site.
Now i'm not sure how long/what type would be a good replacement, but thats why I joined this site

[HappyHumber]

pull it apart, clean it up and inspect the bearing cups and races for wear & tear. It may go back together OK with just a repack & lube.

Failing that, take the spindle to your LBS - and if they're half decent they should be able to match it up with a close enough equivalent sealed cartridge unit replacement.

[mhilla02]

Leeeeeeeeegend, what would be the most cost effective way of getting that bad boy off? Hammer and screw driver? haha

[HappyHumber]

the lock ring on the LHS you picture should be easy enough with some ginger tapping with a punch and hammer. However, the adjustable cup looks to be more like most of the later sealed cartridge units. I don't recall coming across such a loose ball BB set up with a splined cup. They're usually either done via flats with the correct sized spanner or pin-spanner (or punch) in little recessed holes.

I couldn't swear to it.. but a splined Shimano BB tool may do the job.

Others in these here parts maybe wiser on the matter than me.

[HappyHumber]

Oh.. plus you'll have to get the crank arms off first

[mhilla02]

i think i might hit up the LBS and pay for the use of tools and get them to show me what to do because as of right now, i don't have much in le awesome cycling toolbox, cheers for the tips man! I guess i'm just a perfectionist and can't deal with the grinding! haha

[hartleymartin]

Try dribbling some motor oil down the seat-tube and see if things don't improve.

[mhilla02]

the motor oil down the seat tube worked a treat! she's running pretty smooth now. Now all I need to do is grab a new front wheel after a delicious altercation with the pavement, any cheap 27*1.25 rims going cheap in brissy with an axle??