"Fred" <"Fred"@invalid.btinternet.com> wrote in message news:<
[email protected]>...
> I am trying to undo the crank bolt on the chainwheel side on my Giant TCR2. for a service of the
> bottom bracket.
> Q: Which way does the Allen key bolt unscrew? Clockwise or anti? So far I have managed to bend 2
> Allen keys without any apparent movement of that stubborn bolt and before using brute force
> and harder steel, I would like to be sure! The same question would also apply to the fixed
> bearing cup!
>
> TIA Fred
First, are you certain you need to service the BB? more on that later...
I am not sure which Shimano crank (I assume it's a Shimano, yes?) is on a TCR2, but regardless, you
turn the bolt counter-clockwise. However, the crank could use a "one-key release" system, in which
case the arm will be driven off with the hex key, or it could have a standard bolt, in which case
you will need a Park CCP-3(not sure about the model #), or a Shimano TL-CF15 adapter plug along with
a CCP-2 (or any other standard removal tool), to remove the arm.
The way to know which system is on your crank is to look carefully at the cap surrounding the
bolt. If there are two small holes in an aluminum cap surrounding the bolt, it is a one-key
release system. If, on the other hand, all you see is a smooth black surface, once you remove the
bolt you will need the special Park remover, or the Shimano adapter plug and a conventional puller
to remove the arm.
Chances are, there is no "bottom bracket cup" on your bike; the crank will turn on a sealed bearing,
cartridge-style bottom bracket. There IS NO SERVICING that can be performed on these units, so you
*may* not need even bother to remove the cranks. But if indeed the cartridge is no longer good (they
do wear out after awhile), to remove it from the frame you will need a Park BBT-2 splined cartridge
removal tool, and a 32mm spanner (or a 3/8" drive ratchet). On the "fixed bearing cup" side ( the
side where all the chainrings are, or the right side of the bike) you would turn the wrench
clockwise to remove the unit.