Re-greasing BB bearings is vital to the life of your BB, especially when riding in wet environments or after hosing your bike off

Start by removing the cranks from the BB

The BB does not need to be removed from the bike to do this service, but it is a good idea to remove and re-grease the BB threads at the same time

Remove the outer dust seal

Dust seals on older BBs should come off easily

New BB dust seals have an inner sleeve that helps protect the bearing

To remove the dust seal, gently slide a small flat blade screwdriver under the dust seal

Slowly work your way around the BB lightly prying up the dust seal

Repeat this until the dust seal is free from the bearing

Be careful not to pry to hard in one place as this can crack the seal

The cartridge bearing should now be exposed

Remove the seal on the cartridge bearing by sliding a thin sharp tool such as a razor knife under the outer diameter of the bearing seal and lightly prying

Be careful not to bend the seal while removing it

With the cartridge bearing seal removed, clean the bearing throughly

Step 6

Repack the bearing with a high quality grease

Be sure to pack grease into the bearing, then turn the bearing to help the grease penetrate into the race and balls

Replace the cartridge bearing seal by pressing it back into place by hand

Before replacing the outer dust seal, if you are riding in wet climates or hosing your bike off it is a good idea to put a bead of grease on top of the cartridge bearing seal

This will act as a water barrier under the dust seal and help protect the BB bearings