Park Tool BBT-RS Bottom Bracket Tool Retaining System Instructions
- June 10, 2024
- Park Tool
Table of Contents
BBT-RS Instructions 
BBT-RS Bottom Bracket Tool Retaining System
Threaded bottom bracket tool fittings are often shallow, making it difficult to keep tools properly engaged during installation and removal. The BBT-RS secures removal tools to bottom bracket cups and adapters. It can be configured for compatibility with most threaded and thread-together bottom bracket styles.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
- In all bottom bracket systems the crank must be removed before removing the bottom bracket.
- To avoid seizing, lubricate threads before use.
- Use the BBT-RS only for initial loosening or final tightening, when load on the bottom bracket tool is greatest.
- The threaded rod features a fixturing hole for the purpose of loosening the rod when necessary. When assembling the BBT-RS, orient this hole opposite the adapter nut or spindle.
INSTRUCTIONS
Threaded and Thread-Together Bottom Bracket Systems with Thru Spindle
Modern two-piece crank systems use threaded cups or adapters installed into
the bottom bracket shell. All machined-aluminum bottom bracket tools currently
manufactured by Park Tool feature an internal threading that integrates with
the BBT-RS, which permits use of a 3/8” drive wrench. See parktool.com/BBT-RS
for a full list of compatible tools.
- Thread the adapter nut (#4) into the internal thread of the bottom bracket tool.
- Install the threaded rod (#3) into the adapter nut (Figure 1).
- Guide the threaded rod through the bottom bracket shell and engage the bottom bracket tool squarely onto the bottom bracket tool fitting.
- On the opposite side of the bike, install the washer (#2), spring assembly (spring washers [#6] & spring [#5]), and pressure nut (#1).
- Tighten the pressure nut until the spring is nearly fully compressed (Figure 2).
- Engage a 3/8” drive wrench into bottom bracket tool and turn.
- If removing the bottom bracket, the pressure nut must be loosened after the first ¼ turn to prevent damage to the BBT-RS and bottom bracket tool.
Cartridge Bottom Bracket Systems
Cartridge bottom brackets can use M8, M12 or M15 crank bolts.
-
Begin by determining the bolt threading used on the spindle.
• For M12 or M15 threading, fully install the appropriate side of the adapter nut into the spindle. Fully install the threaded rod into the adapter nut (Figure 3).
• For M8 threading, thread the rod directly into the spindle (Figure 4). Engage 5 to 6 full turns. -
Engage the removal tool squarely onto the bottom bracket tool fitting.
• Note: on some shorter tools, the spindle may protrude and not allow proper engagement. Use a deeper tool such as the BBT-22. -
Install the washer and the spring assembly onto the rod.
-
Install the pressure nut and tighten until the spring is nearly fully compressed (figure 5).
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Use an appropriate wrench to turn the bottom bracket tool.
-
If removing the bottom bracket, the pressure nut must be loosened after the first ¼ turn to prevent damage to the BBT-RS and bottom bracket tool.
Cup and Cone Bottom Brackets
Cup-and-cone bottom brackets disassemble from the non-drive side and have a fixed cup on the drive side. The BBT-RS can be useful for service of the drive side cup.
- Remove the non-drive side lockring, adjustable cup and spindle.
- Install the threaded rod through the bottom bracket shell.
- Install a fixed-cup wrench (such as Park Tool HCW-4) and the washer.
- Install the spring assembly, then thread on the adapter nut.
- On the non-drive side, install the pressure nut and tighten until the spring is nearly fully compressed (figure 6).
- Turn the tool as needed.
- If removing the bottom bracket, the pressure nut must be loosened after the first ¼ turn to prevent damage to the BBT-RS and bottom bracket tool.
