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When I tried to remove the bottom bracket bearing cups using the BB tool it was very hard to move or it's just stuck. Tried WD40 then slowly tapping the tool using a mallet didn't work. To cut the story short, the tool moves but the cups didn't. Other to remove these? As you can see in the picture, the tool left marks on the cups.

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  • Looks like whatever tool you're using doesn't fit very tightly. And WD-40 isn't all that great - use something like PB Blaster or even stronger - Kroil penetrating oils. And if it's really stuck, mix yourself a batch of Ed's red.
    – Andrew Henle
    Commented Mar 22, 2019 at 14:39
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    Could be that the cup was tightened using thread locker. If the frame is metal you could apply heat, but very carefully.
    – Carel
    Commented Mar 22, 2019 at 18:54

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If you want to re-use these cups without a lot of tool marks, using a high quality removal tool that fits the cup splines closely is advisable. A thin sheet of plastic between the BB cup tool and the cups can take up space, give a firmer purchase on the grooves in the cup and protect the cups from tool marks. (Credit to John Cannings of GCN for this tip.)

Make sure the tool is all the way on the cup and held there firmly. If you tool has a hole through the middle you can use a long bolt, large diameter washers and a nut to hold the tool on. (Similar to using a QR to hold a cassette lockring tool in place.)

Make sure you are turning the tool the correct way. The right hand side is left hand threaded, so to loosen: clockwise on the right, anticlockwise on the left. (I doubt you are getting this wrong as the HT cups have the tighten direction printed on them, but I included it for future readers.)

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  • the HT cups have the tighten direction printed on them Note that some similar bottom brackets apparently use cheap printing that wears off. (I'm looking at you, FSA...)
    – Andrew Henle
    Commented Mar 22, 2019 at 14:42
  • @AndrewHenle The printed mention is still clearly visible, BTW. The thing is that brute force isn't clearly advisable. Penetrating oil, give it time, and do it gently was the best piece of advice I've ever received. And no cheap tools!
    – Carel
    Commented Mar 22, 2019 at 18:48
  • @Carel Good point about using a quality tool - edited in to answer.
    – Argenti Apparatus
    Commented Mar 22, 2019 at 18:58
  • After letting penetrating oil do its job carefully wipe the contact surfaces between tool and bolt, even using solvent to prevent slippage because of lubricated surfaces. You may consider using carbon mounting paste on the tool contact surfaces.
    – Carel
    Commented Mar 23, 2019 at 18:36

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