Bottom Bracket

Seized bottom bracket in a vintage steel frame ... Everyone seems to have a horror story about this.  I have found that the only effective way is:

1. Soak the bottom bracket (or whichever parts you can reach) in CRC or some other penetrating lubricant.

2. If possible find a way to secure the BB tool to the cup. In my case the adjustable (left) cup came out relatively easily. It was the fixed cup that was well and truly fixed.

 I may not be a great fan of Shimano but their BB tool set is very good.

Here you can see it held securely to the cup using an old freewheel body as a spacer.








3. Secure the tool to something very firm.

4. VERY firm.
 

5. With the tool bolted to the work bench it was "simply" a matter of turning the frame to release the seized cup.