What tools do I need to service the bottom bracket?

[patrickza]

My cranks have some play in them, looks like the shaft in the bottom bracket is the cause. I'd like to open it up to check the bearings. Any idea what tools I'd need?

Obviously an 8mm allen wrench which I have, then I'll need a crank puller which I should be able to find, but lastly I'll need something to undo whatever you call that pieve with all those grooves in it. Any ideas? And will the other side be the same, I can't see past the sprockets. The cranks have TRUVATIV FIVE D written on them if that helps. Pic below.

 

[Ypedal]

http://sheldonbrown.com/tooltips/cartridge.html

Sheldon Brown's site is awesome for anything bicycle.

 

[Drunkskunk]

What you need is a very specalized tool, called a ... "Bottom Bracket Tool" ... or just tap it out with a flathead screwdriver and a hammer. The tool makes it much easier, and runs $10. Any bikeshop should have one.
http://harriscyclery.net/merchant/370/images/large/tlp02a.jpg

EDIT: Doh! Ypedal types faster than I do.

 

[amberwolf]

Just as an aside, if you happen to have one of the "shimano" splined freewheel removal tools, it sometimes fits the BB splines, too.

It's not a perfect fit, and if you have plastic splines it won't work, but if they're metal and it's not uber tight it often does.

 

[d8veh]

You need a crank-puller too:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Black-Bike-Cycle-Tool-Crank-Extractor-Remover-Puller-/320727310226?pt=UK_SportsLeisure_Cycling_BikeLocks_SR&hash=item4aacd65f92
The bottom bracket has a left hand thread on the chain side.