Dumbass NS crank question

[WINI]

OK, so I'm a bit thick when it comes to 3 piece cranks as I never had a set BITD.  What are the consequences of not having a spacer between the two sealed bearings?

 

[Discostu]

When you tighten up the bolts at each end of the spindle it squeezes the two arms towards the bearings/cups/cones etc. if you don't have the correct tube spacer between the bearings then you put a side load on to them which makes them click.  (put the bearings/cups against the frame/bottom bracket and measure the distance between the two inner faces of the bearings)  then you have the size of tube required. Once this is in place then the arms will push against the tube in the centre. Not the bearing race. 

[Tonto]

The spacer holds the bearings apart so if u ride without it u will bust the bearings , put the cup and bearing in one side and just the cup in the other then measure inside from the fitted bearing to where the inside of the other bearing will be ad that is the size of the spacer u will need , if the spacer is too small then there should b an assortment of little spacers u can use and it's usualy better to go bigger by about a mm hope that helps bud

[WINI]

Thanks guys.  I have a spacer but stupidly put the bearings in and forgot the spacer.  I blame booze.

Gonna be a right arse getting one back out

[whatquid]

ive never used the spacers as i couldnt be bothered to fit them in............but ive never had a problem, i suppose if its there you should use it......

[WINI]

1 NOS frame + 1 large hammer + 1 large screwdriver = success 

[Betty]

If your cranks have pinch bolts on the arms, like redlines you'll be ok without the spacer

If not you need it in there  

[WINI]

If your cranks have pinch bolts on the arms, like redlines you'll be ok without the spacer

If not you need it in there  

They do have the pinch bolts mark, I've managed to get the spacer in though with a bit of grunt 

[Picklez]

1 NOS frame + 1 large hammer + 1 large screwdriver = success 

Quality !!! 

[rick1970]

I ran 3 piece cranks on my very first bmx in 1981  wait for it .............................  cotter pin cranks  fookin epic fail   

[mattuknc]

1 NOS frame + 1 large hammer + 1 large screwdriver = success 

I prefer a socket extension piece, it's a little kinder to the cups than a screwdriver. 

[Spen69]

Use a drift or a socket bar next time ya numpty!

Or gimme a call and i'll tell you over the phone so you don't need to ask newbie questions..... ;-)

Boardroom - are you ever coming back there bud? I have a new toy to thrash tomorrow >;-)

[WINI]

Use a drift or a socket bar next time ya numpty!

Or gimme a call and i'll tell you over the phone so you don't need to ask newbie questions..... ;-)

Boardroom - are you ever coming back there bud? I have a new toy to thrash tomorrow >;-)

Hey, in the world of NS, I am a newbie! 

Sure I'm coming back, just haven't got there the last couple or so times.  Been to TRM, Blackpool and Corby in the interim mind.  Last time there were too many there, didn't enjoy it as much