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updates | June 05, 2026

How tight should square taper crank bolts be?

Registered. Most square taper crank arms should be 29 ft-lbs.

How tight should crankset bolts be?

The crank, axle and bolt should be clean and greased, then tighten to 35-40Nm. This is a weight of about 27kg on the end of a 15cm spanner. After about 100 miles, check the bolt; it will be looser but do not tighten again, just make sure it is tight enough so it doesn't fall out.

How tight should a square taper bottom bracket be?

If it's a bit loose, it will work tight as you ride. If it's an Italian threaded frame (right-hand thread on the driveside,not likely unless it's an Italian bike), do up the BB as tightly as you can reasonably get it (i.e don't go so far as standing on the end of the spanner).

Can you over tighten a crankset?

Yes, it is possible

The bigger problem with over tightening a square taper is that crank arm can be deformed to the point where it will not stay tight. I always use a torque wrench when tigtening crank bolts to avoid over tightening.

Should you grease square taper cranks?

They advised: “Grease the tapers, but make sure you only tighten the bolts once, then leave them alone.” Their tests had shown that a “dry” spindle/crank interface did not result in a consistent press-fit between the parts.

35 related questions found

What is a square taper crank?

Traditional cotterless cranksets use a tapered square spindle (axle) end. The sides of the end taper at a 2 degree angle compared to the centerline, 4 degrees compared to each other. Square, tapered end of cotterless crank spindle with fixing bolt and washer.

Why does my crank click?

Crank bolts: If your cranks move side to side more than 1/16 of an inch, you've found the likely creak source. Remove each bolt with an 8mm hex wrench or 14mm socket wrench, then grease and retighten them. Seatpost: Remove and grease. Corrosion can form between the seatpost and frame, making a clicking sound.

Can you overtighten bottom bracket?

If you overdo this, you'll load the bearings such that they wear down faster. If you've overtightened this, you need to undo it. Same with putting the non-drive side crank arm (which is something like 15 Nm normally).

Can you over tighten bottom bracket?

If the BB is too tight, it will not rotate without grinding or feeling stiff. In fact, if you ever tighten an adjustable (open/loose) BB to an extreme, the BB will not move at all. If you diagnose this problem in an open/loose system, you must loosen the adjustable cup until the stiffness lessens.

What is the torque for square taper crankset?

For square taper systems, the initial and subsequent tightening should be done at 35 ft-lbs. Remember to grease your spindle in both instances.

How do you measure a square taper bottom bracket?

Calculate the length of the bracket from spindle to spindle.

Close the jaws so that they're flush with each exterior edge on your pegs. Write this measurement down after the width. This is the overall length of your bottom bracket. The length typically ranges from 113-122 mm.

Is hollowtech better than square taper?

Hollowtech is a bit stiffer and easier to take apart, but square taper will last much longer.

How tight should crank bolts be BMX?

Avoid exceeding 50 Nm, an extremely high torque anyway. You'll unlikely you'll get past 45 Nm except with a long-handled wrench. With the cranks slipped over the cartridge spindle's tapered ends, secure the crank bolts and tighten. 50 Nm is also the limit.

Why does my crank bolt keeps coming loose?

The crank arms and pedals go through the most pressure while riding the bike. That's why the loose crank arm is a common problem every cyclist faces. However, it can happen because of loose bolts or broken threads, or even damaged bearing.

How do I stop my crank from creaking?

The most common cause of creaking is the crank being loose on the spindle. Remove the crank bolts, lubricate the threads and under the bolt head, and reinstall. Tighten the bolts to the manufacturer recommended torque. Use a torque wrench if possible.

How do you know if you need a new bottom bracket?

To check if your BB needs replacing, drop the chain off of the smallest chainring and spin the cranks. If there's a side-to-side wobble, or feeling of grittiness, it's time for a new one.

Why does my bike pop when I pedal?

A clicking noise is the most common sound your bike can make. It can be due to the rider pedaling fast, and the chain wants to jump up and down the rear cassette to accommodate the demands of the pedal. To identify the sound, you can slow down from pedaling and observe whether you still hear a sound.

Are square taper bottom brackets heavy?

1. Square taper bottom brackets are heavier than newer style bottom brackets. Weight is often cited as a reason why parts are better or worse than other parts. With lighter being better.

How long do square taper bottom brackets last?

Simple rule is (unless you're starting a long trip) "if it ain't broke don't fix it". Do normal maintenance, keep things properly lubed and your BB should last for another 4,000 miles or more.

What is the difference between JIS and ISO square taper?

ISO and JIS are very similar – the angle of the taper is the same, but the ISO spindle ends are a little slimmer. In a pinch, you sometimes can use a JIS spindle with an ISO crank. To compensate for the wider JIS taper, select a spindle that is about 1-2 mm shorter.

How do you remove a square taper without a puller?

You can also pry the threads out or remove them by slowly threading the bolt, depending on the crank arm type of your bicycle. Use a bolt or a spanner tool to remove and loosen the washers. The washers are metal and are relocated under the thread's bolt and nuts.

What is an octalink bottom bracket?

Octalink Bottom Brackets. This system, designed by Shimano, was the first successful alternative to the older square taper. The Octalink system uses a larger and stiffer spindle with eight splines. The splines provide a greater contact area between crank and spindle for a stiffer interface.