How to Properly Maintain Your SM-BB5700 for Peak Performance

Posted on
in No category

The Shimano SM-BB5700 [paid link] bottom bracket is a threaded, Hollowtech II-style component designed for precise power transfer and long-lasting durability. Regular maintenance of this component is essential to avoid creaking, premature bearing wear, and inefficiency in drivetrain operation. This guide covers everything you need to know about inspecting, cleaning, servicing, and optimizing your SM-BB5700 [paid link] for peak performance.

Understanding the SM-BB5700 Bottom Bracket

The SM-BB5700 [paid link] is part of Shimano’s 105 series and utilizes a BSA (British Standard Thread) shell with outboard bearings. It is compatible with Hollowtech II cranksets and is known for its robust build and dependable performance in a wide range of riding conditions.

This bottom bracket uses steel cartridge bearings housed in threaded aluminum cups. Proper torque settings and regular servicing are crucial to keeping it functioning without issue, especially in wet or muddy environments.

Tools Required

  • 5 mm hex wrench
  • Hollowtech II bottom bracket tool [paid link] (such as TL-FC32 [paid link] or TL-FC36 [paid link])
  • Torque wrench [paid link] (capable of 35–50 Nm)
  • Anti-seize compound or grease
  • Bottom bracket facing tool (if shell prep is needed)
  • Degreaser and brush
  • Lint-free cloth or rag

Maintenance Frequency Guidelines

The SM-BB5700 is a sealed-bearing unit, but that doesn’t mean it’s maintenance-free. While the bearings themselves aren’t user-serviceable, regular cleaning and inspection can extend their life significantly. Here’s a simple maintenance interval guide:

  • Every 1,500–2,000 km (or monthly): External cleaning and visual inspection
  • Every 3,000–5,000 km (or quarterly): Crank removal, thorough cleaning, re-greasing threads
  • Annually or after harsh conditions: Full removal, inspection of bearing smoothness, and reinstallation with fresh grease

Step-by-Step Maintenance Process

External Cleaning and Inspection

Start with a basic cleaning routine that prevents buildup of dirt and grime around the bottom bracket area. Use a degreaser and brush to gently clean the area, paying close attention to the bearing cups and shell interface.

Once cleaned, inspect for:

  • Visible wear or scoring around the bearing seals
  • Dirt or moisture ingress near the crank spindle
  • Signs of galvanic corrosion (especially in wet climates)

If none of these are present, proceed with re-lubrication of external surfaces.

Crank Arm Removal and Cup Cleaning

To access the cups:

  1. Remove the non-drive side crank arm using a 5 mm hex and crank cap tool.
  2. Carefully slide out the drive-side arm and spindle.
  3. Use a rag to wipe down the spindle, seals, and cups.
  4. Check for excessive dirt or water inside the shell.

If the shell and cup area is dirty, clean with a degreaser and let it dry completely. Apply a light film of grease to the inside of the shell and bearing interfaces to reduce creaks.

Inspecting Bearing Condition

With the crankset removed, turn the bearing cups with your fingers. A healthy SM-BB5700 bearing should feel:

  • Smooth and consistent with no gritty or rough sensation
  • Slight resistance due to the bearing seals
  • No lateral play or movement within the cup

If you detect roughness or excessive drag, the bottom bracket may need to be replaced, as the sealed bearings are not serviceable.

Thread Lubrication and Torque Check

When reinstalling the cups:

  • Clean the shell threads thoroughly.
  • Apply anti-seize or waterproof grease to both the shell and the cup threads.
  • Use a Hollowtech II bottom bracket tool [paid link] to tighten each cup to 35–50 Nm.

Ensure the correct cup is used on each side (drive and non-drive are not interchangeable). The cups are marked for left (L) and right (R) sides.

Preventing Common SM-BB5700 Issues

Creaks and bearing failure in the SM-BB5700 often result from poor installation practices or lack of routine maintenance. To prevent issues:

  • Never install on a shell that hasn’t been faced and chased.
  • Always torque to spec to prevent uneven loading on bearings.
  • Clean and regrease the threads every few thousand kilometers.
  • Avoid pressure washing the bottom bracket area.
  • Use proper greases compatible with aluminum and steel interfaces.

Environmental Considerations

Riding in wet or muddy environments accelerates wear on the SM-BB5700. For riders in such climates:

  • Increase cleaning frequency to bi-weekly.
  • Use waterproof grease rather than standard grease.
  • Consider inspecting bearing feel after every wet ride season.

In dry climates, you can extend maintenance intervals slightly but should still adhere to the recommended checks.

When to Replace the SM-BB5700

Although durable, the SM-BB5700 will eventually need replacement. Signs it’s time to swap it out include:

  • Persistent creaking after reinstallation
  • Play or movement in crank arms despite proper torque
  • Notable roughness or binding when spinning the crank spindle
  • Visible corrosion or water ingress on bearing seals

When replacing, stick with Shimano genuine parts or high-quality equivalents that maintain compatibility with your Hollowtech II crankset.

Optimizing for Peak Performance

To get the best ride quality:

  • Pair the SM-BB5700 with a compatible 105 crankset for seamless integration.
  • Ensure bottom bracket shell faces are parallel and clean.
  • Avoid over-greasing, which can attract dirt and debris.
  • Keep crank bolts torqued and monitor for any noise or movement after installation.

Conclusion

Routine maintenance of the Shimano SM-BB5700 bottom bracket is key to preserving drivetrain efficiency and overall bike performance. With consistent cleaning, inspection, and proper reinstallation techniques, this component can provide thousands of kilometers of quiet, trouble-free operation.

FAQs About the SM-BB5700

1. Can you service the bearings inside the SM-BB5700?
No, the SM-BB5700 uses sealed cartridge bearings that are not user-serviceable. If they become rough, replacement is required.

2. What grease should be used for the SM-BB5700 installation?
Use high-quality anti-seize compound or waterproof grease designed for threaded interfaces between aluminum and steel.

3. How do I know if my SM-BB5700 needs replacement?
Excessive noise, rough rotation, or visible corrosion are indicators it’s time to replace the unit.

4. Is the SM-BB5700 compatible with other Shimano cranksets?
It’s compatible with Shimano Hollowtech II cranksets across multiple groupsets like Tiagra, 105, and Ultegra.

5. What torque value should I use when installing the cups?
Both cups should be torqued to 35–50 Nm using the proper Shimano tool.

6. Can I use the SM-BB5700 on a carbon frame?
Yes, if the frame uses a BSA threaded bottom bracket shell. Ensure the shell is faced and clean before installation.