Crank spindle life

[urmb]

I like to keep bikes and parts working for as long as possible. So having ridden the outboard bearing crank system for a year now, I got to wondering when or if the spindle bearing contact surface might wear down so that it is no longer useable. Possible(?) scenario: cranks start creaking after 2000+ miles; replace bb; cranks still creaking.




If the spindle wears out, your cranks are burnt toast. Has anyone seen this or had this happen? Also good to know if you were to purchase a used crankset.

Some bmx cranks have a replaceable spindle. Haven't seen any mtb cranks like this, but maybe they are out there...
See below.




Thx
urmb

[Zachariah]

I've put well over 4000 trail miles on my 2004 Shimano XTR FC-M960 crankset...and it's still quiet as a church mouse. Mind you - I have also gone through five outboard BB bearings, two granny rings, one middle ring. Yet the spindle contact surface remains smooth as a baby's butt(I always grease that thing liberally!).

My initial $450 investment has paid for itself 3x already. It has since retired to commuting duties...

[Slash5]

The inner race of the bottom bracket bearing spins with the crank spindle. The spindle should not be a wearing part and should last indefinitely.

[Zachariah]

^What he said...nearly zero friction, means the spindle is fine, even after 100,000 miles.

[wschruba]

The only time I've seen what you describe is when water infiltrates the bottom bracket and causes rusting to the spindle. In other words, only neglect can cause it.

[urmb]

Thanks all for your comments. Good point Slash5.

The inner race of the bottom bracket bearing spins with the crank spindle. The spindle should not be a wearing part and should last indefinitely.

Thanks
urmb