Slot in BB Washer

[Kevin B]

Does anyone know why this slot is in this Murray one piece bottom bracket washer? It doesn't engage anything or allow for inserting lubrication. It is the washer that goes between the non-drive cone and the outer lock nut.

 

[Wildcat]

Normally the washer would be smaller in diameter. I think the larger size was to keep dirt out of the bearings.

 

[Kevin B]

Right it is the slot that puzzles me. I kind of wonder if you used some tool through it to stop the cone from turning? The cone has two wrench flats.

 

[RustySprockets]

Right it is the slot that puzzles me. I kind of wonder if you used some tool through it to stop the cone from turning? The cone has two wrench flats.

Stack 'em and see if the slot aligns with the flats. The fact that the washer is toothed should already prevent the cone from turning. I'm not aware of any specialty tool, but maybe a small blade would permit micro-adjustments?

Just looking at the photo, I'm not too sure the flats and slot would line up.

 

[Ride 'em High]

Having toiled over stuck vintage bottom bracket removal I can tell ya that's a good place to stick an awl and whack it with a hammer. I think you're pondering it's usefulness in the wrong direction, on rather than off.

 

[Ulu]

That may be for a cone that has slots in it rather than flats.

 

[Kevin B]

I think I figured it out, usually the cone covers the entire opening and the washer is smaller in diameter. In this case the cone is smaller. It may be a window that lets you know everything is seated during assembly. Otherwise you couldn't see the undersized cone to know you are firmly and squarely against it.

 

[Wildcat]

The cone threads on first so you would verify the bearing setting before the washer went on in the slot.

Maybe they saved money on materials by using a tiny bit less metal.

 

[rickpaulos]

Stinky Old Fish is correct. You have mixed brands of parts in the photo. The slot in the washer allows you to stick a pointed tool in there to turn the cone. That washer is not correct for that cone. The correct cone has 2 radial slots, like screw driver slots, that cross over the washer slot. One of the 2 radial slots is always accessible. This was designed so you could fine tune the cone position without having to back the locknut way off to get access to the cone.

Here are a few from my parts bins.

The cones on the left work with that washer.

The sloted washer is huge to try to keep some dirt out. The cone is smaller and it needs some help. Compared to the Schwinn style that uses a huge cone and small washer.

The cone on the right takes a different washer (more a dust cap really) that keys into the cone and extends over the shell, then a second regular lock washer and then a nut. My Tunturi has this style. You can loosen the locknut and turn the the cone with the cap. Then tighten the locknut. IMO, best design for 1 piece cranks. The 4th photo is of my Tunturi. The big chrome cap slots in the cone and covers the entire bb shell and serves as a cone extension to turn by hand. Its a far better system but Tunturi still buggered it with an undersize bb shell, smaller cones and bearings and a lock nut you can't touch with a wrench. None of my pin tools would hold tight. Grr.

 

[twojs.bike]

What @rickpaulos just said. That’s how I remember it. Definitely seen that before and thought it was a good design. Looked through my parts stash to take a picture, but I don’t have one.

 

[rickpaulos]

twojs.bike, I edited my post to add some photos. Thanks.

 

[Kevin B]

Stinky Old Fish is correct. You have mixed brands of parts in the photo. The slot in the washer allows you to stick a pointed tool in there to turn the cone. That washer is not correct for that cone. The correct cone has 2 radial slots, like screw driver slots, that cross over the washer slot. One of the 2 radial slots is always accessible. This was designed so you could fine tune the cone position without having to back the locknut way off to get access to the cone.

Here are a few from my parts bins.

The cones on the left work with that washer.

The sloted washer is huge to try to keep some dirt out. The cone is smaller and it needs some help. Compared to the Schwinn style that uses a huge cone and small washer.

The cone on the right takes a different washer (more a dust cap really) that keys into the cone and extends over the shell, then a second regular lock washer and then a nut. My Tunturi has this style. You can loosen the locknut and turn the the cone with the cap. Then tighten the locknut. IMO, best design for 1 piece cranks. The 4th photo is of my Tunturi. The big chrome cap slots in the cone and covers the entire bb shell and serves as a cone extension to turn by hand. Its a far better system but Tunturi still buggered it with an undersize bb shell, smaller cones and bearings and a lock nut you can't touch with a wrench. None of my pin tools would hold tight. Grr.


View attachment 223994

Your explanation helps a lot, especially the photo I left attached above. Right now the assembly doesn't seal very good. It is how I found it when the bike was given to me. I think I might change it to the more common style.

 

[Ulu]

Stinky Old Fish is correct. You have mixed brands of parts in the photo. . .

Thanks Rick! Just call me Ulu. I chose that name because it is so easy to type and remember.

 

[Kevin B]

Turns out the way mine came is original so back to the drawing board. I did learn the slotted washer BB is a Wald #1990. Wald#1990 at Amazon
Back to the drawing board on the slots. Not that it matters, just a mystery.

 

[musclebikemadman]

Turns out the way mine came is original so back to the drawing board. I did learn the slotted washer BB is a Wald #1990. Wald#1990 at Amazon
Back to the drawing board on the slots. Not that it matters, just a mystery.

The slot allows adjustment of the crank cones with out complete removal of the nut and washer.

 

[twojs.bike]

Is it possible that you have mixed up your drive side and non-drive side cones? The cone in your original picture looks like a drive side cone.

 

[Kevin B]

No I checked that. Both cones have the same flats. This is how the bike came.