How to Install a Hollowtech Crank

Shimano Hollowtech cranks are made for mountain biking. Hollowtech cranks fit onto a dedicated bottom bracket made for the Hollowtech cranks. Benefits of the Hollowtech cranks are lighter weight with less metal failure, and the ability to use a chain guide with the cranks. Install the bottom bracket before installing the cranks on your mountain bike. Use good bicycle grease, such as Phil Wood or Park when prepping the bottom bracket mount.

Things You'll Need

  • Bicycle stand
  • Crank wrench / bottom bracket tool
  • 2, 4 mm hex wrenches
  • Bicycle grease
  • Shimano Deore bottom bracket
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Instructions

    • 1

      Grease and lubricate the inside of the bottom bracket shell. This is the empty cylinder in the bottom center of the bicycle.

    • 2

      Push the 2 mm spacer plate that comes with the bottom bracket onto the bottom bracket end, over the spindle. Next slide the ISCG chain plate onto the bottom bracket, over the spindle. Adjust the ISCG chain guide plate so the chain guide mounting hole is in the one o'clock position when looking straight at the bottom bracket.

    • 3

      Push the bottom bracket into the shell and tighten it in with the bottom bracket tool. Slide the wrench portion of the tool around the bracket and give it a half-turn to tighten it into place.

    • 4

      Insert the chain-ring side crank (the crank with the chain rings attached) and slide it onto the spindle on the right side of the bike. Place the non-drive train side crank onto the spindle on the left side of the bike. There is only one way the left side crank will fit, making the crank extend out at 180 degrees to the right-side crank.

    • 5

      Insert the 4 mm hex wrenches onto the set screw on both cranks in the center, at the spindle. Turn the hex wrenches in opposite directions to tighten the cranks onto the spindle.

    • 6

      Thread the chain over the chain rings and rear cassette gears. Your bike is ready to ride.