Bottom Bracket replacement for old Raleigh 3 speed frame

I converted a battered old raleigh three speed to use as a backup/pub run/fuck about around on bike. been working well for months but now the bottom bracket is clunking. I've read a previous thread about a similar clunking issue and a recommendation of giving it a clean was given... but i;m thinking of replacing it all together so i can get rid of the cottered cranks and give myself more versatility on the choice of chainring.

My problem is that the bb is 71mm and looking on sheldon it appears it's an old raleigh standard (1 3/8" X 26 tpi).

anyone know how i go about getting around this issue and what other bbs are compatible with this standard.

if you can unscrew the BB ends (locking cups), use these and find a new axle.
Install the new axle, with all the ball bearings, etc. and lock on the cups on either side. et voila.
Finding the replacement ones is nigh on impossible. Trust me, i've tried.

So in other words- buy a non-sealed (ie not cartridge) BB. take it apart. and use the old raleigh cups.
Enjoy!

but the axel will be a diffrent length. I would just try replacing the bearings and see if that improves things.

Try one of these:
http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ebwPNLqrymode.a4p?f_ProductID=8151&f_SupersetQRY=C202~1&f_SortOrderID=1&f_bct=c003154c003151c003226m007267

I just fitted one to an old Carlton frame last night.
You may need to file down the sides of your bb shell as mine was 69mm wide and although it went in okay , the square taper portion doesn't protrude very far out of the lockring.

I did buy the 110mm version, which was probably a mistake - I should have gone for the 122.5mm instead. Duh, my chainline is a bit out.

TheBrick(Tommy) but the axel will be a diffrent length. I would just try replacing the bearings and see if that improves things.

Yeah, thats good too. I was assuming it was FUBAR. (like mine was)

Chris NW- i'd be interested to hear how you think it feels.
my raleigh is FUBAR. and i can't find a cup anywhere.

ChrisNW Try one of these:
http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ebwPNLqrymode.a4p?f_ProductID=8151&f_SupersetQRY=C202~1&f_SortOrderID=1&f_bct=c003154c003151c003226m007267

Interesting suggestion. I ordered one as it was reasonably priced.

When i take the bb appart I'll assess the ball bearing avenue first then (more than likely) install the threadless bb simply because i want to 'slow' down the bike basically, I want to put a smaller chainring on it so i can;t cane it. It can then be 'safely' used as my go to the pub bike.

btw, As it happens, a friend of mine has a similar problem on the bbs of his 3 speed (still running as a 3 speed) so either way the suggestions given in this thread is saving two bikes! cheers

Just a note on what I found about the old Raleigh style BB.
I measured mine as 69mm, according to SheldonBrown, old Raleighs are 70mm wide, not the usual 68mm and therefore may cause problems with replacement BB's

It's worth checking yours.

pics when done.

:)

btw I use a threadless bb on my mtb, nothing wrong with the threads its just all I had to hand that fits. It works fine by all accounts.