1956 German bike questions

[HerrOtto]

I have a 1956 Rabeneick 3 speed bike that I am unsure how to remove this style of crank cotters(shown in the picture). In addition, if I can't get to the interior of the bottom bracket, and I want to lube the bottom bracket, is this an oil port or grease fitting(shown in the picture). I know using this port is considered taboo, but I figure any lubrication is better than none. Thank you

 

[WillWork4Parts]

Those are cottered cranks, but usually they have a 10mm hex nut or something similar holding them in place. I've never seen one with a screw fastener.
Have you tried taking the screw out to see what it looks like underneath? I'm curious what kind of access there would be for using a regular tool on.

There is a specialized tool for removing the regular pins from the cranks that is essentially a heavy duty C-clamp with a relief for the pin to pass through.

I think you'll probably have to adapt something to fit on the pushing end without damaging whatever kind of threads your pins may have.

 

[HerrOtto]

I have not attempted to remove the screws. Now that I look at the picture of the lubrication port, I believe it is a grease, zerk style fitting.

 

[HerrOtto]

I was able to remove both crank arms using an automotive ball joint separator and a 5/16 hardened bolt with one side shaved down(following the shape of the cotter). Now that I have both arms off, I am unable to remove the shaft as I do not have the correct size spanner for the non drive side nut. Furthermore, I have never seen this style bottom bracket as the shaft is threaded on both ends and there are no notches or flats on the drive side. It does not have a standard fixed cup. Finally, after further review of the lubricating port, I NOW think it is for oil and not grease, as a grease gun nozzle just slips off and grease does not enter the port, it just comes out the sides. If all else fails, I guess I can just oil the lower bracket, though I am not sure with what kind of oil. Hopefully, the attached pictures will help you understand what I am talking about.

 

[WillWork4Parts]

That was going to be my next suggestion, cutting off a screw to push with. I didn't think about needing the bevel though. I think those drive side cones are usually jammed up against a stop. Too bad it doesn't have any slots to turn it with. I definitely haven't had that specific BB apart. I think you've got the ingenuity to make a spanner work for that non-drive side locknut though!

If it really needed service, you could put the drive side arm back on and use a punch and a hammer in the notch on the lock nut, but I would hate to see that beautiful original chrome get damaged. Looks like a pretty clean bike from the little bits you've shown us.

 

[HerrOtto]

SUCCESS, I made a spanner tool out of a piece of black pipe and successfully disassembled the bottom bracket.

 

[WillWork4Parts]

Congrats, nice work!

 

[HerrOtto]

Thanks, now on to getting the courage to service the F&S Model 55 w/coaster brake

 

[Miq]

@HerrOtto you are making good progress! Please show more pics of the bike. I have not seen what the whole thing looks like yet.

 

[HerrOtto]

Here are some pictures without the bike being cleaned up yet. I think for a 1956, it's in great shape.