Shimano FC-R550, FC-R553 Service Instructions

Model number FC-R550 FC-R553

130 mm / 74 mm

50 - 39 - 30T

With the marked surface of the larger
chainring facing out, set the larger
chainring so that the chain drop prevention
pin is lined up with the
crank arm position.

Technical Service Instructions SI-1HZ0B

Front chainwheel

FC-R550
FC-R553

Specifications

Installation of the front chainwheel

Installation of the chainrings

130 mm

53 - 39T, 52 - 39T, 50 - 39T

CN-5600

43.5 mm

B.C. 9/16" x 20T.P.I. (English thread)

165, 170, 172.5, 175mmCrank arm length

Pedal threads

Applicable chain

Chain line

Chainwheel tooth combination

Bolt circle diameter

45 mm

Smooth shifting will not be possible if the chainrings are incorrectly
installed, so be sure to install the chainrings in the correct positions.

With the marked surface of the smaller
chainring facing away from the crank arm,
set the chainring so that the o mark is
lined up with the crank arm position.

68 mm (1.37 X 24 T.P.I.)
70 mm (M36 X 24 T.P.I.)

Shell width
(Thread dimensions)

Follow the procedure in the figure.

1, 2 Use the special tool TL-FC32 to install the right

adapter (counterclockwise thread) and the left
adapter (clockwise thread).
Tightening torque: 35 - 50 N·m {305 - 435 in. lbs.}

3 Insert the right crank unit.

4 Set section A of the left crank into the axle of the

right crank unit where the groove is wide.
(Insert a spacer when installing the FC-R553 left
crank unit.)

5 Use the TL-FC16 to tighten the cap.

Tightening torque: 0.7 - 1.5 N·m {6 - 13 in. lbs.}

6 Push in the stopper plate and check that the plate

pin is securely in place, and then tighten the bolt
of the left crank arm.

Note : Each of the bolts should be evenly and

equally tightened to 12 - 15 N·m {106 ­132 in. lbs.}.

Note :

Set the stopper plate in the right
direction as shown in illustration.

5

2

4

(A)

1

3

Wide groove area

Bottom bracket shell

TL-FC16

TL-FC32

6

For the FC-R553, the
tooth number marking on
the largest chainring
should face outward, and
the markings on the
intermediate and
smallest chainrings
should face inward.

Mark

For the FC-R553,
insert a spacer.

General Safety Information

WARNING

• Be careful not to let the cuffs of your clothes get caught in the chain while riding,
otherwise you may fall off the bicycle.

• Check that the tension of the chain is correct and that the chain is not damaged. If
the tension is too weak or the chain is damaged, the chain should be replaced. If
this is not done, the chain may break and you may fall off the bicycle.

• The two left crank arm mounting bolts should be tightened alternately in stages
rather than each bolt being fully tightened all at once. Use a torque wrench to
check that the final tightening torques are within the range of 12 - 15 N·m.
Furthermore, after riding approximately 100 km (60 miles), use a torque wrench to
re-check the tightening torques.
It is also important to periodically check the tightening torques.
If the tightening torques are too weak or if the mounting bolts are not tightened
alternately in stages, the left crank arm may come off and the bicycle may fall over.

• Check that there are no cracks in the crank arms before riding the bicycle. If there
are any cracks, the crank arm may break and you may fall off the bicycle.

• Obtain and read the service instructions carefully prior to installing the parts.
Loose, worn, or damaged parts may cause injury to the rider.
We strongly recommend only using genuine Shimano replacement parts.

• Read these Technical Service Instructions carefully, and keep them in a safe place
for later reference.

Note

• Make sure that the chainring combination matches the front chainwheel tooth
configuration in the Product specifications table. If other combinations are used, the
distance between the chainrings will be incorrect and the chain might slip off and get
caught in between them.

• When the chain is in the position shown in the
illustration, the chain may contact the front
chainrings or front derailleur and generate
noise. If the noise is a problem, shift the chain
onto the next-larger rear sprocket or the one
after.

• If the bottom bracket shell is not parallel, gear
shifting performance will drop.

• Check that there is no looseness in any joints or connections before riding the
bicycle. (BB-FC, FC-PD)

• If you feel any looseness in the bottom bracket axle, the bottom bracket should be
replaced.

• In addition, if pedaling performance does not feel normal, check this once more.

• Do not wash the bottom bracket with high-pressure jets of water.

• Apply grease to the bottom bracket before installing it.

• To ensure the best performance, be sure to use only the specified type of chain.
The wide type of chain cannot be used.

• If the chain keeps coming off the chainrings during use, replace the chainrings and
the chain.

• You should periodically wash the chainrings in a neutral detergent and then
lubricate them again. In addition, cleaning the chain with neutral detergent and
lubricating it can be an effective way of extending the useful life of the chainrings
and the chain.

• Parts are not guaranteed against natural wear or deterioration resulting from
normal use.

• For maximum performance we highly recommend Shimano lubricants and
maintenance products.

• For any questions regarding methods of installation, adjustment, maintenance or
operation, please contact a professional bicycle dealer.

Front
chainrings

Rear
sprockets

Please note: specifications are subject to change for improvement without notice. (English)
© Apr. 2006 by Shimano Inc. XBC SZK Printed in Malaysia

One Holland, Irvine, California 92618, U.S.A. Phone: [phone] Industrieweg 24, 8071 CT Nunspeet, The Netherlands Phone: [phone] Oimatsu-cho Sakai-ku, Sakai, Osaka 590-8577, Japan

Outer side

Crank arm

Chain drop

prevention pin

Crank arm

o mark

Inner side

Mark

Stopper plate

Plate pin

Push up

clockwise for
70 mm [M36] bottom
brackets