I was wondering...the spacer that fits over the spindle on a set of Profile cranks.....what exactly does it do and is it really necessary.....I know its inside the BB shell but if you dont have one is it gonna hurt the cranks or spindle at all???

It keeps the bearings from getting sideloaded. Take it out and the bearings will fall out of their cups and not work so well.

Thanks........so I guess I need to get another one ...as the one I got was to big ...B

You can get them from Dan's Comp for about $4.00. I just did.

Brian.. when you put it in, was it seemingly too big to go between the bearings? Mine was awfully tight until it was ridden a bit, then it all came into place. Works like a champ now.

Brian cut it down until it fits its just an aluminum sleeve it will cut real easy

It should be a hair too wide. Check the bottom left corner of Illustration #3 http://www.profileracing.com/manuals/3piececrankset.pdf

You run the risk of ruining your bearings when you crank the arms tight if the sleeve is too narrow.

I just grind it down a little. I use a sharpening stone and circle motions. Ya gotta keep it square as yer going or else u'll wreak your bearings.