Originally Posted by
rgvg
Hi
How bad is it exactly if your hubs have a litle play in them? I understand it's not good to tighten the cones together when you are re greasing it, but how bad is the opposite?
Just asking because I'm wondering if it's good enough to let alone or if I should try harder... Finding it a bit hard to get it just right so should I err on the slightly too tight or the slightly too loose side?
Thanks
For (adjustable) bearings to work properly and last long(er), optimal preload is important. Too much preload, as well as no preload results in accelerated bearing wear (bearing race pitting and ball wear).
Here is how I service hubs and chapter 7) explains the preload "tweaking":
Bicycle hub overhaul - Ciklo Gremlin