Campagnolo hub inner grease shield. Why?
02-16-19, 11:56 AM
#1
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Campagnolo hub inner grease shield. Why?
I was overhauling my Campy Record hubs (newest version) and, while trying to get all the old grease cleaned out, I dislodged one of the inner grease shields (HB-EU025).
While trying to get it back in position, it cracked on me (plastic). I can get another one, but I'm just wondering..Why are they even there? There are no injection ports to pump grease in. And, so what if you over grease the bearings and it gets between the shell and the axle. All previous versions of Record hubs had oil/grease injection holes that, if used, would fill the hub shell with grease. I'm thinking of just removing them. Any reason not to?
While trying to get it back in position, it cracked on me (plastic). I can get another one, but I'm just wondering..Why are they even there? There are no injection ports to pump grease in. And, so what if you over grease the bearings and it gets between the shell and the axle. All previous versions of Record hubs had oil/grease injection holes that, if used, would fill the hub shell with grease. I'm thinking of just removing them. Any reason not to?
Last edited by gearbasher; 02-16-19 at 12:31 PM.
02-16-19, 12:48 PM
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I will speculate, grease does not do your bearings any good in the void between the hub shell and axle. Bearing grease can migrate away from the bearing where it is needed for long life.
02-16-19, 02:55 PM
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Same reason why most bike used cartridge bearings still have seals on both sides. Andy
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AndrewRStewart
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02-18-19, 04:54 PM
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That seal is needed to keep the grease from migrating out of the bearing race. As stated above, like a cartridge "sealed" bearing.
02-18-19, 07:38 PM
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Well, I just finished overhauling the rear hub. There was plenty of grease inside the hub shell, passed the shield. I guess they don't do a great job.
02-18-19, 09:55 PM
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Seals are not really about lube containment as much as keeping the big bits of grit out. Andy
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AndrewRStewart
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02-19-19, 12:08 PM
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I broke the inner seal on a Zonda hubset about 10,000 miles ago. I haven't noticed a lack of grease when overhauling or a build up inside the hub. I did not replace the seal and see no reason to do so. I overhaul the hubs every 1,500-2,000 miles. I wouldn't worry about it. I know the seal had a purpose, but in my situation it has had no affect not being there.
02-19-19, 04:10 PM
#9
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Yeah, the more I think about it, the more I feel it's not necessary. Without it, it's even easier to clean out the old grease.
02-19-19, 05:35 PM
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I broke the inner seal on a Zonda hubset about 10,000 miles ago. I haven't noticed a lack of grease when overhauling or a build up inside the hub. I did not replace the seal and see no reason to do so. I overhaul the hubs every 1,500-2,000 miles. I wouldn't worry about it. I know the seal had a purpose, but in my situation it has had no affect not being there.
