XT hubs on new wheelset too tight ??
05-31-18, 03:21 PM
#1
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XT hubs on new wheelset too tight ??
Hey guys, Fed-ex just delivered a new wheelset from BWW, and it really feels like the front XT hub is overly tight ( a little stiffness wouldn't concern me, but this really feels excessive). Holding the wheel axle in both hands (well, more like each thumb and index finger), then giving the wheel a spin with another finger, it won't spin very long at all. I know there's always a little breaking in gonna happen, but right now it's quite stiff, and I'm wondering if a little fine tuning is necessary (I'm no bike wrench, but I have bike tools and have repacked a few hubs).
I did do a search on this before asking, and ran across a good thread here from back in 2015, but that largely devolved into a heated argument about whether the QR's compressed the axles or not.
So, how tight is acceptable ?
BTW, the rear feels perfectly fine (no jokes,please!
)
I did do a search on this before asking, and ran across a good thread here from back in 2015, but that largely devolved into a heated argument about whether the QR's compressed the axles or not.
So, how tight is acceptable ?
BTW, the rear feels perfectly fine (no jokes,please!
)
05-31-18, 03:48 PM
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If you've got the correct cone wrenches, grab the cones on each side and open the hub up a bit, maybe 1/8 turn. Re-install and ride off into the sunset...
05-31-18, 03:53 PM
#3
Blamester
If you think it needs doing then it needs doing.
No harm in having a look in there and adding grease.
So long as you are comfortable doing it why not.
No harm in having a look in there and adding grease.
So long as you are comfortable doing it why not.
05-31-18, 03:58 PM
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Thanks guys, but after fiddling with it a bit, it seems to have slicked up a good bit, all on it's own. I think it'll be fine, sorry for the wasted thread !
05-31-18, 04:38 PM
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Loose-ball hubs are shipped with no bearing play in order to facilitate wheelbuilding. They can and should be loosened up once that job is done, but often aren't. 
05-31-18, 04:50 PM
#6
Stevoo
Agree 100%.
Not uncommon to adjust new cup and cone hubs so they are correct.
Good luck.
Not uncommon to adjust new cup and cone hubs so they are correct.
Good luck.
05-31-18, 08:19 PM
#9
Really Old Senior Member
I typically find the lube to be on the skimpy side.
I bought one cheap wheel for a flip bike and the lube looked like a thin coat of spray on cosmoline.
It's so easy to add a bit of grease to a new, CLEAN hub.
I bought one cheap wheel for a flip bike and the lube looked like a thin coat of spray on cosmoline.
It's so easy to add a bit of grease to a new, CLEAN hub.
05-31-18, 09:59 PM
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Just chiming in to just sorta say what everybody else already said so well.
Don't trust cup & cone bearings to arrive properly adjusted. In my experience it just doesn't happen much.
Don't trust cup & cone bearings to arrive properly adjusted. In my experience it just doesn't happen much.
