Cartridge Bearing Hub Adjustment
11-29-20, 05:38 PM
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Cartridge Bearing Hub Adjustment
This new Origin8 cartridge bearing front hub feels very tight, and there is zero play in the axle. Is it meant to be adjusted? Note that the only place to use a wrench are the outer locknuts (no cone wrench flats). I don't want to damage the axle threads by attempting to loosen one locknut against the other.
I'm assuming the proper adjustment would leave a touch of play in the axle (like a cup and cone hub) and that a little play might also free up the bearings. Is that correct? Thanks.
I'm assuming the proper adjustment would leave a touch of play in the axle (like a cup and cone hub) and that a little play might also free up the bearings. Is that correct? Thanks.
Last edited by jethin; 11-29-20 at 06:48 PM.
11-29-20, 07:02 PM
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I would not be afraid to put a wench on each side and carefully loosen the end nuts.
A brand new sealed bearing hub may be a little tight. Chris King hubs come with a note to this effect.
Maybe ride 'em a couple days and re-inspect ?
Mark Petry
Bainbridge Island, WA
A brand new sealed bearing hub may be a little tight. Chris King hubs come with a note to this effect.
Maybe ride 'em a couple days and re-inspect ?
Mark Petry
Bainbridge Island, WA
11-29-20, 10:18 PM
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I suspect that the O8 hubs use a radial contact bearing and not the angular contact design few (like Chris King) uses. The short story is that a radial contact design generally wants some slight end play although new condition and seal drag can make this subtle slop hard to feel for. But many hubs that use radial contact bearings also are not made with provisions for real end loading adjustments. Many also don't control dimensions to a fine enough degree to not end up with a too tight end play when new, and after a few miles... The shorter story is to ride the hubs and see what happens. Andy
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AndrewRStewart
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11-30-20, 02:24 AM
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I don't have access to my bike with Origin8 hubs but I think I have those, and they were a bit tight when new. I backed 'em off a bit.
11-30-20, 09:01 AM
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Thanks for the 411 and ideas everybody. My plan as it stands is to ride this wheel for a few days and then check to see if the bearings have freed up a bit. If they're still quite tight I'll consider trying to adjust the locknuts.
