Do you install new ball bearings every time you service your hubs?
08-25-18, 03:32 PM
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Do you install new ball bearings every time you service your hubs?
I did do a Google search first, but info on this exact question was kinda sparse. Some advice recommended installing brand new bearings at every service, while others said the original bearings could be re-used several times, if not indefinitely, assuming regular servicing.
I'm talking specifically about XT and 105 hubs.
BTW, I'm not agonizing, fixating, or obsessing on stretching out a whole $3 worth of bearings as long as humanly possible, especially not at the expense of the entire hub, I'm simply looking for some general info, and curious what the consensus is.
Thanks.......
I'm talking specifically about XT and 105 hubs.
BTW, I'm not agonizing, fixating, or obsessing on stretching out a whole $3 worth of bearings as long as humanly possible, especially not at the expense of the entire hub, I'm simply looking for some general info, and curious what the consensus is.
Thanks.......
Last edited by Brocephus; 08-25-18 at 03:36 PM.
08-25-18, 03:46 PM
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Yes every time. Balls are about a penny a piece. I can easily clean and visually inspect cups and cones, but greasy little bearings cleaning and inspecting, not so much. YMMV of course.
Last edited by FBOATSB; 08-25-18 at 04:00 PM.
08-25-18, 04:43 PM
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Normally, yes I do because even Grade 25 balls are so inexpensive it's a matter of "why not". However, a couple of times when my parts inventory was low, I have reused the balls in hubs and the old ones worked just fine. So, is it necessary? No.
08-25-18, 05:09 PM
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Seems wasteful if they are in good condition. Think about the pollution generated to make and deliver the balls.
08-25-18, 05:09 PM
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I use new every time.
I don't have the best vision, so examining 18-20 balls gets pretty tedious. besides, I'm old and lazy.
It does keep the job much cleaner. Use your dirtiest rag to wipe out the excess grease & toss. Repeat, don't toss.. I finish off with 2-4 Q Tips around the races & other nooks & crannies.
I don't touch the old, dirty grease.
Clean grease washes off with "girly" soap, so no problem applying it with fingers.
I don't have the best vision, so examining 18-20 balls gets pretty tedious. besides, I'm old and lazy.
It does keep the job much cleaner. Use your dirtiest rag to wipe out the excess grease & toss. Repeat, don't toss.. I finish off with 2-4 Q Tips around the races & other nooks & crannies.
I don't touch the old, dirty grease.
Clean grease washes off with "girly" soap, so no problem applying it with fingers.
08-25-18, 05:11 PM
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MY bike replace.
Others - inspect and replace as needed
Others - inspect and replace as needed
08-25-18, 06:58 PM
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I simply clean, re-install, grease, and then re-adjust. If they were on hand when the mood strikes to service it, I would probably replace just as a matter of course. But seriously, why?
08-25-18, 07:34 PM
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No to the OP. Give how bearing adjustment is such a variable thing what with QR tightness becoming the final aspect... Andy
Assuming everything is otherwise in good condition and no pits. Andy
Assuming everything is otherwise in good condition and no pits. Andy
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08-26-18, 09:44 AM
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In a perfect (communist 
) world, I'd always just clean and inspect them. Filtering the degreaser used for cleaning so it too can be reused. However, when the time is tight, I just put new ones in. In terms of time/money, it makes more sense. But it is wasteful and less eco-friendly.
) world, I'd always just clean and inspect them. Filtering the degreaser used for cleaning so it too can be reused. However, when the time is tight, I just put new ones in. In terms of time/money, it makes more sense. But it is wasteful and less eco-friendly.
08-26-18, 10:08 AM
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Depends. If i know the history of the bearing, the grease is still bright, there is no signs of wear anywhere and i don’t drop/loose any i reuse them. Otherwise i take new ones.
08-26-18, 10:27 AM
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No not really, most of the time it's just the old grease that needs to be changed
08-26-18, 10:42 AM
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I am surprised at the forum mechanics' inclination to just replace them. I thought that hub bearing balls are pretty much grease and forget, until there is obvious wear and flat spots, and I've serviced mine dozens of times without replacing them. Is this more of a "first do no harm" type of advice, or do you really replace the balls that often?
08-26-18, 11:16 AM
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No
If the bearings are bright and shiny, then I reuse.
If the bearings show significant signs of wear, they get replaced.
If the bearings are bright and shiny, then I reuse.
If the bearings show significant signs of wear, they get replaced.
08-26-18, 11:18 AM
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I am surprised at the forum mechanics' inclination to just replace them. I thought that hub bearing balls are pretty much grease and forget, until there is obvious wear and flat spots, and I've serviced mine dozens of times without replacing them. Is this more of a "first do no harm" type of advice, or do you really replace the balls that often?
08-26-18, 11:28 AM
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As long as the balls have their original finish they can be reused indefinitely. https://www.yarchive.net/bike/ball_bearings.html
08-26-18, 11:31 AM
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I am surprised at the forum mechanics' inclination to just replace them. I thought that hub bearing balls are pretty much grease and forget, until there is obvious wear and flat spots, and I've serviced mine dozens of times without replacing them. Is this more of a "first do no harm" type of advice, or do you really replace the balls that often?
How long does it take to clean and inspect the bearings?
It takes some solvent, at least on a rug, then dry rug to remove the solvent, then looking at each ball, just to be sure it's fine.
While replacing them all with new ones costs about 1$ per wheel. With 0% risk of reusing a worn ball.
Which is better for you, and/or for the customer?
I often even don't bother to lift a dropped ball, not for being lazy, but I think that picking it up and cleaning it "costs" more.
In a world more centered on saving the planet and making things more durable (with less polution), it would make a lot more sense to re-use all that can be reused.
08-26-18, 11:35 AM
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How much do you charge per hour?
How long does it take to clean and inspect the bearings?
It takes some solvent, at least on a rug, then dry rug to remove the solvent, then looking at each ball, just to be sure it's fine.
While replacing them all with new ones costs about 1$ per wheel. With 0% risk of reusing a worn ball.
Which is better for you, and/or for the customer?
I often even don't bother to lift a dropped ball, not for being lazy, but I think that picking it up and cleaning it "costs" more.
In a world more centered on saving the planet and making things more durable (with less polution), it would make a lot more sense to re-use all that can be reused.
How long does it take to clean and inspect the bearings?
It takes some solvent, at least on a rug, then dry rug to remove the solvent, then looking at each ball, just to be sure it's fine.
While replacing them all with new ones costs about 1$ per wheel. With 0% risk of reusing a worn ball.
Which is better for you, and/or for the customer?
I often even don't bother to lift a dropped ball, not for being lazy, but I think that picking it up and cleaning it "costs" more.
In a world more centered on saving the planet and making things more durable (with less polution), it would make a lot more sense to re-use all that can be reused.
08-26-18, 11:43 AM
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Ah, ok thanks. You were just justifying it then (which I didn't really intend to demand). I was curious whether you all actually do replace them, or just telling people to replace them because it's cheap and won't hurt anything.
08-26-18, 11:47 AM
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I am surprised at the forum mechanics' inclination to just replace them. I thought that hub bearing balls are pretty much grease and forget, until there is obvious wear and flat spots, and I've serviced mine dozens of times without replacing them. Is this more of a "first do no harm" type of advice, or do you really replace the balls that often?
08-26-18, 11:55 AM
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Could be a language thing, but the meaning of "justify", the way I understand it is not appropriate. It's a matter of cost. It's cheaper to use new balls, plus it is safer - no worrying about missing a damaged spot.
08-26-18, 01:07 PM
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Which of the three is better -- reduce, reuse, recycle?
Reduce is cleanest, second best is reuse, recycle is worst. Reusing ball bearings also reduces the need to produce new ones.