TimothyH

Mavic Ksyrium SSC SL wheels from 2006. The bearings have never been serviced. Should I do something to the bearings, adjust the preload or have them replaced or something?

These wheels have been bomb-proof for me. I rode these for 10 years, beat the crap out of them actually, and never did a thing to them. They are in the shop now to be trued for the first time.

The bike is offline, disassembled in preparation for a new groupset and so I'm taking the opportunity to do what I can elsewhere. So what, if anything has to be done to the bearings on these wheels?


-Tim-

Rolling15

Great wheels! You might consider lubing the bearings.

2lo8

If you're the kind of person that relube cartridge bearings, make sure everything on the outside is clean before removing the seal.

StanSeven

Since the wheels are in the shop, why not get the bearings replaced? Whether they absolutely need it or not depends on lots of things including miles over the ten years, how much dirt you ride in, amount of rain and snow, and things like that. You definately need them greased so new bearings won't ne too much more.

Wested

If there is lateral movement after tightening the preload, then replace the bearings. Otherwise you can remove the rubber gasket and spray in degreaser, then repack with grease. But bearings cost like $15 online, so why not replace them?

caloso

I replaced the bearings on mine after about 15000 miles. It was easy and inexpensive.

rmfnla

Lucky you.

Mine developed a crack in the rear rim after three years, and I'm a fairly gentle rider.

Then I got to experience MAVICs amazing customer service and as a result will NEVER buy anything of theirs again...

TimothyH

Yeah, but I gotta live my life, not yours.

rmfnla

Not quite sure where I suggested otherwise...

turkey9186

I bought the bearing removers, press, and bearings from Wheels Manufacturing for around $100. It took me less than an hour to do both wheels.
The other wear point is the bushing in the freehub. I have one set with over 15K miles and it is still tight. You can buy replacement hubs with oversize bushing also.

marquhar

I do the rear freewheel about once a year.

You only mention bearings, but cleaning the inner rubber seal, the plastic bushing, the 2 ratcheting pawls (yeah, only 2), then relubing with a light weight oil pays off.

I think this slows wear on the bushing too.

turkey9186

You need two 608s, two 6901s, one 6903(Freehub body bearing), the press, two 6901 open bore adaptors, two 6903 open bore adapters (they work with the 608 bearings), one 608/688 8mm bearing extractor, one 6901 12mm bearing extractor, and one 6903 17mm bearing extractor.
I went with the ABEC 5 bearings. I can't justify the cost of ceramic bearings since I don't race. I have seven sets of Ksyriums, so for the price of one set of bearings and the tools I spent less than the shop wanted in labor. I now have the tools to do the rest.
There are several good Youtube videos out there on how to do it. The drifts and bearing pullers aren't essential, but make it a lot easier.

TimothyH

Thank you both. You have been a huge help. This is good information and sounds like something I would like to tackle.

I think I know the part numbers for the bearings, extractors and press. I'm not understanding over axle adapters vs open bore adapters. Is there a place that explains this?

Any pointers on servicing the freehub or recommendation on brand/model would be appreciated.

Actually pretty excited about learning this.


-Tim-

TimothyH

Thanks again for this. I figured out the part numbers for the ABEC 5 bearings by working backward from the part numbers listed in the ceramic bearing kit. You post was a great help.


BearingsTools
Total is going to be $159


-Tim-




-Tim-

rmfnla

You could probably make your own bearing press with a piece of threaded rod and a couple of nuts and washers for much less than $35...

Spinz

Replace them. My experience is the seals always leak a bit after removal. The bearings ABEC 3 - ABEC 9 can be purchased at any local auto parts house for less than purchasing on line. You need the part numbers or take the old bearings with you. Lp

krusty

For decades now, I've just used a plastic faced mallet and a piece of hardwood for installation, and a brass drift for removal. I just did front/rear bearings in a set of Corima carbon wheels in less than 10min. Proper high quality, low seal drag bearings were $15 each from a local bearing supply house (not online).

rmfnla

I use various sockets to drive them in...

BikingGrad80

I'm off Mavic as well after my friend has a Ksyrium Equippe S crack the hub after 4000 gentle club miles, an Aksium spoke pull through the rim and strand me in rural Wisconsin, and when I took my friends rim to rebuild my Aksium I found stress cracks on one of the spoke holes, and finally yes their customer service is pretty much nonexistent.

woodcraft

Also in the Mavik not-fan-club,

but replaced a bearing in an Aksium wheel recently.

No special tools beyond a socket of useful size.

This supplier is good- fast.

61901-2RS1 Radial Ball Bearing Double Sealed Bore Dia. 12mm OD 24mm Width 6mm