Gritty turning hubs. Repack or replace?
07-09-20, 04:20 PM
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Gritty turning hubs. Repack or replace?
Hi all,
I recently bought a used hybrid bike, in part with the idea that I'd learn by doing maintenance on it. I've some knowledge because I've built a hodge-podge bike from a frame in the past, but that was just "need a bike to go" rather than "want to do this right."
My question: while fixing a flat, I played with the hubs, and noticed the bearings at the very least need to be repacked. When I turn the axle, it is noticeably gritty and not smooth. When repacking, should I also replace the bearings?
I recently bought a used hybrid bike, in part with the idea that I'd learn by doing maintenance on it. I've some knowledge because I've built a hodge-podge bike from a frame in the past, but that was just "need a bike to go" rather than "want to do this right."
My question: while fixing a flat, I played with the hubs, and noticed the bearings at the very least need to be repacked. When I turn the axle, it is noticeably gritty and not smooth. When repacking, should I also replace the bearings?
07-09-20, 04:24 PM
#2
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Loose ball bearings?
Open clean up and inspect. if races not pitted, re grease put in new bearing balls and put it back together.
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07-09-20, 07:13 PM
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Sometimes 'gritty' is really just too tight. So yes, clean meticulously, examine races on hub and cone, replace the
balls and then find out the minor frustration of final adjustment of the bearing tightness.
But on the off chance the hub bearing races are damaged, be aware that you will probably never notice while
riding. Just put things back together and forget about it.
balls and then find out the minor frustration of final adjustment of the bearing tightness.
But on the off chance the hub bearing races are damaged, be aware that you will probably never notice while
riding. Just put things back together and forget about it.
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07-10-20, 03:51 PM
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07-11-20, 01:18 PM
#6
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If the balls still have their mirror finish you can reuse them. I use a 7/16" on the right side of the hub axle with the QR closed to make the final adjustment. There should be a slight amount of drag that indicates preload. When the QR is opened there should be a slight of play in the axle.
