Originally Posted by 70sSanO

I always overhaul, (clean, grease, adjust), any new cup-cone bearings. Most hubs are machine built and there is no way they can be adjusted properly. Plus once you start to gall the cone and race surfaces, there is no way back.

As for the number of ball bearings, I believe that recently happened to me with a new front hub. I counted 11 on one side and 10 on the other. I don’t recall a clicking sound. Since both quantities have been used, depending on the hub, I looked it up on Shimano’s Tech Doc site and there should be 11.

I can’t be certain that one did not fall out and roll away to places unknown, but I’m pretty careful, use a magnet, and put a towel down. Regardless they both have 11 now.

John