Freewheel Ball Bearing Size
05-02-22, 09:05 PM
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Freewheel Ball Bearing Size
I am trying to determine the size of a Suntour Pro Compe freewheel Ball Bearing. I would measure one, but all of mine fell out... Sheldon Brown's site mentions the size being 1/8" , which seems to large. Perhaps 1/16th?
05-02-22, 11:03 PM
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Even the Huret ball-bearing derailer pulleys are 1/8", and look about the same size as freewheel bearings by my recollection.
1/16" bearings might be used on a brake caliper thrust washer, i.e. really small!
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05-03-22, 12:06 AM
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05-03-22, 07:46 AM
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Paging pastorbobnlnh 
I was the one who spoke to you Saturday evening about my freewheel and WD-40. I am fairly convinced that the WD-40 let the outer "cone" unscrew and let loose all my ball bearings. Once I get the correct ball size, I will put some thread locker on that outer "cone".
Hope your ride home was uneventful.
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05-03-22, 08:42 AM
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Merziac,
I was the one who spoke to you Saturday evening about my freewheel and WD-40. I am fairly convinced that the WD-40 let the outer "cone" unscrew and let loose all my ball bearings. Once I get the correct ball size, I will put some thread locker on that outer "cone".
Hope your ride home was uneventful.
I was the one who spoke to you Saturday evening about my freewheel and WD-40. I am fairly convinced that the WD-40 let the outer "cone" unscrew and let loose all my ball bearings. Once I get the correct ball size, I will put some thread locker on that outer "cone".
Hope your ride home was uneventful.
It takes a good freewheel vise/tool/setup to get them tight enough and I would hesitate to get any Loctite in there.
05-03-22, 08:42 AM
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1/8 inch bearings, synthetic Super Lube grease, fill the races with bearings, Blue Loctite on the threads, and "Bob's your Uncle!" 
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Enjoying the GA coast all year long!
Thanks for visiting my website: www.freewheelspa.com
05-03-22, 08:44 AM
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1/8" sounds very familiar!
I've had a couple of Perfects unscrew like yours did, way back when. This is not unheard of, and unlikely to be related to the use of WD-40. A bit of loctite is a good idea.
When the freewheel cone was unscrewing, did you notice a "thunk" noise coming from the freewheel, roughly twice per wheel rotation? This can happen as the bearings stop supporting the outer part of the freewheel, and the pawls carry some of that load. The outer part pivots on the pawls, and the freewheel rocks on the pawls twice per wheel revolution. Once you recognize the sound, it can provide some warning that the freewheel cone is unscrewing, hopefully allowing you a chance to screw it back in periodically as you try to get home or to a bike shop.
I should mention that I've also experienced this with the New Winners that have adjustable bearings.
Steve in Peoria
I've had a couple of Perfects unscrew like yours did, way back when. This is not unheard of, and unlikely to be related to the use of WD-40. A bit of loctite is a good idea.
When the freewheel cone was unscrewing, did you notice a "thunk" noise coming from the freewheel, roughly twice per wheel rotation? This can happen as the bearings stop supporting the outer part of the freewheel, and the pawls carry some of that load. The outer part pivots on the pawls, and the freewheel rocks on the pawls twice per wheel revolution. Once you recognize the sound, it can provide some warning that the freewheel cone is unscrewing, hopefully allowing you a chance to screw it back in periodically as you try to get home or to a bike shop.
I should mention that I've also experienced this with the New Winners that have adjustable bearings.
Steve in Peoria
