WGB 

I need to replace the bearings for this hub.
Its a 126mm spaced freewheel hub.

I've seen online that early Phil Wood hubs can't be rebuilt at home but newer hubs can.

Q 1 - Is this an early or late model hub?

Q2 - Are the bearings marked on the inside with model numbers or do you simply order based on size?

Rick

The picture makes me think they are not the field serviceable version. If they were you could put a 5mm hex wrench through each end and unscrew the axle. The older hubs had a nickel plated hub body with pressed on flanges. If you had an arbor press you could replace them yourself. I believe you could send the wheel in and pay a fee to have them replaced at Phil Wood. Their are bearing # on the inside face of the bearings.

wesmamyke

That looks like an early hub? I think the easy to do ones have two different size bearings in the rear hub. The tool kit is basically some spacers and a QR.

mpetry912 

@Rick you are correct they are not the field serviceable model.

you can press the bearings out and install new ones. Not really a "simple" repair - bearing alignment is key.

/markp

Anicius

You didn't mention why the hub bearings need to be replaced. For whatever it's worth, I have a 40-spoke Phil Woods rear hub, which I purchased in 1992. I had the idea, at the time, that it would be simple to replace the bearings. Not so. The bearings are seated using a glue of some sort. Only one of them is lodged against a shoulder on the axle. The other is simply glued in position. The glue lasted, with very light use, about 7 years. The glue failed and the loose, unshouldered bearing permitted the wheel to shift laterally about 1/4 to 1/2 inch when in use. This created some shifting problems at the freewheel. On the road, I found I could take the wheel off and tap the axle lightly on the pavement to move it back enough to be useable for a while, as a temporary cure. Ultimately the hub became useless. Several years ago, I got a $90 quote from Phil Wood, exclusive of shipping, to rebuild it. I declined, because I figured in another 7 years it might have to be rebuilt again. This particular hub makes me think of subscription software.

WGB 

Thank you all.

I have a local mechanic who has a press and says he can rebuild it. I have to supply the bearings and figured I'd ask if anyone knew what bearings I need.

I should have measured the bearings before posting as I "think" they're different sizes.

I suppose it can be a spaced out job. He can remove the bearings and then I can order the bearings. Hopefully he can remove them as I don't see anywhere what Phil Wood charges to install bearings but I bet it's more now than $90....

Anicius

It's possible to call Phil Wood, since that's what I did. But that $90 wouldn't include shipping, so your local guy is bound to be less expensive. On my old hub, the bearings are indeed two different sizes.