Bicycle Mechanics - hub bearings

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deliriou5
08-12-02, 12:35 PM
i just got back from a lengthy (read "dirty") bike trip last weekend. While cleaning my bike I wanted to make sure things were mechanically ok. My hubs have this "gritty" kind of feel and sound when i hold them by the hub and spin them. they don't seem to have any trouble spinning forever though. Also, my cassette has a little "wobble" in it. is this normal? or is this a problem that can be easily fixed a la me?

Anders K
08-12-02, 02:20 PM
Originally posted by deliriou5
My hubs have this "gritty" kind of feel and sound when i hold them by the hub and spin them.

You can always regrease them and look for signs of wearing. If any "dents" in the cones, replace them and the balls. Be sure to adjust the cones properly. If the cups are bad you can`t do nothing what I know, just replace the hub. As for the problem with the cassette, I canīt help you. Maybe you just have to tighten it? Take it apart and clean all parts then refit. That should do it, otherwise take it to your lokal bike shop and see what they say.

Regards
Anders K
Mashimaro
08-12-02, 02:51 PM
i believe the wobble is part of the Shimano design to help make smoother shifts...as long as it's not a massive wobble, i'm pretty sure that's normal...

deliriou5
08-12-02, 08:59 PM
sounds like a job for the LBS... i doubt i have the appropriate tools to do all this. aishhh.... mian this hobby is just eatin up my wallet :(
RainmanP
08-13-02, 06:37 AM
On the other hand, if you want to learn to do your own work, hub bearings are a pretty good place to start. They are pretty simple, and the principles of bearing servicing and adjustment are the same for hubs, bottom bracket and headset, assuming your bb and headset are not the newer cartridge bearing type. Anyway, all you need are a good book like Zinn or Bicycling Magazine's Complete Guide to Bicycle Repair and Maintenance, and a couple of cone wrenches of appropriate size. Total investment less than $40, and the book you will use for everything. If you have to spend the money anyway...
lotek
08-13-02, 07:47 AM
Totally agree with the Rainman.
Hubs are pretty easy to work on. For a quick
overview see PARK TOOL (http://www.parktool.com/repair_help/howfix_hub.shtml)
If you can turn a wrench, and count you have the basic
skills to overhaul cone type hubs.

Marty