Bicycle Mechanics - Raleigh road bike free play in hub

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DrSpin
10-21-06, 03:33 PM
Want to know how much free play is acceptable in the rear wheel hub. Mine has just enough so that when I move the wheel side to side it just touches the brake pads.

What would happen if I allow too much play in the bearings? I know too little free play is bad, but what about too much?

Also why did Raleigh put on the side of their hubs. Sealed bearings? They are not really!

thanks;

n4zou
10-22-06, 10:46 AM
If you have any play in the hub it's too much. You need to adjust a cone to remove that play. While your there you should go ahead and service the hubs. It's been a few years since Raleigh used sealed hubs and the grease is very old now if it's never been done. If you have never serviced a hub or really know what you're doing you should have this performed by the mechanic at your LBS. Done incorrectly can lead to hub damage and personal injury if the wheel should lock up on the axel.
As for the sealed hubs, no there not cassette bearings but if you look at the cones you will see rings that contact and spin with the metal bearing shield. This does provide a seal from water and dirt and is quite effective.