Bicycle Mechanics - swapping axels...

I have a front wheel with a 14 mm axle which is not a huge deal. But it is one more wrench I have to carry. So here is my question in two parts.

1. Can I use sealed bearings in place of the loose bearings that are in there now?

2. Can I swap my 14 mm axle to a 15 mm axle?

Any help is much appreciated.

if there is another thread on this I apologize, please point me in that direction.

Take Care

Axle size doesn't necessarily translate to wrench size. I haven't seen a hub with races for the loose bearings that would accommodate cartridge bearings. What hub is it?

the hub is a suzue. it is a hand me down so I assume it is the jr or whatever the lower end hubs are.
The nut on the hub is a 14 mm. but my rear hub has a 15 mm nut. I assumed I would just need to repack.

Maybe the hardware store? Maybe this guy http://raleigh.craigslist.org/bik/912644526.html I'm assuming you have 9mm front and 10mm rear axle, 1 mm thread pitch?

I have a front wheel with a 14 mm axle which is not a huge deal. But it is one more wrench I have to carry. So here is my question in two parts.

1. Can I use sealed bearings in place of the loose bearings that are in there now?

2. Can I swap my 14 mm axle to a 15 mm axle?


I'd file the rear axle nuts down to 14 mm instead. It's a 10 minute job with a vise and file, and if you're not happy with the results it's always possible to replace the axle nuts to get everything back to original.

Swapping from loose to cartridge bearings usually isn't doable. First it's the issue of compatibility between the cups and the bearings, the next is that to use the common type of cartridge bearing you've got to have an inner sleeve over the axle to support the inner race ot the bearing. Making one is one thing, but you have to be able to fit it as well. For a road hub with a slender spindle there often isn't enough room through the hub for that.

Thanks guys. I think I will just stick with the current axle and do a repack on the bearings.

One more idea; can you find a double end wrench that's 14 mm on one end and 15 mm on the other? Either a box or open end type will do. Sears, among others, makes wrenches in this size combination.

One more idea; can you find a double end wrench that's 14 mm on one end and 15 mm on the other? Either a box or open end type will do. Sears, among others, makes wrenches in this size combination.

Bingo! That's exactly how I handled the situation.

One more idea; can you find a double end wrench that's 14 mm on one end and 15 mm on the other? Either a box or open end type will do. Sears, among others, makes wrenches in this size combination.

That's exactly what I did, too. I found someone selling 5 of them with the old PowerCraft logo and bought them all. It handles front and rear axles, seats, kickstands, and pedals.