Bicycle Mechanics - Ultegra front hub service

I have a wheel set and the front is an Ultegra HB 6500 hub. It is not real smooth when it spins.

If I buy the tools is it pretty easy to do the service?
I have done Campy loose ball bearing bottom brackets so the situation is not foreign to me.
Thanks

yeah, it takes a little practice to get the cones in tight but not too tight. If you have done BBs then you can work on the hub no problem. It will take you a little time to get the cones right your first time. BTW only unscrew one side, otherwise you will need to realign the axle when you put it back together. you can use grease to "glue" the bearings in place when you put the axle back in and rethread the cone. You dont need special tools to do this work, two wrenches that fit the cones flat edges will do in a pinch, but cone wrenches are easier to work with.

Once you get the hub apart you will see that the bearing system is just like an inverse BB, ie the cups are in the hub and the cones act as the races on the spindle. It is the same as a BB except in reverse.

Thanks for the quick advice. I don't think I have any wrenches that are thin enough so I will have to get the tools. I would rather spend $10 on the cone wrenches and own them just like all the other tools I have on my workbench now.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00165P53K

5.99 for a set of double ended wrenches with 4 sizes. This and a double 17/18mm set and you're done for cone wrenches.

Make Sure you get the right size cone wrenches for your hub. If you are going to own the tools I assume you will work on many differnt hubs. Best to just get a whole set that thesmokingman suggests rather than just picking up the ones you need for that hub.

Check the cones for wear when you have it open. Even a tiny pit will make the bearings hitch when the wheel is spun. New cones don't cost too much if you need them. Also, http://www.sheldonbrown.com/cone-adjustment.html. Check it out.

Bumped this thread because I did the front hub with help from you guys and Mr. Brown, RIP. Seemed pretty straight forward and now I own the $5.99 cone wrenches.

Is the rear any more difficult once the cassette is removed? I am reading Sheldon and Park tools, just wanted any input from you guys.

I bought a cassette removal tool already.

The rear hub is a 105...

For the rear, its pretty much the same. You have to take off the cone on the NDS and do all the adjustments there. Once the axle is out, make sure the locknut on the DS is tight against the cone. Usually, you cannot access the cone flat on the DS when the hub is assembled

Same with minor variations. I'll say this about Ultegra hubs - never worked on 105's but imagine they are the same - they are a pleasure to work on. Not since my Campy Record hubs, from 1982, have I seen such simplicity and ease in overhauling/adjusting.

Simple overview of procedure (video):

http://bicycletutor.com/overhaul-wheel-bearings/