Bicycle Mechanics - Shimano R550 Wheel Repair

My front wheel makes a grinding noise and vibrates pretty bad when I spin it. There's no visible damage on the outside so I'm thinking the bearings are worn out (or possibly worse).

So I was wondering what size cone wrenches I need to open up the hub and what size the bearings are so that I can buy replacements if that's all that's wrong (hub may still be ok).

Also where does one buy good bearings? I'm in Canada (Vancouver).

My front wheel makes a grinding noise and vibrates pretty bad when I spin it. There's no visible damage on the outside so I'm thinking the bearings are worn out (or possibly worse).

So I was wondering what size cone wrenches I need to open up the hub and what size the bearings are so that I can buy replacements if that's all that's wrong (hub may still be ok).

Also where does one buy good bearings? I'm in Canada (Vancouver).

Should be 13/15 conewrenches front/rear and 17mm regular wrench for the outer locknuts. Bearings, most LBS should carry the 3/16 balls you need, grade 25 is good to shoot for.

Should be 13/15 conewrenches front/rear and 17mm regular wrench for the outer locknuts. Bearings, most LBS should carry the 3/16 balls you need, grade 25 is good to shoot for.

Yeah, what Opie said. However, clean off the axle cones and the cups inside the hub. The bearing tracks should be smooth. If there's even one hole, replace the cones or the entire hub.

you can also find cheap bearings on ebay, usually you can buy 100 bearings for like $8 or so shipped. use good grease when rebuilding your hubs. if you havent already download the parts scematic of your wheels http://techdocs.shimano.com/media/techdocs/content/cycle/EV/actionsports/WH/EV-WH-R550-F-2336A_v1_m56577569830608666.pdf

Should be 13/15 conewrenches front/rear and 17mm regular wrench for the outer locknuts. Bearings, most LBS should carry the 3/16 balls you need, grade 25 is good to shoot for.

I'm pretty sure that the R550 hubs require the same tools as the R540 hubs - 17mm cone wrenches all around. But I don't have one here to check and the Shimano docs are no help.

I'm pretty sure that the R550 hubs require the same tools as the R540 hubs - 17mm cone wrenches all around. But I don't have one here to check and the Shimano docs are no help.

I just pulled a pair to check - you're right, it's 17mm cone wrenches, and 17mm regular for the locknuts.

Awesome. Thanks for the help!

Now if I'm going to spend a bunch of time cleaning bearings I'm thinking I might as well re-pack my rear wheel while I'm at it.

Does the rear wheel also use a 17mm cone wrench? And what size bearings does it use?

Awesome. Thanks for the help!

Now if I'm going to spend a bunch of time cleaning bearings I'm thinking I might as well re-pack my rear wheel while I'm at it.

Does the rear wheel also use a 17mm cone wrench? And what size bearings does it use?
I have a set of WH-560 wheels and the front does indeed need a 17 mm cone wrench for the cone and a 17 mm cone or open end for the locknuts.

The rear wheel uses a 15 mm cone wrench for the cone and a 17 mm cone or open end for the locknut.

The front takes 11x3/16" balls per side and the rear wheel requires 9x1/4" balls per side.

Awesome. Thanks for the help!

Now if I'm going to spend a bunch of time cleaning bearings I'm thinking I might as well re-pack my rear wheel while I'm at it.

Does the rear wheel also use a 17mm cone wrench? And what size bearings does it use?

It's 18x1/4" bearings and the cone is 15mm on the rear.

Now if I'm going to spend a bunch of time cleaning bearings...
Cleaning bearings? Heck with that, just replace 'em. They're cheap.

If the bearings are still shiney they are in good shape and can be reused. When the finish goes than means the balls are shot. This is a good site for info. http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=105
If you need to replace the rt. side cones make sure that they are very tight and make your adjustments with the left side.

http://www.fixedvancouver.com/pics/cone1.jpg
http://www.fixedvancouver.com/pics/cone2.jpg

Looks like I'll be replacing both cones.