gholt

I was going to overhaul my wheels this weekend, and I found out that they were the cartridge bearing type. Then I called LBS and found out it would be $20 per wheel for the bearing parts. Does anyone know of cheaper alternative to get these type of cartridges cheaper on line, or could the wheel be converted to just a ball bearing type of hub.

Also, I was guaging that on the 3,600 miles I have ridden it since I bought it that they may be due for an overhaul. Am I wanting to overhaul them too early, or should I wait. Also, do you know if you need any additional tools besides cone wrenches and regular wrenches?

By the way the wheels are race lite 700cc. on Giant OCR.

MudPie

Most likely, you can find/match the bearing and purchase them at an industrial supply house, like McMaster Carr (www.mcmaster.com). The bearings are most likely to have number stamped on it. The sequence most likely follows and industry standard, so you should be able to match numbers. Anohter way is to measure (with calipers) the inside diameter, outside diameter, and width of the bearing, then buy the same size and seal configuration.

This place sells wheel bearings for ~$5: https://www.enduroforkseals.com/id138.html.

gholt

Thanks, I will try both places. Do you need special tools to pull the cartridges out of the hub?

tool boy

It's definitely nice to have a bearing puller but as you are going to replace them, you can destroy the old ones when removing them (punch and hammer anyone?). A lot of the Bontrager wheels will come apart without special tools. As they are sealed bearings, they should last longer than cup/cone bearings. The mileage doesn't mean a lot, conditions (rain, snow, sand) change overhaul needs more.