Grinding noise from front axle
03-30-08, 01:52 PM
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Grinding noise from front axle
Hello. Commuting non-mechanic here. My front axle has just started making a scratching or grinding noise. At first I thought it was brake shoes rubbing, but after an hour of adjusting them, it finally dawned on me that they were both way far away from the wheel and it was still making the noise. I took the wheel off, and confirmed that I can hear the noise even when I set the wheel stationary on the ground and turn the axle by hand.
The bike is new since early December, but I've been commuting all winter on it, in all kinds of weather. I have not done any cleaning or maintenance to the front wheel in that time. When I took the wheel off, there was all kinds of corrosive crap on the washers and bolts. I don't know whether to think it's grit gotten inside the wheel, or something more serious like bearings needing replacing. It seemed to start suddenly late last week. I put some chain lubricant around the seam where the moving parts meet, but it didn't help.
Can anyone tell from this information what the problem might be, and how to fix it? If it's anything more than lubrication, I'll probably need to take it into the shop. Thanks.
- John
The bike is new since early December, but I've been commuting all winter on it, in all kinds of weather. I have not done any cleaning or maintenance to the front wheel in that time. When I took the wheel off, there was all kinds of corrosive crap on the washers and bolts. I don't know whether to think it's grit gotten inside the wheel, or something more serious like bearings needing replacing. It seemed to start suddenly late last week. I put some chain lubricant around the seam where the moving parts meet, but it didn't help.
Can anyone tell from this information what the problem might be, and how to fix it? If it's anything more than lubrication, I'll probably need to take it into the shop. Thanks.
- John
03-30-08, 06:18 PM
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It sounds as if the bearings need to be cleaned and inspected.If everything looks ok then regrease and reassemble.
The problem might be that most new bikes are sold with minimal grease in the hubs and BB.
IMO you may want the LBS to look at the BB as well as preventive maintenance.
The problem might be that most new bikes are sold with minimal grease in the hubs and BB.
IMO you may want the LBS to look at the BB as well as preventive maintenance.
03-30-08, 06:48 PM
#3
Really Old Senior Member
Sounds like the bearings are going bad.
The sooner you fix the problem, the less damage will likely occur, if it's not too late already. New bearings are relatively inexpensive, while new cones starts to increase repair costs substantially and a new hub!!!!!!
Fronts are pretty simple. My LBS sells new ball bearings for $.05 ea., so that would be $1 worth.
You'll also need a cone wrench of the proper size and another wrench that fits the lock nut. A tube/tub of grease will last years.
https://www.sheldonbrown.com/tooltips/hubs.html
The sooner you fix the problem, the less damage will likely occur, if it's not too late already. New bearings are relatively inexpensive, while new cones starts to increase repair costs substantially and a new hub!!!!!!
Fronts are pretty simple. My LBS sells new ball bearings for $.05 ea., so that would be $1 worth.
You'll also need a cone wrench of the proper size and another wrench that fits the lock nut. A tube/tub of grease will last years.
https://www.sheldonbrown.com/tooltips/hubs.html
