uoficowboy

Hi there - my roommate complained to me about her bike making squealing noises. Took me a little while to find it, but eventually I found that the front axle could rock back and forth inside the front hub, allowing the rim to rub against the brakes (I suspect especially when it is turning).

Any idea how to fix this? The bike is a 10 speed from the 80s, I would guess.

Thanks!

edit: to be clear: I can grab the wheel and rock it back and forth so that it rotates at the axle (but not along the same axis as the axle).

Zef

What you describe usually means the hub is out of adjustment. In very rare cases, especially with front wheels it could mean the axle is broken but I highly doubt that is the case.

A local bike shop should be able to get the hub back into adjustment fairly quickly for $20-$30 or less. Or you can do a little research on the internet regarding adjusting hubs and pick up a cone wrench for about $15 or less and do the work yourself. Just read up on this before getting your hands dirty.

If you find yourself heading to the Newport RI area...bring the wheel with you and give me a call 401-619-5828, and I will adjust it for you for free.

-j

frankenmike 

The bearings either need adjusting or replacing. Not particularly difficult if you have cone wrenches.