flyfisherbob

My current project is a 1993 Trek 930 that I picked up at a reasonable price off the local CL. I (mistakenly as it turns out) tried to take off the dust caps from the rear hub and bent them, to the degree that I can't repair them. I took them along with the wheel to a local LBS that has been helpful to my learning curve. They tell me that the covers are not an aftermarket item and can't be replaced. My options all center around a new hub, whether attached to a new wheel, or as an exercise in wheel building.

I guess I may check with the local coop equivalent for a used wheel, but I hate to lose one because an inexpensive part is unavailable.

auchencrow

They're probably right about the dust caps. I don't know where you would look for the loose items.

Next time you encounter such a stubborn part, remember that aluminum alloy (most hubs) expands faster than steel (most dust caps) when you heat them up a little with a torch. This is also why stuck alloy seat posts are such a harangue.

(PS- I did say "a little" so don't cook it!)

oddjob2

I usually shoot the dust caps with wd-40 or PB Blaster and then pry gently with a cone wrench, working my way around the dust cap.

There are dust caps at Niagara cycle, but don't know if they fit.

noglider 

What kind of hub? Maybe one of us has a spare and can send you the dust caps.

old's'cool

Devices similar to bicycle hub dust caps, known as welch plugs, are widely available in an almost infinite range of sizes. Ask at your local auto parts store to look over their selection of welch plugs (aka freeze plugs), from Dorman. If you find one that matches the OD, you will need to accurately center and drill the ID, since these are plugs, designed to contain fluid, not to allow an axle to pass through. Since their wall thickness is greater than a dust cap, I suggest you go a little under on the OD, and use a medium strength retaining compound to retain your custom dust cap, rather than employ a "heavy" press fit for retention. The original dust cap has what I would describe as a "light" press fit.

flyfisherbob

The hub is a Shimano Exage. Below the Exage logo is FH-HG50

seedsbelize 

I was sure I had one of those, but it didn't appear where it was expected. I'll keep looking.

mrybczyn

Thanks for the heads up! I'm starting on a trek 950 singletrack rebuild. All i have is the frame fork and shifters, but if i find some wheels I'll be careful around the hubs!

Have you considered 3d printing the part? Can find 3d printers at some public libraries...

ofgit

Maybe you can fix/reform them enough that they would stay put when reinstalled. Small pliers and maybe a tack hammer? Maybe could use the end of a small piece of pipe or even a wooden dowel as a form/anvil?

CroMo Mike 

Do any of your buds have a metal lathe? Piece of cake.

flyfisherbob

Owner of the LBS suggested trying to re-form them with sockets. Wish me luck.

jonwvara 

Try entering Shimano's part number on the hub into a ebay search and see if a used hub turns up. Single orphan hubs often go ten bucks or less. I've used that method a couple of times to buy complete rear hubs that I then plundered for their freehubs bodies.

RaleighSport

Yup, and OP your hub isn't rare etc.. so a little diligence and you should be able to turn one up.

brian3069

flyfisherbob I have an Exage FH-HG50 hub if you're interested.

lostarchitect 

Shimano Exage Rear Hub 32h 7 Speed Cassette Freehub Classic Road Touring FH HG50 | eBay

flyfisherbob

Got it done over the weekend. It ain't pretty, as they say, but I did get them re-formed and on the hub. It took a swaging tool from Harbor Freight, a selection of sockets, and a ball peen hammer. Thanks, everyone for the advice. Man, I have a lot to learn, and sometimes really steep.