Cone adjustment
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 195
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Cone adjustment
Hey again.
So I was tightening up the cones on my front hub again after regreasing everything, and I couldn't for the life of me get it tight enough that there was no play in it, but at the same time not so tight it wouldn't bind. Actually, I would get it what I thought was perfect, and every time I tightened up the cone locknut I would introduce a bit of play to the hub. I think I should replace the cones, as they're a bit pitted, I think that might have had a bit to do with the difficulty I was having adjusting the cones. (Or maybe I'll pony up and replace the hub/wheel.) This is for my commuter, so it doesn't have to be perfect, but I want to make sure it's not going to be dangerous to ride, especially since I normally ride with front panniers. I ended up riding my other bike into work today (which turned out to be a good idea in it's own right,) but I am hoping to get this problem worked out soon.
Any suggestions? Is it alright to leave the hub with a little play, or a little too tight?
So I was tightening up the cones on my front hub again after regreasing everything, and I couldn't for the life of me get it tight enough that there was no play in it, but at the same time not so tight it wouldn't bind. Actually, I would get it what I thought was perfect, and every time I tightened up the cone locknut I would introduce a bit of play to the hub. I think I should replace the cones, as they're a bit pitted, I think that might have had a bit to do with the difficulty I was having adjusting the cones. (Or maybe I'll pony up and replace the hub/wheel.) This is for my commuter, so it doesn't have to be perfect, but I want to make sure it's not going to be dangerous to ride, especially since I normally ride with front panniers. I ended up riding my other bike into work today (which turned out to be a good idea in it's own right,) but I am hoping to get this problem worked out soon.
Any suggestions? Is it alright to leave the hub with a little play, or a little too tight?
#2
Commuter
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Canada
Posts: 54
Bikes: Jamis Coda Comp, Kona Killuaea
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
There is definitely an art to this, and many people will tell you different things. For me, it's a matter of feel. Basically, when tightening, I found I have to overtighten a bit, before I tighten the cones and nuts with wrenches. Then, you should have just a very tiny bit of play, which will get compensated by tightening the outer bolts or quick-release.
I've also seen tightening charts in the Barnett's manual, but I wouldn't even go there.
I've also seen tightening charts in the Barnett's manual, but I wouldn't even go there.
#3
Pwnerer
I have found that accurate cone adjustments are most easily achieved while the opposite end of the axle is held in an axle vise. This allows both hands to be applied to the task, and the cone can be held while the locknut is tightened. Sure, you can make the adjustment without the vise, but it'll take more time and patience.
As for loose versus tight, I would recommend erring on the loose side. Too tight bearings tend to destroy themselves much faster and can pit your races, ruining the hub.
As for loose versus tight, I would recommend erring on the loose side. Too tight bearings tend to destroy themselves much faster and can pit your races, ruining the hub.
#4
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 195
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Wordbiker
I have found that accurate cone adjustments are most easily achieved while the opposite end of the axle is held in an axle vise. This allows both hands to be applied to the task, and the cone can be held while the locknut is tightened. Sure, you can make the adjustment without the vise, but it'll take more time and patience.
As for loose versus tight, I would recommend erring on the loose side. Too tight bearings tend to destroy themselves much faster and can pit your races, ruining the hub.
As for loose versus tight, I would recommend erring on the loose side. Too tight bearings tend to destroy themselves much faster and can pit your races, ruining the hub.
I don't have a vice, but I will try this again after I have replaced the cones tonight. Godo to know about tight vs. loose, that's what I had thought, I have heard that if it's a little loose the wheel will wobble - is it bad wear on the hub too?
#5
MADE IN HONG KONG
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Washington DC
Posts: 1,763
Bikes: some but not enough
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by bobbotron
Thanks!
I don't have a vice, but I will try this again after I have replaced the cones tonight. Godo to know about tight vs. loose, that's what I had thought, I have heard that if it's a little loose the wheel will wobble - is it bad wear on the hub too?
I don't have a vice, but I will try this again after I have replaced the cones tonight. Godo to know about tight vs. loose, that's what I had thought, I have heard that if it's a little loose the wheel will wobble - is it bad wear on the hub too?
loose is better than tight, but you don't want it to be so loose that you can see the movement at the rim. You test for looseness by grabbing the rim and rocking it, rotate 1/8 or 1/4 turn and try again. Chances are that there will be differences, and you need to find the happy medium.
Have fun
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 33,656
Bikes: '96 Litespeed Catalyst, '05 Litespeed Firenze, '06 Litespeed Tuscany, '20 Surly Midnight Special, All are 3x10. It is hilly around here!
Mentioned: 39 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2026 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1,096 Times
in
742 Posts
Originally Posted by bobbotron
I don't have a vice.
#7
Pwnerer
Yeah Bobbo, I'm sure the wheel would wobble a bit if it were left loose. It's tough to explain, but experiment with it until you get the bearings "just right" in your own opinion, and it should be fine. As far as I know, there is not tool or device for measuring or setting cup and cone bearings, so let your best judgement be your guide, and be patient. No feeling of movement and no restriction when spinning the axle by hand is what you are shooting for.
It may be an old wrench's tale, but I was told to err on the loose side as the quick-release lever will compress the cones just a smidge more when closed. Maybe true, maybe not, but it seems to make sense to me as I've seen the effects of too-tight cones....not pretty, and requires a new hub and wheel rebuild.
One last tip: Bearings are cheap, and unless they look perfect when you clean them up, replace them with new good-quality bearings. Inspect your cones too, and a better LBS will carry replacements for those too. If you do replace cones, make sure that the dust covers/shields are not proprietary to the type of hub and/or pressed on. If so, they can often be pressed off and onto the new cones.
It may be an old wrench's tale, but I was told to err on the loose side as the quick-release lever will compress the cones just a smidge more when closed. Maybe true, maybe not, but it seems to make sense to me as I've seen the effects of too-tight cones....not pretty, and requires a new hub and wheel rebuild.
One last tip: Bearings are cheap, and unless they look perfect when you clean them up, replace them with new good-quality bearings. Inspect your cones too, and a better LBS will carry replacements for those too. If you do replace cones, make sure that the dust covers/shields are not proprietary to the type of hub and/or pressed on. If so, they can often be pressed off and onto the new cones.
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: seattle
Posts: 142
Bikes: several!
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
What is probably happening is that as you are tightening the locknut, friction increases and you wind up rotating the axle a small amount with the locknut. To get around this, place a 9 or 10 mm wrench or similar object on the axle on the side of the freehub. This mimics the dropouts on your bike. Then install your quick release skewer and tighten. This will simulate the tension on the axle when the wheel is on your bike, and also the wrench will act like a handle to minimize the axle rotation that is throwing off your adjustment.
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Hatfield, PA
Posts: 379
Bikes: '64 Schwinn Traveler, '73 Astra Tour de France, '79 Fuji Gran Tourer, '86 Dahon folder, '94 Specialized Hardrock, '95 GT Timberline, 2005 Jamis Aurora
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by bobbotron
.....I will try this again after I have replaced the cones tonight.....
It can be a real pain in the butt to get eveything lined up again if you take both cones off of the axle without marking the original position.
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: England
Posts: 12,948
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 19 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
7 Posts
How good are your ball bearings? Low grade or worn bearing are out of round so it is much more difficult to get good adjustment. Replace them with a set of ISO grade 25 balls.
For fine cone adjustment, I hold the cone on one side and use a wrench on the locknut on the other side.
For fine cone adjustment, I hold the cone on one side and use a wrench on the locknut on the other side.
#13
Senior Member
On one side of the axle, I set the cone and the lock-nut very tight. On the other side, I tighten the locknut against the cone so that it is tight, but so I can still move that side only when I apply a wrench to both sides. This lets you micro dial the cone adjustment. Dont worry about it backing off, the QR will hold everything in place.
Contrary to what everone else has said, when in doubt, make it TIGHT, not loose. After a rebuild, it will only loosen as it settles in. Loose adjustment will pit the race or cone or damage bearings. Tight adjustment will not. You would have to tighten the adjustment to the point where you can't turn the wheel before you could damage the cones, races or bearings.
Contrary to what everone else has said, when in doubt, make it TIGHT, not loose. After a rebuild, it will only loosen as it settles in. Loose adjustment will pit the race or cone or damage bearings. Tight adjustment will not. You would have to tighten the adjustment to the point where you can't turn the wheel before you could damage the cones, races or bearings.
__________________
Il faut de l'audace, encore de l'audace, toujours de l'audace
1980 3Rensho-- 1975 Raleigh Sprite 3spd
1990s Raleigh M20 MTB--2007 Windsor Hour (track)
1988 Ducati 750 F1
Il faut de l'audace, encore de l'audace, toujours de l'audace
1980 3Rensho-- 1975 Raleigh Sprite 3spd
1990s Raleigh M20 MTB--2007 Windsor Hour (track)
1988 Ducati 750 F1
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: St Peters, Missouri
Posts: 30,225
Bikes: Catrike 559 I own some others but they don't get ridden very much.
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1572 Post(s)
Liked 643 Times
in
364 Posts
Originally Posted by bobbotron
I think I should replace the cones, as they're a bit pitted, I think that might have had a bit to do with the difficulty I was having adjusting the cones.