Search
Notices
Bicycle Mechanics Broken bottom bracket? Tacoed wheel? If you're having problems with your bicycle, or just need help fixing a flat, drop in here for the latest on bicycle mechanics & bicycle maintenance.

Rear Hub

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 02-14-04 | 09:33 AM
  #1  
Thread Starter
Junior Member
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: PA

Bikes: Haro escape 8.1 with mods

Rear Hub

how do i tighten my rear hub.. when i wabble the tire side to side there is alot of play.. i dont konw if the hub needs to be tightened or is it the spokes??? please help me!! thanks
Haro26 is offline  
Reply
Old 02-14-04 | 11:10 AM
  #2  
Retro Grouch's Avatar
Senior Member
Titanium Club Membership
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 30,225
Likes: 650
From: St Peters, Missouri

Bikes: Catrike 559 I own some others but they don't get ridden very much.

Originally Posted by Haro26
how do i tighten my rear hub.. when i wabble the tire side to side there is alot of play.. i dont konw if the hub needs to be tightened or is it the spokes??? please help me!! thanks
Most likely it's the hub bearings. To tighten them you need a "cone wrench" to fit your bike, usually 15mm. It looks like an open end wrench that's been on the Atkins plan. You will also need an ordinary 17mm open end wrench.

After you find the necessary tools, you need to figure out which lock nut (there's one on each end of the axle) has come loose. Then you need to tighten the cone on that side, hold it in place with the cone wrench, and use the 17mm wrench to snug down the locknut. The art comes in getting the whole thing adjusted tightly enough that the rim doesn't wobble and loose enough that the rim still spins freely. It usually takes more than one try to get it just right.

Last edited by Retro Grouch; 02-14-04 at 10:20 PM.
Retro Grouch is offline  
Reply
Old 02-14-04 | 09:52 PM
  #3  
Long-winded, semi-helpful
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Philadelphia, PA

Bikes: 2004 Bianchi Veloce, Schwinn 3-speed, coaster-brake road bike, Fuji MTB

That was an impressively well-worded reply by RG. I could never begin to explain that to someone over the internet without an illustration. Hell, I usually show people a picture to explain it in person.

But anyway: just wanted to second the opinion that it will likely take more than one try. And recommend that while you're out getting a cone wrench, you should try to find a good repair manual: almost any will explain adjusting/overhauling hubs. I like Glenn's Manual (I forget the whole name) or Bicycling Magazine's guide to Bicycle Maintenance and Repair. Both have gone through many editions, any of which will cover your hub problem, though newer ones obviously will cover newer developments. But both have lots of step-by-step explanations with photos..

Or if you're in Philly, you could stop by Bike Church / Neighborhood Bike Works and someone will show you how to do it for free. Though if you've got some extra cash, they deserve it..

cheers.
Y.


Originally Posted by Retro Grouch
Most likely it's the hub bearings. To tighten them you need a "cone wrench" to fit your bike, usually 15mm. It looks like an open end wrench that's been on the Atkins plan. You will also need an ordinary 17mm open end wrench.

After you find the necessary tools, you need to figure out which lock nut (there's one on each end of the axle) has come loose. Then you need to tighten the cone on that side, hole it in place with the cone wrench, and use the 17mm wrench to snug down the locknut. The art comes in getting the whole thing adjusted tightly enough that the rim doesn't wobble and loose enough that the rim still spins freely. It usually takes more than one try to get it just right.
yoni is offline  
Reply

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.