Quick wheel/hub maintenance question
06-24-17, 08:37 PM
#1
bill nyecycles
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Quick wheel/hub maintenance question
A while ago I took apart my hubs and regreased them and put everything back and it seemed fine. But I noticed there was a tiny little bit of play if I grabbed each side of the axle bolt and push/pull. But rolling the wheel was smooth. If I tighten things just an edge more the play is gone but the roll is no longer smooth - it's like I can feel the bearings grinding. Where's my happy medium?
Fyi it's an older style wheel with bolt axles or whatever not a quick release https://www.flickr.com/photos/rattleandhum/32181251903/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/rattleandhum/32151672704/
Fyi it's an older style wheel with bolt axles or whatever not a quick release https://www.flickr.com/photos/rattleandhum/32181251903/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/rattleandhum/32151672704/
06-25-17, 05:36 AM
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What did your cones look like?
The tiniest little bit of pitting will force you to choose between a little bit of play and that "crunchy" feeling.
The tiniest little bit of pitting will force you to choose between a little bit of play and that "crunchy" feeling.
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06-25-17, 09:05 AM
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If your cones were smooth, it should be possible to get the bearings adjusted to where there is no play but the axle turns smoothly. You should evaluate this with your fingers rotating the axle; the mass of the entire wheel otherwise masks the vibrations.
If your cones were worn, you should replace them before the rest of the bearing gets damaged. If you do re-use them, shoot for zero play, but the bearings will still feel rough.
Bearing adjustment is not affected by tightening lug nuts on a solid axle; on quick-release wheels, the bearings tighten slightly as the Q-R is closed.
There is some interesting discussion that you might enjoy here: https://www.bikeforums.net/bicycle-me...sses-axle.html
Steve
If your cones were worn, you should replace them before the rest of the bearing gets damaged. If you do re-use them, shoot for zero play, but the bearings will still feel rough.
Bearing adjustment is not affected by tightening lug nuts on a solid axle; on quick-release wheels, the bearings tighten slightly as the Q-R is closed.
There is some interesting discussion that you might enjoy here: https://www.bikeforums.net/bicycle-me...sses-axle.html
Steve
06-25-17, 09:56 AM
#5
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Adjusting cone bearing lock nuts is an art. It's an exercise in trial and error. Personally, I tend to go for a tighter fit. So, after putting a few hundred miles on the wheel it won't develop any wobble.
06-26-17, 06:06 AM
#6
bill nyecycles
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I ended up taking it to the shop and having them look at it. He fixed it so there was no play but still a little gritty rub so given the quality of the wheels/hub it's probably the best outcome.
Thanks for your tips though because I'll keep them in mind next time I do this.
Thanks for your tips though because I'll keep them in mind next time I do this.
