Hi all,

I have (what I think is a sealed) hope front hub that is seizing up - if I tighten the front quick release skewer tight enough to be safe the wheel drags as though a brake block is rubbing on the rim. When I apply fairly light pressure to either side of the hub (against the actual bearings, rather than at the ends where the axel will pass through) with my thumb/forefinger and turn the wheel I feel something like bearings softly clicking around. It isn't smooth at all.

The hub has done tens of thousands of miles over many years and is probably just coming to the end of it's useful life, but I am in the process of building my first front wheel, which I don't want to rush, and wonder if there is any way I can prolong the life of this hub just a little while longer until I am totally happy with my new front wheel?

Or maybe it can be fixed somehow?

Here are a couple of pics (you don't really see too much but perhaps someone can identify the hub and know a way for me to fix it!)

Thanks in advance for any help.

Not really sure where to start...

You have a high end hub, which is fully serviceable / rebuild-able, with spares easily available from either a LBS who stock Hope, or Hope themselves.

For the bearing, these are cartridge bearings, and like any cartridge bearing, can be replace in a few minutes, either by yourself i you have the correct tools, or a LBS

How To Videos | Hope Tech | Made in Barnoldswick, England

https://vimeo.com/58169461

Hi thanks for the reply, I appreciate it. I'm pleased this is very serviceable. (I learn about each bike component as and when I encounter a problem, this is the first time for the front hub, so thanks for setting me straight).

I'll investigate bearings, then take it to a local bike shop if I can't fix it myself.

All the best, ron.

Just to finish this off for anyone else with this issue for the first time, I had to prise off the covers and knock out the damaged bearing, replacing it with one I bought for a few £s locally. took ten minutes after buying the bearing. Easy!

Edit - I will buy a bearing removal tool before I need to remove one again though.

I suggest you review this before riding it much:
https://www.bbinstitute.com/dl/dx_demo_chapter_13.pdf
specifically section 13-9, page 9

Improper installation and "adjustment" of a cartridge bearing will result in a short service life.

3.28 for the video by the manufacture, or read a book, you choose

Hope Tech | Made in Barnoldswick, England

Just built my first set of wheels, using only a spoke wrench (no truing stand, nipple driver...), and starting with the front wheel.

I'm very obsessive about perfection, and consulted three print sources constantly throughout the process. In all I'd say it took about 5-6 hours, and I'm happy with the result. Just set aside the time and get it done. It's actually a lot of fun if you are into building and tinkering.