slopvehicle

I've never done much work on modern sealed hubs. Can I repack / rebuild a gritty Deore front mtb hub without a whole lotta hassle? It's sealed, right? Do I need a new bearing kit? Is this something generic, Shimano-specific or even Deore-specific?

Do I need tools other than wrenches, cone wrenches and grease? Should I just have a shop do it for me? That's what I've done with other wheelsets, but I'm always game for learning more about bikes.


I had a book that discussed all this stuff, but I lost it in a move...

Retro Grouch 

Metric end wernches and a couple of cone wrenches are all the toold that you need. Those hubs just have a neoprene seal that wipes against the axle.

koine2002

In addition to the tools above, I always like to use new balls in the bearing. Step by step instructions can be found at Park Tool and Sheldon Brown.

thekorn

You will probably have to replace the bearing races too. They should only cost about 5 bucks. Bring the hub in to your local bike shop so they can get the right ones for you.

jeff williams

Are they sealed bearing units?
"These types of hubs use an industrial type-bearing unit. The inner and outer rotating races and ball bearings are installed as a unit. These hubs are not serviceable in the sense they are overhauled and adjusted. When the cartridge bearings are worn, rough, or have play, the cartridge should be replaced. The bearing unit is then removed and a new one pressed in. This requires special tools and is best left to professional mechanics." https://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=105

thekorn

I didn't think that Shimano Deore used fully sealed cartridge bearings. I have Deore hubs that have races and loose bearings, but they are a few years old. If they are fully sealed cartridge bearings, they will need to be replaced. And yes, that is best left to a professional mechanic.