Bike Forums - How to replace bearings on a Formula fixed/fixed hub?

Quote:

Originally Posted by xsdg (Post 7565866)

So, I've overhauled adjustable-bearing hubs a bunch of times. This is my first time servicing a cartridge-bearing hub, though. I've got the lockrings, washers, and "cones" off of both sides, but the axle isn't moving (well, it rotates, but it's not coming out). It doesn't look like there's a circlip or anything holding things together, and I don't want to bang on the axle for fear of damaging things.

Does anyone know how I can get these cartridges out so I can service or replace them? Just in case it's relevant, I should note that the cogs and cog lockrings are still on.

You don't need to take the cone/locknuts off both side - just one. But now that you've already done it, it doesn't really matter. Cog/lockring can also stay on.

1) All you need to do now is tap one end of the axle (doesn't matter which) with a mallet and the bearing will come out. Formula hubs used a shouldered axle, so the shoulder will push the bearings out.
2) Once one side is out, remove the bearing off the axle, reinsert it to remove the other side (this is obvious).

*Don't toss the old bearings you just removed - you'll need them to press in the new ones.

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/images/hua07.jpg

3) Clean out the hub with a rag. Grease the place where the bearings will sit inside the hub.
4) Seat one bearing in the hub, put the axle in from the other side then seat the other bearing
5) Stack the old bearings out on each side and use the axle nuts to press both sides in at the same time
6) With the formula hub force should only be applied to the inner cartride bearing race - if you apply force to the outside you will screw the 6001 bearings up.

Alternatively, you can bring the hub in to get your LBS to press the bearings in if they have the proper tool.

I'll assume you know how to properly secure the cone/locknuts on cartridge bearing hubs (it is not the same as loose ball).