DT Swiss Tools -- need help understanding...
 

I'm replacing cartridge-bearings for the first time ever, and the hubs involved just happen to be DT Swiss brand. Hence, I'm trying to understand the tools. I've found the following two options for sale:

http://jensonusa.com/store/product/T...+And+Disc.aspx

http://www.speedgoat.com/product.asp...at=15&brand=71

Question: what are those lumps of aluminum in the photos? I'm not finding much in the way of product detail -- just a photo and a very high price.

I wish I could tell you which model DT Swiss hubs that I have. But I can't. My hubs are part of a Bontrager Rhythm Elite wheelset. They are stamped "DT Swiss", but no model number is given.

So far, I've knocked out the front hub hearings by following the instructions for the DTS370 hub. (Essentially, I used a hammer). My rear hub bearings do not squeak, so I will leave those alone for now.

My next challenge is to press in the replacement bearings.

I like to have good tools. I can afford the $85 for what Jenson has on offer, if that's the correct set to buy. Is it?

You should not need special tools to install most cartridge bearings. The only requirement is the installation pressure be applied to the proper bearing race. For bearings that are pressed into a bore, the force is applied to the outer race. I find a socket wrench that's close to the size of the bearing race and gently tap the socket with a hammer to press the bearing in place, being sure that the bearing starts into the bore squarely. If the bearing is recessed in the bore, the socket must be slightly smaller than the bore.

Bearings that are pressed onto a spindle must have the force applied to the inner race. That requires a tube or pipe that is just larger enough on the ID to slip over the spindle.

All of those links are broken. If you can afford to purchase the actual bearing bushings and hub tools (if you're completely diassembling rear hubs or disc hubs you'll *really* need some of the dt hub specific tools.

The bushings for those bearings are replicated in most other cartridge hub bearing installation tools - so you can get away without getting those if you already own a set.

operator: I've corrected the links. I apologize for the blunder. I made a copy/paste error the first time.

I wish I knew what each of the tools did before spending the money. The pictures aren't detailed enough to help me discern exactly what I'm getting in return for my money spent.

DaveSSS: I've heard about the socket wrench approach. Will probably try that on the front hub. Seems easy enough. I'm a bit uncertain about getting the covers snapped back into place. I suppose a few gentle taps will cover those too.

I cannot even find the toolsets I've linked to above described on DT Swiss's site. Maybe I'm not looking in the right place, but there just doesn't seem to be any detailed information on the tools.

For example: how do I know which of the above two sets, if any, to buy for the specific hubs that I have?

That's the butcher method of installing cartridge bearings. A proper bearing installation tool and their respective bushings makes installation 3000% easier with no chance of ****ing a bearing up. For bearings that require tapping the outer race, the bushing has to be *precisely* the right diameter. Slightly smaller than the surface it's being pressed into without being small enough that it acts on the seal/bearing.

A majority of hubs will also feature axles that are shouldered. Meaning you hit both the inner and outer races at the same time. Good luck scavenging for exactly the right bushing size in that case.

If the OP can afford it, he should buy the correct tool.

Jonathan, this is an extremely easy problem to solve.

http://www.dtswiss.com/getdoc/99a9c9...Datasheet.aspx

DT swiss hub manual for a 240s, page 5 gives you an overview of the tools that you've linked. Look through it and look at the tools used for hub disassembly/repair. It would help immensely if you can find out exactly which hub you have. The manual may help you do that.

The first set is mainly bearing installation bushings. The second one contains DT (more for the rear) hub specifc diassembly tools with what appears to be replacement seals as well.

Operator. I did manage to download the 370 manual yesterday. The manual does describe some tools. But the sets for sale on Jenson and Speedgoat are "black boxes". Jenson sells a set for $85. Speedgoat sells a set for more than $200. Are both sets the same? Which specific tools come in each set? I don't have any way to relate what I see on Jenson's and Speedgoat's sites to what I see in the manuals from DT Swiss.

I'll reread though. Maybe I'll just have to pick up the phone, call Speedgoat, and ask.

(BTW, I do wish I knew which hubs I had. It's annoying that they are not marked with specific model numbers).

I can afford the right tools. I'd prefer to have them. (I'd also prefer to spend $85 than to spend $200).

Thanks for taking the time to post. I appreciate it. I'll reread the docs this evening more carefully, and see whether I can't get myself sorted.

What?

Every tool in those two pictures, on those two sites are correlated with page 5 of what I just linked you.

http://images.jensonusa.com/medium/tl/tl401j04ss.jpg

Bearing bushings.

http://www.speedgoat.com/images/products/TL1912.jpg

More bearing bushings, a rear hub diassembly tool and a dt specific bushing with a lip on it and an axle vise. There's nothing black box at all about these tools. Look again.

Operator...

Sure it takes some skill and patience to install bearings without special tools, but I've had no problems doing it on Mavic wheels. Special tools are fine if you're going to do many installations and time is an issue, but for the person who does a pair of wheels every few years, special tools are a waste of money.

Pressing in headset cups is a similar problem. I've got the special tool, but I've also carefully tapped-in cups with a wood block and a hammer. It just take more skill and patience.

The OP can afford the proper bearing bushings, i'd say go buy it instead of attempting to scavenge for *just* the correct size (ignoring the DT hub specific tools in those sets). I've done the 2x4 with a hammer as well on a old steel frame.

The labour alone for bearing replacement twice is enough to pay for them itself.

Operator, you're familiar w/the tools. I'm not.

I'm on unfamiliar ground. I tend not to assume anything. I see similar shapes in two photos. But for all I know, there could be some difference in diameter, or in the hole size, or some subtle difference in shape that isn't apparent. A list of part numbers for each kit would've been nice, but neither description includes that information.

Like I say, I'll read the link you sent more closely tonight. I'll also try to sort out which specific hub model those Rhythm Elite wheelsets are built around.

I have Onyx/370 hubs. I'm guessing then, that I could just buy that DT Swiss Onyx toolkit from Jenson for $85. I may do that.

Or I might take Dave's advice and look for a socket. I'm only doing the front hub bearings this time. They look easy enough to tap in with a socket. Am still mulling over that possibility.

Just want to come back to say that I appreciate everyone's help. Between you here, and a couple on another forum, I think I've got everything sorted as to what tools to buy and how to proceed.

I also discovered this tool:

http://www.enduroforkseals.com/image...EARING%20PRESS

Not sure I'll spring for it, but it sure is tempting.

Don't buy that.

If you are going to buy a bearing press, buy these two kits from wheels mfctr instead.

http://wheelsmfg.com/images/products...production.jpg
http://wheelsmfg.com/content/view/882/63/

There's also a consumer grade press, and an over axle adapter for shouldered axles.

http://wheelsmfg.com/content/view/882/63/