Wheel Hub Service
 

I got a set of new wheels!

As I visually compare the spinning movement the old and the new ones, I see that the new one spins a little bit freely.

So, this is the time to service my old hubs. I have watched the Bicycle Tutor Video

It does not look hard, but I have few questions:

What size of balls my hubs have? -- I have "Formula" and Shimano RS30 hubs

What grease do I use? Any brand preference?

I have seen a ceramic grease, is it any better?

Do I need ceramic balls? they are expensive, but not much.

Is it generally a good idea to service my own hubs, or it is better done at the shop?

Thanks!

I stared at this line, trying to understand what wheels you have. I think you're saying that you have a mixed wheelset, with one wheel built around a Formula hub and the other wheel being a Shimano WH-RS30. Is that right?

The hubs used on WH-RS30 wheels have loose balls: twenty-two 3/16" balls up front and eighteen 1/4" balls in back. I believe the majority of Formula hubs out there use cartridge bearings, or at least that's what I've noticed. You can confirm what you have by opening them up.

IRT your loose ball bearing hub(s), the present bearings may be just fine without replacement. Some replace bearings with every hub service; others won't unless the bearings appear worn.

In general, different greases are suitable for bicycle wheel bearings. Bike-specific greases such as Phil, Park, and Finish Line are great, but they're more costly than marine bearing grease or white lithium grease. Phil grease gets the nod for "expensive but works great." Marine bearing grease is praised for "inexpensive and works just fine." Ceramic is a more expensive option with probably no noticeable benefit over Grade 25 bearings and a clean tub of grease.

When servicing hubs, just be careful to keep grit and contaminants out of the bearings and to get the adjustment right. Not hard, but getting the adjustment right may take a few stabs. In the time it would take for me to drop off wheels at the LBS, I could have the job done.

Thanks, desertdork!

You are right, I have two wheelsets: Formula and Shimano.
Very useful info, I thought maybe someone knows what's inside the hubs and I can get a replacement bearings before I open the hubs.
I will just open them and see what kind bearings do they have.