Beginner question re: servicing rear hub
Hi there,
So I did something dumb earlier today. I've been trying to fix up an old 1970's Raleigh Sprite I recently bought. The rear wheel wasn't spinning very well so I figured why not spray a bunch of WD-40 into the oil port in order to loosen up whatever gunk was in there. This of course didn't solve the issue and now while the wheel spins slightly better it makes loud metallic noises which I assume are the bearings rattling after the grease was flushed out. Is there any way for me to fix this without taking apart the hub? I don't think I have the right tools for the job. Would I only need to buy an appropriate sized freewhell remover? If so, what size would I need to get? Thanks for the help. |
Freewheel removers don't have a "size". They are based on brand. Suntour, Shimano, Regina, Maillard .... and then there are variations within brands.
Sometimes it's possible to overhaul hub bearings without removing the freewheel. Inconvenient, but possible. |
um no
WD-40 is not for lubricating it was designed to keep WOOD that gets wet Dimensional (WOOD DIMENSIONAL) "WD" such as in the building of a boat frame I use it as a cleaner but NEVER a lubrication. Hubs are easy to take apart just have a lot of space and newspaper down and keep track of all parts in order See this informational site: Park tools http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-...reehub-service Freewheels removers are specific to brand so you need the correct one for the correct freewheel brand... find a really junked out hub and take it apart to get the experience I just did two this evening |
You will need at least one cone wrench and new grease. I like "Lifu" wrenches, for about $6 shipped from eBay. Cones usually are 13-16mm and too narrow for standard wrenches. I also use the cheap Valvoline automotive grease from the auto parts store and have had no problems after using it in several hubs and bottom brackets. There is a plethora of tutorials and videos you can search for, it's a simple job.
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Originally Posted by kc0yef
(Post 13483721)
um no
WD-40 is not for lubricating it was designed to keep WOOD that gets wet Dimensional (WOOD DIMENSIONAL) "WD" such as in the building of a boat frame I use it as a cleaner but NEVER a lubrication. |
Originally Posted by AlphaDogg
(Post 13483775)
um no. WD-40 is called WD-40 because it is the 40th attempt at making something to displace water. WD as in WATER DISPLACEMENT. The 40 stands for the 40th formula of something to displace water. Don't talk about something unless you know you are right.
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Originally Posted by kc0yef
(Post 13483859)
Nor did you disagree with it's uselessness as a lubricant for hubs.
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Originally Posted by Brynley
(Post 13483619)
Hi there,
So I did something dumb earlier today. I've been trying to fix up an old 1970's Raleigh Sprite I recently bought. The rear wheel wasn't spinning very well so I figured why not spray a bunch of WD-40 into the oil port in order to loosen up whatever gunk was in there. This of course didn't solve the issue and now while the wheel spins slightly better it makes loud metallic noises which I assume are the bearings rattling after the grease was flushed out. Is there any way for me to fix this without taking apart the hub? I don't think I have the right tools for the job. Would I only need to buy an appropriate sized freewhell remover? If so, what size would I need to get? Thanks for the help. For grease; I like boat trailer wheel bearing grease, as it is highly resistant to water, lasts forever and is inexpensive. |
WD 40 has it's place on a bike, like rusty adjusting screws and cables ? Anything with real loads applied though, I agree heavier duty lubricants and grease are the only solutions.
|
Fuji86!
WD 40 is not lubricant it is for wood not steel... see AlphaDogg explanation above so it is not a light lubricant... Triflo is lubricant good for all occasion when its dry out wipe off the excess when its wet out leave it on. PHILL wood grease is Marine grease (boat trailer bearing grease). I am kinda a maintenance nut so lubricating is something I always think about especially being a Clydesdale... keep it lubed I still use white lithium grease when I get a new used bike... just to clean out the parts then I degrease with brake cleaner and regrease with Green grease (marine, boat bearing, Phil woods" etc) Not to be done inside and not for the faint of heart brake cleaner will melt your plastic and ruin your paint...
Originally Posted by fuji86
(Post 13483979)
WD 40 has it's place on a bike, like rusty adjusting screws and cables ? Anything with real loads applied though, I agree heavier duty lubricants and grease are the only solutions.
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I realize this doesn't relate to the original post, but I just have to clear up some blatant errors.
Originally Posted by kc0yef
(Post 13484027)
WD 40 is not lubricant it is for wood not steel
"WD-40 stands for "Water Displacement – 40th Attempt". Larsen was attempting to concoct a formula to prevent corrosion in nuclear missiles, by displacing the standing water that causes it. He claims he arrived at a successful formula on his 40th attempt. WD-40 is primarily composed of various hydrocarbons. WD-40 was first used by Convair to protect the outer skin of the Atlas missile from rust and corrosion. The product first became commercially available on store shelves in San Diego in 1958." |
Originally Posted by kc0yef
(Post 13483721)
The freewheel can be removed with the appropriate tool (of which there are many different types - go to a bike shop and get the correct one) and then the hubs can be overhauled. See: http://www.sheldonbrown.com/tooltips/hubs.html |
Originally Posted by Brynley
(Post 13483619)
Hi there,
So I did something dumb earlier today. I've been trying to fix up an old 1970's Raleigh Sprite I recently bought. The rear wheel wasn't spinning very well so I figured why not spray a bunch of WD-40 into the oil port in order to loosen up whatever gunk was in there. This of course didn't solve the issue and now while the wheel spins slightly better it makes loud metallic noises which I assume are the bearings rattling after the grease was flushed out. Is there any way for me to fix this without taking apart the hub? I don't think I have the right tools for the job. Would I only need to buy an appropriate sized freewhell remover? If so, what size would I need to get? Thanks for the help. The answer is: NO. You can't address this properly without disassembling the hub. As above, you need the correct freewheel remover and the appropriately sized cone wrenches to do the adjustment. Also, a bench vise makes removing the freewheel a little easier. After all, the freewheel's probably been there for nearly 40 years. It won't come off without a fight. It's not rocket surgery, but it helps to have experienced help. Do you have a bike co-op near you that might help you gain experience? And what kind of cheese do you like? |
Originally Posted by kc0yef
(Post 13483721)
http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-...reehub-service Freewheels removers are specific to brand so you need the correct one for the correct freewheel brand... |
Will need to remember that the WD in WD40 stands for Wood Displacement when I tell them that it should never be used as a chain lubricant and that it is also useless for hubs.
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i like the way wd40 smells :-)
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You can actually repack a hub without removing the freewheel. Loosen the locknut from the cone on the NDS, remove both from axle. Pull axle. Commence to cleaning cones and races.
Even with small fingers it's a little difficult to fully clean the race on the freewheel side but it can be done. Flush the bearing race with WD-40, since you have some on hand, wrap a square of old T-shirt over your pinky and wipe around in there, repeat as needed. If you don't mind taking the time to pick up a freewheel remover that makes it easier, however. WD-40 on wood, eh? Very interesting. |
To the OP: is it a freewheel or an IG hub? Your post is confusing; you say "freewheel", but you also mention an oil port. Not that WD-40 is right for either one....
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Originally Posted by 02Pilot
(Post 13485609)
To the OP: is it a freewheel or an IG hub? Your post is confusing; you say "freewheel", but you also mention an oil port.
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Some sprites were 3 speeders-if so-use some motor oil in there :)
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Sprites came with both IG and derailleur drivetrains: http://sheldonbrown.com/retroraleighs/sprite.html
I was just trying to clarify an ambiguous situation. |
Originally Posted by 02Pilot
(Post 13485964)
Sprites came with both IG and derailleur drivetrains: http://sheldonbrown.com/retroraleighs/sprite.html
I was just trying to clarify an ambiguous situation. |
Originally Posted by Chris Chicago
(Post 13485407)
i like the way wd40 smells :-)
|
Originally Posted by juls
(Post 13485918)
Some sprites were 3 speeders-if so-use some motor oil in there :)
|
Originally Posted by kc0yef
(Post 13483721)
um no
WD-40 is not for lubricating it was designed to keep WOOD that gets wet Dimensional (WOOD DIMENSIONAL) "WD" such as in the building of a boat frame I use it as a cleaner but NEVER a lubrication. Hubs are easy to take apart just have a lot of space and newspaper down and keep track of all parts in order See this informational site: Park tools http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-...reehub-service Freewheels removers are specific to brand so you need the correct one for the correct freewheel brand... find a really junked out hub and take it apart to get the experience I just did two this evening |
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