ultegra 6800 hubs
09-10-14 | 07:44 AM
#1
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From: Central Pennsylvania
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ultegra 6800 hubs
I upgraded my components last year to the new Ultegra 6800 group. I want to repack the hubs, but I noticed that they use ball retainers rather than just greased bearings. I checked about getting those ball retainers, and I think I can find them for Dura Ace hubs, but not for the Ultegra 6800 hubs. Are the parts more or less the same? And, can I just put new bearings in and forgo the ball retainer? According to Sheldon Brown, you can do that and it's preferable, but it seems to me that Shimano used that method for a reason. Any thoughts?
09-10-14 | 09:14 AM
#2
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Download the appropriate technical manual from Shimano, available here. You want to download EV-FH-6800-3605 for the rear hub (FH = free hub), and EV-HB-6800-3606 for the front hub (HB = front hub). They are just a single sheet each. Print it out, highlight the part number you need at the bottom and take it to your LBS. If they sell Shimano, they will be able to order the specific part number you need.
p.s. I did this when I re-built a D/A cassette to have the specific sprockets I wanted. Had to pay in advance and pay for shipping, but it was worth it to get exactly what I wanted.
p.s. I did this when I re-built a D/A cassette to have the specific sprockets I wanted. Had to pay in advance and pay for shipping, but it was worth it to get exactly what I wanted.
Last edited by volosong; 09-10-14 at 09:18 AM.
09-10-14 | 09:36 AM
#3
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From: TX Hill Country
Were the hubs rough before disassembly? Are the bearing retainers damaged & bearings pitted?
Shimano tech docs are indeed properly detailed, replace to give peace of mind.
09-10-14 | 12:05 PM
#4
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From: Middle of da Mitten
Bikes: Trek 7500, RANS V-Rex, Optima Baron, Velokraft NoCom, M-5 Carbon Highracer, Bacchetta Quattro, Catrike Speed
I doubt very much that the retainers are required. Just don't lose any if you keep them loose.
09-10-14 | 12:13 PM
#5
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From: NW,Oregon Coast
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Retainer held bearings are faster to assemble , so speeds the Productivity on the assembly line in the factory
Loose balls stick in fresh grease nicely..
you dont need to make up several dozen hubs a minute do you?
Loose balls stick in fresh grease nicely..
you dont need to make up several dozen hubs a minute do you?
Last edited by fietsbob; 09-10-14 at 12:18 PM.
09-10-14 | 12:46 PM
#6
Beicwyr Hapus
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From: Caerdydd
Bikes: Genesis Equilibrium, Genesis Datum, Whyte 901, Dawes 701,1973 Harry Hall, 1989 Orbit America
^^^
This
I much prefer fitting loose bearings in hubs and old-style BBs. Not a problem.
Now those fiddly small bearings on headsets are a different matter - caged bearings every time!
09-12-14 | 03:06 PM
#7
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I just disassembled my first 6800 rear hub. The drive side balls are loose, only the nds are in a retainer. The new design is very user friendly, everything just stacks up on the nds. No cone wrenches or guess work needed for bearing adjustment. Very nice!
