The squeaky wheel gets the grease?
#1
The squeaky wheel gets the grease?
Hey all, I just purchased a used
Bike off CL and first thing I noticed is it's really loud. Its not the chain it's apparently just the tires when rolling. Both tires seem to be running pretty true as true As a ten year old bike can be but they are just loud. I have a suspicion the wheel bearings need to be greased. Is this a DIY sort of a job for a noob? Or should I jus take it to the LBS? Or should I just leave it alone, it helps alert peds on the MUP of my prescense lol.
It seems like its both the front
And back wheels if that matters.
Bike off CL and first thing I noticed is it's really loud. Its not the chain it's apparently just the tires when rolling. Both tires seem to be running pretty true as true As a ten year old bike can be but they are just loud. I have a suspicion the wheel bearings need to be greased. Is this a DIY sort of a job for a noob? Or should I jus take it to the LBS? Or should I just leave it alone, it helps alert peds on the MUP of my prescense lol.
It seems like its both the front
And back wheels if that matters.
#2
Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 13,358
Likes: 665
From: northern michigan
Bikes: '77 Colnago Super, '76 Fuji The Finest, '88 Cannondale Criterium, '86 Trek 760, '87 Miyata 712
As a rule when buying used, disassemble, lube and properly adjust the bearings/cups on the bike. You'd be surprised to see the condition of the unseen places that are critical to the bike's performance and reliability.
Just as a starting point, pull the wheels and slowly turn the axle/spindles with your fingers to feel for play/looseness and sticky rotation. If it doesnt feel like satin, do that one first.
Can a noob do this? Sure, if you arent intimidated. Just get yourself a set of cone wrenches (inexpensive) and a can of bearing grease....though the purist may shout me down for using a thick grease and find an instructional video on youtube.
Just as a starting point, pull the wheels and slowly turn the axle/spindles with your fingers to feel for play/looseness and sticky rotation. If it doesnt feel like satin, do that one first.
Can a noob do this? Sure, if you arent intimidated. Just get yourself a set of cone wrenches (inexpensive) and a can of bearing grease....though the purist may shout me down for using a thick grease and find an instructional video on youtube.
#3
Zip tie Karen
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 7,005
Likes: 1,546
From: Fair Oaks Ranch, TX
Bikes: '13 Motobecane Fantom29 HT, '16 Motobecane Turino Pro Disc, '18 Velobuild VB-R-022, '21 Tsunami SNM-100
^^^ this. Hubs should be silent and smooth. Best initial performance boost you can give your bike.





