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Hub maintenance?

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Old 02-20-11 | 10:13 AM
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Hub maintenance?

How often should front and rear hubs be cleaned and re-lubed? I've searched and can't find information on best practices for hub maintenance.
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Old 02-20-11 | 10:18 AM
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Hmmmm, I've never messed with any of mine.
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Old 02-20-11 | 11:48 AM
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Originally Posted by LowCel
Hmmmm, I've never messed with any of mine.
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Old 02-20-11 | 12:33 PM
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Depends a lot on the type of hub you have and also your riding conditions (especially rain). Try contacting your hub manufacturer for recommendations.

In the old days of loose bearing hubs, we would overhaul them (replace the grease and the bearings) at least once a year. The new sealed cartridge hubs need a lot less maintenance.
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Old 02-20-11 | 02:59 PM
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I replaced the bearings one time in app. 6000-7000 miles on my old wheels. they were cheap shimano r500 wheels.
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Old 02-20-11 | 03:37 PM
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After riding in the winter, I usually repack the hubs (cup and cone) in early spring when I put the slicks back on. I can't say as the grease really looks dirty, but it's a cheap and easy job.
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Old 02-20-11 | 04:59 PM
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Originally Posted by boulderroad
How often should front and rear hubs be cleaned and re-lubed? I've searched and can't find information on best practices for hub maintenance.
I asked that the mechanic last week, including whether the crank, the stem, or any other parts besides the chain need to be maintained. He told me "no" since the bearings and all those are parts are a sealed system. However, I do think that every moving part has a limit, whether it is 10,000 miles or 100,000. I guess for someone who rides that much the information will either be known or he'll have a mechanic that will take care of that for him (pro).
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Old 02-20-11 | 08:55 PM
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3K to 5K miles, depending on weather. Go with 3K if you ride in the rain or in very dusty climate. If balls are shiny, then clean and repack with new grease. If balls are dull, then inspect for cone pitting. Replace cones and balls.
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