problem with front hub...help?
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 96
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From: Richmond Virginia
Bikes: cannondale track bike
problem with front hub...help?
So recently my front hub i acting a bit funny. If I spin my front tire and let it rotate...instead of rotating freely and the wheel continuing to spin...it slows down rather quickly.
I've taken the wheel off and tried to find the problem, but I can't figure it out...any help?
I've taken the wheel off and tried to find the problem, but I can't figure it out...any help?
#2
Bike Evangelist

Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
From: Houston. TX
Bikes: Redline Mono-cog converted to BMX cruzer, 79 Peugeot single speed, Fuji s12-s single speed, Centurion Ironman single speed (see a pattern?)
Check the bearings and cones in your hub. I had a redline that had a back wheel that acted funny. I took it apart and found a factory installed pitted cone. The pits were not from rust, but rather poor machine work and QC. I would take everything apart and inspect it. Also is it a QR hub? If so, taking a wheel on a off sometimes over tightens the cones causing too much friction.
#4
troglodyte

Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,291
Likes: 1
From: the tunnels
Bikes: Crust Romanceur, VO Polyvalent, Surly Steamroller, others?
do you own cone wrenches? know how to adjust the cones? buhhh... maybe you already tried that, but if not, that would be the first thing I would do. I'm not sure if it would be a manufacturing defect, but its always possible.
#5
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
From: Richmond Virginia
Bikes: cannondale track bike
I don't own any cone wrenches, but i had a friend do that for me two weeks ago
also, i was advised to have my hubs repacked and regreased...I've never done that before, any idea on if it might help?
also, i was advised to have my hubs repacked and regreased...I've never done that before, any idea on if it might help?
#6
troglodyte

Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,291
Likes: 1
From: the tunnels
Bikes: Crust Romanceur, VO Polyvalent, Surly Steamroller, others?
Someone more experienced than I might give better advice, but... it sounds like your hubs might be a bit new to be repacked, although some people repack hubs as soon as they buy them. This might just be an issue of cone adjustment. Cone wrenches arent that expensive, find out what size you need and keep them around. Good to have. If you don't want to buy them, see if this guy can check the cone adjustment again. If you loosen them up gradually, and can't get the wheel to spin freely before it starts wobbling on the axle, then something is weird and you will probably have to take the bearings out, clean the bearing races and cones, inspect everything for flaws, and pack the BBs in with new grease.
#7
Me vs. The Rain

Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 271
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From: Stumptown, OR .... er Southern California
Bikes: Lugged steel
Do you have a brake on the front? Could be rubbing. I know that is intuitive, but you can't tell with some people.
Is this the cartridge bearing version or the loose ball bearings? Cartridge bearings always seem to have a good amount of drag, especially when new. They will break in after some time. Only with a finely crafted loose ball hub can you spin the wheel and have it keep spinning for ages - Think Campy Record, circa late 70's.
Good luck.
Is this the cartridge bearing version or the loose ball bearings? Cartridge bearings always seem to have a good amount of drag, especially when new. They will break in after some time. Only with a finely crafted loose ball hub can you spin the wheel and have it keep spinning for ages - Think Campy Record, circa late 70's.
Good luck.
#8
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
From: Richmond Virginia
Bikes: cannondale track bike
yeah, first thing i checked was to see if the brake pads were rubbing, but that's definitely not the issue...I've had the bike for about 13-15 months now, so everything should be pretty broken in...I mentioned earlier that I had stirpped the rear hub after 3 months. Looks like its time to take it to the bike shop after my next paycheck
you guys have been great, thanks for all the advice
you guys have been great, thanks for all the advice




