Cleaning and Re-Greasing Bearings

[Octet]

Well,

I thought it was about time I tried to do more than simply lubricating the chain and doing your average "aesthetic" clean of my bicycle (Raleigh Airlite 400 2011, with Shimano 105 Derrailleurs and Chainset), so I have decided to strip, clean and re-pack my wheel bearings.

Using information I have found on the internet, I think I have sussed it however I would appreciate some input or corrections.

For the front wheel, I will need a a 15 and 17mm spanner. To remove it, all I need to do is simply turn the two in opposite directions and then the entire inner piece shall slide out with bearings visible and ready to be cleaned and re-greased?

For the back wheel, I need a chain whip and a lockring removal tool as well as the 15 and 17mm spanners? I turn them in opposite directions and that removes the cassette, I then need to remove the jam and cone nuts using the spanners in the same way as the front?

When I come to re-assemble, how will I know if it is too tight? Is it simply a case of ensuring it spins freely whilst not being too lose?

Finally, how do I know if I have a sealed bearing on my bottom bracket, if not does this need stripping and re-greasing?
For all these various bearings, what sort of grease should I use? I have a tub of Lithium Grease however I don't know if this is too thin?

Thank you in advance!

 

[Shut Up Legs]

To remove the nuts on the rear hub, you'll need cone spanners (just very thin spanners, common sizes are 15 and 17mm). I normally use general-purpose bike grease. I wouldn't use the thin lithium grease, though (I have a spray can of this), because it might be too thin (but I'm no expert, and happy to be corrected on this).

As for the bottom bracket, the HT-II (Hollowtech II) cartridge ones typically look like mine below. Here's where I'd just removed both cranks, and was about to undo the 2 outer cartridges. You can also see the Park Tool BBT-3 bottom bracket tool.

 

[Octet]

To remove the nuts on the rear hub, you'll need cone spanners (just very thin spanners, common sizes are 15 and 17mm). I normally use general-purpose bike grease. I wouldn't use the thin lithium grease, though (I have a spray can of this), because it might be too thin (but I'm no expert, and happy to be corrected on this).

As for the bottom bracket, the HT-II (Hollowtech II) cartridge ones typically look like mine below. Here's where I'd just removed both cranks, and was about to undo the 2 outer cartridges. You can also see the Park Tool BBT-3 bottom bracket tool.

Ah right, thanks for the information!

I'm currently filling my Wiggle shopping basket with the various tools I think I need:

Lockring Tool
Cone Spanners (both 15 and 17mm)
Chain Whip

From what I can gather, my BB is sealed so it can't be serviced (unless I'm mistaken) and it doesn't need replacing as of yet.

The Lithium Grease I have certainly can't be sprayed, it's almost the consistency of warm Vaseline, in truth I think it is designed for wheel bearings but I've read so many mixed views, including some saying it will harden.

 

[lpretro1]

Unless you have a very old bike the bb will be a sealed unit - whether it be a square taper one or external cups - neither can be serviced. Just fit new. Recommedn you use a teflon based grease rather than lithium - that goes to powder after a while and not as water-resistant.

 

[gbb]

Regarding the hubs, are they quick release axles or solid ?
quick release axles are a little trickier to adjust...if you adjust them 'just right', then fit the wheel and tighten the QR...it nips the axle a tiny bit and the hubs will then be a bit tight. The knack is to adjust them JUST a bit loose, then when you tighten the QR, theyre just right.
First time I did mine, it took a few adjusts to get them just right.

 

[Octet]

Regarding the hubs, are they quick release axles or solid ?
quick release axles are a little trickier to adjust...if you adjust them 'just right', then fit the wheel and tighten the QR...it nips the axle a tiny bit and the hubs will then be a bit tight. The knack is to adjust them JUST a bit loose, then when you tighten the QR, theyre just right.
First time I did mine, it took a few adjusts to get them just right.

They're Quick Release, thanks for the suggestion about keeping the hubs a bit loose.

 

[simon.r]

Regarding the hubs, are they quick release axles or solid ?
quick release axles are a little trickier to adjust...if you adjust them 'just right', then fit the wheel and tighten the QR...it nips the axle a tiny bit and the hubs will then be a bit tight. The knack is to adjust them JUST a bit loose, then when you tighten the QR, theyre just right.
First time I did mine, it took a few adjusts to get them just right.

Good advice, I was just about to post something very similar.