Front hub seizing

[lejogger]

Alright chaps.

Was fiddling in the garage yesterday fitting a new Garmin speed sensor, and noticed that the front wheel didn't spin for very long at all. The brake pads were nowhere near the rim so it seemed like some stiffness in the hub.

Left it, and it slipped my mind until midway through the commute when I felt the hub really stiffen up and I thought I was going to have to walk the rest of the way. But then all of a sudden it freed itself with a bit of groaning and then seemed fine for the rest of the journey. Gave it a spin at the lights and it seemed fine.

My initial thoughts are that it's something to do with the pre-load on the hub, or possibly an over-tight skewer (although I don't think it's that tight). Anyone had anything similar or know what it might be?

Will obviously have a better look when I get home, but am thinking a hub service might be called for. Terrified I'll get down to the bike rack shortly and it will be completely seized

(Fulcrum Quattros by the way)

 

[Illaveago]

It could be the caged bearings breaking up, but you wont really know until strip it down. It sounds as though something has found its way into where it shouldn't be and has either been worn away or has moved.

 

[Illaveago]

Yes I hate the things ! I prefer the where's that little bearing gone. Oh there he is! Ones.

 

[accountantpete]

I think the Quattro's have sealed bearings.

May be worth

a) checking for play in the wheel

and

b) taking the axle off and try turning each bearing with you thumb to see how smooth they are.

 

[Illaveago]

Whatever the case whether caged, sealed, or loose it looks like you'll possibly need some new bearings.

 

[Mobytek]

Probs going to be one of the balls that has failed and shattered inside the race. This leaves shards of metal in the race that get stuck under and around the remaining balls causing them to skid around, not roll.

Either way, you'll need to stri doen the hubs - if you are competent yourself or you LBS.

Novere seen cages bearings in a hub! Loose is the norm, cartridge in high end hubs. Normally only find cages in headsets and some BB.

 

[Illaveago]

Sorry I was getting mixed up with Bottom bracket and steering head bearings.

 

[lejogger]

Thanks for all the replies chaps. I have put them through their paces over the past couple of years so a good service is definitely due.

I usually do all my own maintenance, but wheels have always confused me. I did strip down the rear hub once and it scared me how many bits and bobs I needed to remember to put back in! So maybe I'll let the LBS handle this one

 

[Mobytek]

Shame youre not down this way - I'd happily show you how to do it. No probs with those that do actually know what they are doing be taught.