Help needed with fixing kids bike!

[dave_79]

don't know if you have any ideas on this?.....

been getting my sons bike ready to ride again for spring and noticed that the front wheel isn't turning true. Took it off to check the axle etc, seemed ok at first but then noticed that one of the bearing cages is shot, so on the side that should be flat its bumpy. Went to an LBS and was told that you don't actually need the cage as the bearings are only housed in them for ease of assembly, and you can just put the bearings in loose as long as you grease beneath and above them, so he gave me some new bearings for £1

I tried it and put the wheel on and now it won't turn freely and is very stiff to turn at all. Any ideas? I tried packing the balls in tight and tried taking one out and either way the wheel won't turn properly. I'm not all that knowledgable about bikes but i was confident i could do it and like to try myself before i pay someone to do it!

What i think maybe possible is......

• The axle cones are a little bent but not hugely out of shape - would this affect it?
• Having the bearings caged might help?
• I need to get a new wheel and if so will any bike shop stock a 14" kids wheel or will i need to order one?
• I don't know what i'm doing and should eat humble pie and take it to the LBS

What do you think?
Thanks
Dave

 

[mickle]

It sounds like you've overtightened the cones on the axle. Squashing the bearings. Back the cones off a bit until the axle turns feely without any play.

 

[guitarpete247]

Getting the cone setting is a matter of trial and error. If it is too loose the wheel will have some side to side movement. Too tight and it will feel like grit in the bearing. As mickle and Arkwright says "Just jig-jig-jig-jiggle it."

 

[dave_79]

It sounds like you've overtightened the cones on the axle. Squashing the bearings. Back the cones off a bit until the axle turns feely without any play.

Getting the cone setting is a matter of trial and error. If it is too loose the wheel will have some side to side movement. Too tight and it will feel like grit in the bearing. As mickle and Arkwright says "Just jig-jig-jig-jiggle it."

thanks guys - just had another look at it and yes i had overtightened the cones, it seems obvious now but i really had no idea what to do next. My balls are now no longer squashed