How much wobble from the hub is safe/normal?

[Hawk]

Hi guys,

Got a bike that's done about 400 miles. Noticed as I got in today that my rear wheel has a bit of give in it, it can be shaken from side to side, a distance of about 2mm at the circumference of the wheel. Checked the quick release skewers etc and have discovered that the hub, through which my quick release skewer runs, has a give of maybe 0.5-1mm in it from side to side.

I compared this to my front wheel which has zero visible give of this sort.

Is this normal, is it safe and would I be wise to take it to a mechanic while I'm still under warranty?

Thanks
Anton

 

[steve52]

not normal

 

[HovR]

There shouldn't be any play between the hub and the axle, however it is fairly easy to fix. Your LBS will be able to do it, or alternatively you can do it yourself with the right tools.

Do your wheels use cup and cone bearings, or cartridge? If you're not sure, the picture below might help. Credit to Sheldon Brown.

 

[Hawk]

I believe it to be a cartridge, but can't be certain. I know cartridges are more difficult to get at; off the the LBS it is I think!

Thanks for the help

 

[accountantpete]

A quick fix is to tighten up the QR skewers a tad more.

When fine tuning a hub you will find that closing the QR can tighten up the cones - so a trick is to leave a little play in the hub which will then be taken up by the QR.

If there is still play after you have tried this then a little cone adjustment will be needed.

 

[HovR]

As accountantpete said, if your bike uses cup and cones all that is needed is a little bit of tightening of the cones. Not sure about cartridge bearings, as I've never used them!

 

[Hawk]

Thanks all, vastly appreciated responses

 

[Hawk]

Sorry, just one more thing (I promise to stop bugging you all after this).

Does anyone know whether this is a safety hazard or just something that might slow me down a little? I need my bike this weekend for around 60miles; do you think it is safe enough to use?

Thanks
Anton

 

[fossyant]

It should be OK - TBH 2 minute fix if you have the tools - very similar process for cartridge or cup/cone bearings !

 

[Hawk]

It should be OK - TBH 2 minute fix if you have the tools - very similar process for cartridge or cup/cone bearings !

Thanks very much, I hope one day to attain such a level of technical ability in bike repair but for now, aligning a brakepad and adjusting gears is about the limit of my skill.

Cheers