Hub problems

[Fmitch]

Hi all. My front hub seems to be 'loose'. When I stand over the bike i can move it left to right only slightly but it is certainly noticeable. How can I fix this, should I send it to the LBS?

 

[Herzog]

Sounds like your cones may need adjusting (what kind of hub is it?). Do you have access to any cone spanners, or know of a friend who can carry out repairs. If not, a trip to the LBS may be in order.

 

[accountantpete]

Try tightening up the QR slightly so that it is reasonably difficult to lock - see if that cures it. If not then as Herzog says it's probably best to take it to the LBS>

 

[Fmitch]

Its definitely not the QR. I guess it's the cones then might just send it to the LBS for a true and tighten. Not sure what kind of hub it is. how much do u reckon they will charge for this service.
P.s your advice is much appreciatied.

 

[accountantpete]

Its definitely not the QR. I guess it's the cones then might just send it to the LBS for a true and tighten. Not sure what kind of hub it is. how much do u reckon they will charge for this service.
P.s your advice is much appreciatied.

Don't know of the cost as I do everything myself - but it should only take 5 mins max to adjust the cones.

However if the wheel is a few years old then the play may have been caused by wear - in which case a full service/new bearings may be required (best outcome) or a new hub /new wheel needed (worst outcome).

 

[Herzog]

Agreed, provinding everything is in reasonable nick it's an easy job and nothing needs to be replaced. Let us know how you get on.

 

[lpretro1]

About £8-9 for labour plus cost of bearings (£2-3)

 

[Fmitch]

Well the shop was closed after I finished work so I had a go at tightening the cones but I found this impossible as I could neither loosen or tighten the cones. Are they always so tight? The hub is in good condition so it's not rusted to the axle.

 

[betty swollocks]

Good old Sheldon!!

 

[accountantpete]

Well the shop was closed after I finished work so I had a go at tightening the cones but I found this impossible as I could neither loosen or tighten the cones. Are they always so tight? The hub is in good condition so it's not rusted to the axle.

They are supposed to be tight so they don't come undone.

On each end of the axle you should find two nuts with flattened sides - all you need to do is work on one side.

Put a cone spanner on the inner nut(which h is the cone) and undo the outer nut(the locknut). Then tighten up the inner nut a fraction so that there is no play.

Finally tighten the outer nut up to the inner nut and then simultaneously tighten the outer and unscrew the inner.

This has the effect of locking the cone in place.

You may find that this last action has re-introduced play into the hub - if so tighten up the cone a little more than you think is necessary and repeat.

 

[andrew_s]

There should be a small amount of detectable play in a properly adjusted hub when the wheel isn't in the bike. This will disappear when the QR is tightened up. If there's no play with the wheel out of the bike, the bearings will be too tight with the wheel in place, and ignoring this can damage the hub.
Judging the correct tightness when locking the cone against the locknut takes a bit of practice, and you may have to have several attempts before you get it right.

You should adjust the cone that's on the left side of the bike.
If the left locknut comes loose, the bearings loosen and you get a slightly wobbly wheel. The QR will stop it undoing very far.
If the right locknut comes loose, the cone can screw itself into the bearings and tighten them up so much the wheel won't go round without a lot of effort. This isn't good for the wheel, as well as making it hard to get home.