Hub servicing problems

[accountantpete]

The grease soon spreads away from the contact area on the race on the cone and hub - that is normal.

Any old grease will do - some are a bit smoother than others but all do the basic job.

The one thing you need to master is the tightening of the locknut. You can't simply tighten up the locknut to the cone.

You need to tighten up the cone so that the bearings just start to feel rough (ie overtightened). Then tighten up the locknut right up to the cone.

To finish you then simultaneously undo the cone and tighten the locknut into each other.

This provides a "lock" which keeps everything in place and should also slightly undo the cone - meaning that the bearings no longer feel rough.

It takes a bit of practise to get the wheel just right as regards the free rotation of the hub with no play.

 

[robjh]

Thanks to all who offered advice on this.
I watched some youtube clips, bought a second cone spanner and practised tightening the cone to the locknut, and after a few goes was happy with the result. It's now been running just fine for 2 weeks. So that's another skill learnt then

 

[Smurfy]

Best way to ensure the cone adjustment is correct when under compression from the quick release:
1. Add washers to the spindle to simulate the wheel being between the dropouts
2. Install the quick release and do it up tightly against the washers to simulate the bearings being compressed between the dropouts
3. Turn the spindle by hand checking for roughness or play, it should be silky smooth, if not remove the quick release and washers and adjust again
4. When the adjustment is correct, remove washers and install wheel in frame

Edit: You can do this in five minutes if you suspect problems, but don't want to strip the hub for nothing. Much easier and quicker!