Slight grinding noise from new Ultegra 6800 front hub

[toontra]

Just bought a new wheelset from ProBikeKit and gave them a test spin in the hand before fitting. There is a definite, but slight, grinding/fouling noise every rotation which is coming from the hub.

What should I do - return or try to fix and risk buggering them up even more?

 

[accountantpete]

Are they worse than other bearing and cone hubs that you have had in the past and do they rotate without coming to an abrupt halt?

The Ultegra hubs have loose bearings and cones which are a little bit noisier than sealed bearings and you can feel a bit more friction as well - this is down to the preload (how tight you set the locknut) so it may be normal or perhaps they have been slightly overtightened.

I don't think anything will have been damaged - if they spin well enough I'd keep them.

 

[dan_bo]

 

[fossyant]

Could be a little tight.

 

[toontra]

Thanks for the reply. No, they seem to spin unhindered but the noise is a bit louder now I've mounted them on a bike (upside down). Maybe the frame amplifying the noise.

I'm just looking at a video showing how to adjust the bearings and thinking of giving it a go.

 

[accountantpete]

Thanks for the reply. No, they seem to spin unhindered but the noise is a bit louder now I've mounted them on a bike (upside down). Maybe the frame amplifying the noise.

I'm just looking at a video showing how to adjust the bearings and thinking of giving it a go.

Don't forget that the bearings usually come with a gap - eg 9 bearings in a race designed for 10 - so as you spin the wheel unloaded the bearings are moving around the race and clanking into each other and generally making a lot of noise.

Also if you adjust them you may get some play which is worse.

 

[toontra]

I've never noticed a noise like this from any other Mavic, Ultegra or Dura Ace hubs I've owned before, even after a few thousand miles, so it's a bit un-nerving.

 

[Ajax Bay]

Since you've bought them new, return them, and get them to send you a set which rolls smooth without a load (ie in the hand). You may well be able to fix them (as above) but if that doesn't work and you then decide to send them back you risk them saying that you've caused the problem. ProBikeKit returns policy for defective goods is straightforward.

 

[toontra]

I've sent a message to ProBikeKit - see what they say.

 

[Onyer]

I've sent a message to ProBikeKit - see what they say.

That is the best option. I have had these wheels in the past and they should run sweet and silent. I would return them rather than trying to fix them.

 

[toontra]

Just an update - the grinding ceased after spinning them on an upside-down bike for a few minutes over a couple of days. Just the bearings bedding in I guess.

HOWEVER, I really can't get on with these and will be returning them anyway. I tried mounting Pro4 tyres and it was a bloody nightmare - firstly just to get the tyre on the rim but more importantly getting the bead seated in the tubeless ridge. It meant using detergent brushed around the rim and then pumping to 110 psi. No way I could do that at the roadside with a hand pump, so they have to go back I'm afraid.

Nice wheels but not for me.

I've replaced them with Dura Ace C24's. Tyres go on easy and they are things of great beauty!

 

[Smurfy]

My experience is that bearings in new hubs/bikes are often not very well adjusted. I always strip, install high quality grease and adjust before riding a new bike.