Wheel hub preload/preload adjustment - [scratches head]

[Cyclist33]

Hi

Not that I'm about to tweak my hubs (oo er) in fact I don't think I have preload adjustable ones anyway... but what on earth does any of this mean? I'm not mechanically/engineering minded and it all just feels like goobeldegock to me.

Have tried reading the article by Jobst Verth on the sheldonbrown website but am none the wiser!

Can anyone with an ability to explain science to thick sods help?

Ta

Stu

 

[accountantpete]

Preload is shorthand for tightening up the cones until the bearings run freely but there is no movement in the axle.

Wheels that do not have traditional cups and cones but rather an oversized axle and sealed bearings may have have a preload adjuster which basically does the same thing. If there is no preload adjuster and you get movement then you simply replace the bearing.

 

[gwhite]

It really is important that you get this right as too tight will cause premature wearing of your bearings.

Again, if you have Quick Release axles then there should be a tiny amount of play prior to tightening the QR cams.

 

[MacB]

It's a feel thing same as a headset or external BB, the idea is that you tighten to optimum performance - in simple terms not too tight and not too loose - in real terms we guess and probably get better at it over time