Wheel Cone Adjustment Query

jedi_master
jedi_master Posts: 888
edited October 2007 in MTB workshop & tech
I used to adjust the cones when the wheel was out of the frame and never took into account the compresion from the quick release clamp. So that guide on parks site was really helpful, the query i have though which it doesn't seem to mention on parks site is this, after adjusting the cone like they show with the wheel locked ,no play spining nice and smooth, the wheel when removed from the frame due to there now being no compression the wheel is ment to have a very tiny bit of play?

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    not really.

    there should be just no play.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • jedi_master
    jedi_master Posts: 888
    Sorry my bad, i should really read the whole thing rather than skip to the bits i want. Just read further up the guide which i didn't read before and it says

    "Quick release hubs have hollow axles that flex slightly when the quick release is closed. Hub bearing adjustments must account for this extra pressure. When a quick release hub is not clamped tight in the frame, there should be a slight amount of play in the axle. This play disappears when the hub and wheel are clamped in the frame.

    To test if a hub in your bike has an adequate adjustment, grab the wheel while it is still in the frame and pull it side to side laterally. Turn wheel and test again, feeling for a knocking sensation. If no play is felt, remove the wheel. Grab the axle (not the skewer) and rock it up and down to check for play. If the axle has play when the wheel is outside the bike, but no play inside the bike, the adjustment is adequate. If there is no play in the axle when the wheel is outside the bike, the adjustment is too tight, even if the axle seems to turn smoothly when out of the bike."
  • The Spiderman
    The Spiderman Posts: 5,625
    To save you taking the wheel in and out of the frame,one dodge is to tighten the q/r down on to a ring spanner,to test for play,once the axle is adjusted and compressed.The Ring spanner acts as the frame drop out.
    2006 Giant XTC
    2010 Giant Defy Advanced
    2016 Boardman Pro 29er
    2016 Pinnacle Lithium 4
    2017 Canondale Supersix Evo
  • jedi_master
    jedi_master Posts: 888
    The Spiderman wrote:
    To save you taking the wheel in and out of the frame,one dodge is to tighten the q/r down on to a ring spanner,to test for play,once the axle is adjusted and compressed.The Ring spanner acts as the frame drop out.

    Nice idea...
  • The Spiderman
    The Spiderman Posts: 5,625
    Obviously its best if you find a spanner the same thickness ,as the drop out.
    2006 Giant XTC
    2010 Giant Defy Advanced
    2016 Boardman Pro 29er
    2016 Pinnacle Lithium 4
    2017 Canondale Supersix Evo

Categories