what size bearings for formula hubs?

dav1

I am going to bite the bullet and go for a full hub overhaul on my bike (has to be a first time for everything) and may as well spend a couple of quid on new bearings. Is it likly to be 1/4 in the rear and 3/16 at the front or something else?

also is the 99p a bag stuff good enough from my local DIY shop or does it need to be more specialist?

Thanks in advance

dave_hill

Don't buy cheap-arse bearings, they won't last five minutes. You might as well use those little silver balls that they use for decorating cakes.

Strip your hubs down and take a sample from both ends to your LBS or a local bearing dealer who will be able to give you the exact size (if you have a micrometer or vernier caliper of the right size you can measure them yourself). Don't forget to count how many in each side of each hub!

nicklouse

also check the condition of the cones and cups. if the cones are pitted replace. and if the cups are then new hub time....

If they are standard size then the info is on Parktools.

dav1

thanks for the advise. how much am i talking about for a new set of bearings for both wheels?

nicklouse

Dav1 wrote:

thanks for the advise. how much am i talking about for a new set of bearings for both wheels?

pence or the odd pound, it depends on what you get. Also which Formula hub as they do make (have made) a few different ones.

dav1

its unbranded off my giant Yukon. From what i read on-line it takes standard sizes.

I stupidly bought some 99p a bag bearings from a local hardware store with 20ish in a pack. I think I will be taking them back tomorrow and giving the LBS a ring.

I have some bearing play in the rear wheel so though instead of just adjusting ill go the whole hog.

I have had a look on park tools and in MBUK at how to do it and it looks easy enough. Was just hoping to have the stuff before I take the tools to it.