Loosening wheel bearings

craker
craker Posts: 1,739
edited December 2008 in MTB workshop & tech
What do you think, cheap (or damaged) hubs or bad maintenance?

They loosened over the summer, I spent an evening regreasing and tightening them, now there's play there again.

They're Bontragers of some sort - cheapish if the price I got them off ebay is anything to go by (£60 for the wheel pair).

I suppose is what I'm asking is are they worth getting to a bike shop for a maintenance job there? Dunno how much a hub service might be.

Comments

  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    How are you 'tightening' them? You mean adjusting? (with a cone spanner and spanner for locknut).

    If you have done correctly, the shop service will not offer anything you have not already done. Best to strip again and examine the bearings and cups/races. If pitted or you cannot adjust properly (eithe loose or bind), get new wheels.
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  • craker
    craker Posts: 1,739
    Yes tightening the cone then the locknut, I'm guessing there's not too much chance my locking has come loose (if it's locked now it ought to be in the position I locked it...)

    Stripping and regreasing again huh :o:o

    I want to be out riding..
  • robbarker
    robbarker Posts: 1,367
    The locknuts may not have been tightened sufficiently, or you may not have tightened the quick release as intended - this has the effect of clamping the whole plot together. The QR lever should start to bite at the 90 degree point.

    Some hubs have seperate bearing cups which can work loose, but I don't think Bonty hubs do - worth a check before buying a new wheel though.

    If all else fails it's new hub time, assuming the rim and spokes are OK, although it's always worth using new spokes IMHO given their relatively modest cost.

    Where are you in Monmouthshire by the way?
  • craker
    craker Posts: 1,739
    robbarker wrote:
    Where are you in Monmouthshire by the way?

    Shirenewton, on the road between Chepstow and Usk. I mostly get my bike over to Cwmcarn but there are some good trails that you can link up by road. I do hear tell of there being 'proper' cross country / dh trails in Wentwood but have yet to discover them...
  • robbarker
    robbarker Posts: 1,367
    You're just down the road from me. I have a workshop here if the wheel needs rebuilding or if you want me to take a look at the hub. PM me.

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