Replace front hub

ranvir
ranvir Posts: 155
edited January 2009 in MTB workshop & tech
I have noticed that the bearings have started to wear out on the fromt hub. Would it be possible just to replace the hub itself or would i have to replace the spokes aswell. Also is it a difficult DIY job

Comments

  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    The new hub would have to be exactly the same dimensions. Old spokes would be fine, but you would have rebuild the wheel entirely.

    Can't you just service the hub?
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    if you replace the with the same hub you can reuse the spokes. wheel building is a skill.

    why not just replace the bearings? what is the hub?
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • ranvir
    ranvir Posts: 155
    thanks for quick reply. i will take it in to LBS and see what they say.
  • Thewaylander
    Thewaylander Posts: 8,594
    You can replace most bearings in hubs easily enough, i do my shimano hubs bout 1-2times a year cos wales is full of water and grit.. and shimano seals suck.
  • dave_hill
    dave_hill Posts: 3,877
    ranvir wrote:
    I have noticed that the bearings have started to wear out on the fromt hub. Would it be possible just to replace the hub itself or would i have to replace the spokes aswell. Also is it a difficult DIY job

    What type of hub? Why not just repalce the bearings?

    If you're going to replace the whole hub then you'll have to have a new wheel built - which means a new rim and spokes too!
    Give a home to a retired Greyhound. Tia Greyhound Rescue
    Help for Heroes
    JayPic
  • davree
    davree Posts: 93
    dave_hill wrote:
    ranvir wrote:
    I have noticed that the bearings have started to wear out on the fromt hub. Would it be possible just to replace the hub itself or would i have to replace the spokes aswell. Also is it a difficult DIY job

    What type of hub? Why not just repalce the bearings?

    If you're going to replace the whole hub then you'll have to have a new wheel built - which means a new rim and spokes too!

    No it doesn't!! maybe new spokes depending on the condition and whether the hub is replaced by the exact same type but the rim can be re-used. :D
    '08 Stinky and an old Saracen X-tort Single speed

    "It would not be at all strange if history came to the conclusion that the perfection of the bicycle was the greatest incident of the nineteenth century"
  • dave_hill
    dave_hill Posts: 3,877
    davree wrote:
    No it doesn't!! maybe new spokes depending on the condition and whether the hub is replaced by the exact same type but the rim can be re-used. :D

    Have you ever seen a rim when it's been unlaced? No? They tend to go like a crisp... :roll:
    Give a home to a retired Greyhound. Tia Greyhound Rescue
    Help for Heroes
    JayPic
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    dave_hill wrote:
    davree wrote:
    No it doesn't!! maybe new spokes depending on the condition and whether the hub is replaced by the exact same type but the rim can be re-used. :D

    Have you ever seen a rim when it's been unlaced? No? They tend to go like a crisp... :roll:

    nope, not if you know what you are doing and unbuild the wheel.

    like i said if the hub is the same there is no issues with using the same spokes and rim.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • Ghengis
    Ghengis Posts: 90
    I always thought there must be some kind of dark art involved with building wheels - rubbish!! I've just replaced my XT rear hub with no previous experience just following the instructions from Bikeradar. Wheel is true and working fine. Far easier than I thought it would be - might have been a different story if I had wanted a different hub and therefore new spokes. But definately worth giving it a go - just take your time and work through the instructions found on here, they are really quite good. It was so simple that I'm about to buy a new front hub to replace the worn out Specialized one I have on an old set of wheels. Even if you lace it up and take it to your LBS to be trued you will get some satisfaction from having a go.
    Nearly there, just over this hill and round the next corner...

    2005 Specialized Rockhopper Disc
    2009 Giant Defy 2.5
  • dave_hill
    dave_hill Posts: 3,877
    nicklouse wrote:
    dave_hill wrote:
    davree wrote:
    No it doesn't!! maybe new spokes depending on the condition and whether the hub is replaced by the exact same type but the rim can be re-used. :D

    Have you ever seen a rim when it's been unlaced? No? They tend to go like a crisp... :roll:

    nope, not if you know what you are doing and unbuild the wheel.

    like i said if the hub is the same there is no issues with using the same spokes and rim.

    You do what you do, I'll do what I do - I'd NEVER re-use a rim.... :shock: :D
    Give a home to a retired Greyhound. Tia Greyhound Rescue
    Help for Heroes
    JayPic
  • Ghengis
    Ghengis Posts: 90
    I didn't 'unbuild' my wheel, I just wizzed off the nipples with cordless screwdriver and it fell apart. The rim stayed straight-ish and all the spokes and rim were re-used. I did contemplate new spokes or rim but couldn't buy them for the money it would cost to buy a complete wheel from Merlin. I guess if everything looks to be OK then why not reuse it. Bits are expensive enough without unneccesary replacement.
    Nearly there, just over this hill and round the next corner...

    2005 Specialized Rockhopper Disc
    2009 Giant Defy 2.5
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    It is best to unbuild if you plan to reuse the parts. And they can be reused. Old spokes are good spokes due to being 'stress relieved'. This is eplained here:

    http://yarchive.net/bike/spoke_reuse.html