Cones need adjusting or bearings shot?

M6TTF
M6TTF Posts: 602
edited March 2009 in MTB workshop & tech
Hi there - just washed down my bike and noticed a bit of play if I grab the wheel top and bottom and move it side to side, the rear more than the front. They're only 7 months old, is it likely to be just the cones? I took the wheel out and it seemed ok but the play is definitely there back in the frame. It's a fuel ex 7 btw


Cheers

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    and the hubs are?
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • M6TTF
    M6TTF Posts: 602
    Bontrager, don't know what model they are tuough
  • Dirtydog11
    Dirtydog11 Posts: 1,621
    If they are cup and cone it sounds like they need adjusting.

    If your not mechanically minded ( I take it your not otherwise you wouldn't be asking the question) I would take it to your LBS and get them to have a look at it.

    After 7 months I would say that they (the hubs) are probably due for a service(degrease, regrease and adjust).

    Obviously you can do it yourself but you would need to buy some grease and some cone spanners. I can tell you from experience that adjusting is a bit of a hit and miss affair.

    A small amount of play is normal but should disappear when you tighten up the quick release. ie there's a fine line between too tight and too loose.

    It takes patience and quite a bit of trial and error to get them just right.


    Kinesis Maxlight XC

    Orange 5 AM Custom
  • M6TTF
    M6TTF Posts: 602
    I'm not too bad with a spanner, it's just been a few years since I did it! What would it be if they aren't cup and cone then?
  • Dirtydog11
    Dirtydog11 Posts: 1,621
    If they're not cup and cone they will be cartridge bearings which aren't serviceable.

    They would need to be pressed out, although you can knock em out with a socket of suitable size and replacements then fitted.

    Its my bets they're cup and cone as I would not expect play in cartridge bearings after only 7 months.

    Cup and cone do require a bit more fettling than the cartridge type which are fit and forget.


    Have a look here loads of useful info and servicing guides


    http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=105


    Kinesis Maxlight XC

    Orange 5 AM Custom
  • Great Ayton
    Great Ayton Posts: 337
    If there only 7 months old take them back to the shop you got them from. They really should not give you any problems after such shorter time.
  • M6TTF
    M6TTF Posts: 602
    yeah, just easier sorting out yourself if you can, otherwise it means chucking it in the car etc... done a bit of digging and I think the hubs use sealed cartridges, so i guess it's jut a case of nipping up the nuts....?
  • Dirtydog11
    Dirtydog11 Posts: 1,621
    If they're cartridge bearings there will be no adjustment.

    If they're cup and cone then yes probably just need nipping up .

    Have a look at the previous link I have posted for the Park Tools website it shows you how to adjust the cones.


    Also have a look at this link you can download the service manual for your hubs. It covers all models. Just click on the PDF that says download the complete users guide.


    http://safemanuals.com/user-guide-instructions-owner-manual/BONTRAGER/HUB%20MANU



    Kinesis Maxlight XC

    Orange 5 AM Custom
  • brownix
    brownix Posts: 115
    ive just adjusted mine to get the play out of them
    and im gonna rebuild them at the weekend
    adjustings a pretty easy job if you ask me, so just look on the park tools website and give it a shot. (if you have cup and cone hubs)

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