using ceramic balls to resurrect tired hubs?

Airmiles
Airmiles Posts: 101
edited April 2009 in Workshop
I once read a theory that adding ceramic balls to a standard cup'n'cone bearing would lap out any irregularities, the balls being harder than the races.

Is there any truth to this?

My old 105 rear hub suffered somewhat over the winter (more salt than grease :oops: ) & although I've now got new wheels for training it'd make sense to keep that set of wheels for commuting if the hub could be persuaded to limp on a little longer....

Thanks

Miles
I'm not saying pedestrians in Hackney are stupid.. but a fixed bayonet would be more use than a fixed gear...

Comments

  • pliptrot
    pliptrot Posts: 582
    Rough bearings are rough bearings, and harder balls just wear the races quicker. I suspect that if you pruge the bearings with grease regularly -or oil very regularly- then you'll wear the races better; but don't expect great improvement. Ceramic is a marketing term, first and foremost.
  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    The cost of the ceramic balls will probably be more than the price of a new hub...if the balls are rough and pitted then the races will be too.
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..