Pro 2 freehub bearings.!

TommyK
TommyK Posts: 177
edited May 2010 in MTB workshop & tech
Hello peeps,

Firstly I would like to say how brilliant Hope have been with the issue, they have offered to have the hub back for inspection/service. Only problem is that I have racing to do at the moment and no spare wheel.

My freehub bearings started squealing after 4 months and not many miles, I removed and replaced then as per instructions (using very little force, correct size bearing driver, sockets and hope seal tool.) I thoroughly cleaned and regreased the pawls, ratchet, O rings and spacers I replaced the drive side seal. I only pushed on the outer shell of the bearings and NOT the seal or inner race. Hub was smooth and quiet for all of 3 weeks before the 3 new frehub bearings all squeal again and are starting to feel notchy. The bearings are still clean and dry and look new from the outside, I looked inside the seals on the cartridges and they seem to have very little grease in them, a bit late now though!

I have searched the forums and double checked the Hope video (can't see freehub service on there) I have just ordered a set of higher quality SKF & NKE bearings, hoping that maybe I got a duff bunch of bearings.

I keep the bike clean and tidy but never use a pressure washer, I only use diluted Sh1t shifter (hope's own) I don't use solvents on the drive train. I also weigh 10stone ride forest terrain and Xc race courses, no jumps, rocks or really rough stuff.

Really don't get it, I do have a new Ti frame and run Ti skewers if the flexing could be an issue? never had a problem before though. In fact I've never had hub problems like this before, I've always just replaced bearings/seals periodically and been fine.

Can anybody shed any light on the situation?

Cheers, Tom.
-Monkey-like creature, only with less digits!!-

http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/1835856/

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    are you sure it is actually the bearings?

    3 free hub bearings? I thought there were only two and then 2 in the hub? a typo?
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • TommyK
    TommyK Posts: 177
    Hi Nick,

    Definitely the bearings (outer 15 x 28 x 7mm one off, inners 15 x 24 x 5mm two off) I can turn them in my hand and hear the squealing and feel they're notchy/rough. I blamed my disc then my chain and eventually stripped the hub and found rough bearings. The two smaller innner freehub bearings ar pressed together at the pawl end.
    -Monkey-like creature, only with less digits!!-

    http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/1835856/
  • anjs
    anjs Posts: 486
    Is the axel bent at all?
  • TommyK
    TommyK Posts: 177
    I hope not, I haven't had the axle out yet because only the freehub bearings are playing up. Surely the skewer wouldn't want to pass through if it was bent, I suppose it wouldn't have to be much? I have had the verniers out and the axle end is round and not worn. I just tok the seal out of the cartridge bearings and worked some grease right through them, they seemed awfully dry inside. Let's see how long this cures it, minutes, hours or days is my guess! :(
    -Monkey-like creature, only with less digits!!-

    http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/1835856/