Should my front wheel hub make a noise when spinning?

pilsburypie
pilsburypie Posts: 891
edited March 2011 in MTB workshop & tech
Alright chaps - advice needed. I have a lefty hardtail that I use for my commute. I have noticed that the front brake feels a little juddery on braking. Thinking it was the brakes I bought the bike into the workshop (kitchen!) put it upside down and investigated. When spinning the front wheel it makes a noise. I can only describe it as a light grinding noise coming from the hub area, not really grinding like a bag of old bolts, just mild. It certainly isn't the brakes rubbing as I removed them. I just feel that the wheel spinning should be damn near silent but I can't remember what it was like originally! Don't notice the noise when riding due to general road and traffic noise.The back wheel sounds quiet except for the freewheel clicking....

I removed the wheel and it looks as if there are 2 lots of sealed bearings either side of the hub.

What do you lot recon? What do I need to do to fix it? Can I just get the bearings out or is it new hub and wheel build time?

Comments

  • ricardo_smooth
    ricardo_smooth Posts: 1,281
    fooked bearings is my bet.... change the bearings (you won't need to buy a new hub/wheel unless the bearing races are scored)
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    depends on the hub.

    guess it does not make the noise with the brakes removed.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • pilsburypie
    pilsburypie Posts: 891
    nicklouse wrote:
    depends on the hub.

    guess it does not make the noise with the brakes removed.
    The noise is there with the brakes removed....

    Not sure what the hub is - has SI system integration on it...... is it a Canondale special being a lefty and all?
  • pilsburypie
    pilsburypie Posts: 891
    ricardo_smooth wrote:
    fooked bearings is my bet.... change the bearings (you won't need to buy a new hub/wheel unless the bearing races are scored)
    Hmm may see if they come out? Might call a shop to see if they have replacements first and ask em how to do it
  • ricardo_smooth
    ricardo_smooth Posts: 1,281
    wel they will be cartridge or cup and cone type (my guess is cartridge). google it and you should find out.
  • ride_whenever
    ride_whenever Posts: 13,279
    I'm fairly sure all lefty hubs are cartridge bearings so knock the old ons out carefully and take to your local bearing shop.
    Neeermad
    Carbon 456
    456 lefty
    Pompino
    White Inbred
  • estampida
    estampida Posts: 1,008
    It sounds like the bearings, as the vibration is caused by the brake lifting the wheel.

    never taken 1 apart but worked on taper and stud axels, you get this strange rubbing when turning corners or slight juddering on braking.
  • pilsburypie
    pilsburypie Posts: 891
    Cheers chaps - TBH the bearings look just like this inside the hub...... If I get em out is there a way to tell what one is knackered or is it the done thing to replace both? £21 for both aint as bad as I thought...

    http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ebwPNLq ... tVersion=1

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