Grinding noise from rear wheel

rodgers73

My rear wheel does not spin as easily as it should when lifted off the ground and spun by hand, and I get a slight grinding noise when freewheeling on the road.

I'm guessing my bearings need greasing/cleaning?

Is any serious harm going to come to me or the bike if I ride it tomorrow for 40-50 miles? I'm planning a wheel upgrade in the next couple of weeks and these will become emergency replacements once that happens. I just haven't got time to sort it tonight.

I did a 68 mile sportive on it last Saturday and it was ok, apart from the noise. I think this stems from riding in the really bad wet weather we had weekend before last (lots of water was ridden through and sprayed up onto the hub)

Twostage

Does sound like bearings. I once got the same symptoms at the beginning of a 100 mile ride. Finally got round to sorting it out the following weekend after a week of commuting. The bearings were brown with rust. I cleaned and re-greased and ordered replacement bearings.

rodgers73

OK, thanks - will have a look tonight

ugo.santalucia

If it's grinding, most likely the bearings need replacing and it's not just a lubrication issue... once they get worn/rusty there is no lubrican that can bring them back. Which hubs are they?

rodgers73

I've no idea - they're Alex Rims S500. Bog standard stuff that came with the bike when I bought it in 2010

ugo.santalucia

rodgers73 wrote:

I've no idea - they're Alex Rims S500. Bog standard stuff that came with the bike when I bought it in 2010

I'm asking as if it's cone and balls, probably the cone is cracked and there is little you can do, unless you find a replacement cone, which are like hen's teeth... if it's a sealed bearing, then you should be able to find a replacement bearing for a few quid... provided your LBS wants to replace it
Real grinding suggests the former case... if a new hub is needed, then it's best to go for a whole new wheel as rims and spokes are typically shorter lived than the hub.

That said, it's difficult to do a diagnosis based on your description only and maybe it's just lack of grease...

rodgers73

Yes, it isnt a loud noise. It's just noticable rather than anything alarming. I'll stick some more grease in before the Fred Whitton and hope it holds out ok!

cycleclinic

Well cons do not often crack but they do wear and often need changin. You might be lucky though and new bearings and grease will be all thats needed. If new cones are needed wheels manufacturing make a whole plethora of replacemnt cones for shimano and others. So long as the replecement cone has the same profile and has the same diemensions as the original it will work. Given the number they make there is a high chance that they make one that will work. I keep, as I am sure other shops do, a complete selection of these cones so I can service most hubs. Some however do not use a cones that I keep in stock and I have to search elsewhere. Everything is findable though.