Campagnolo wheelset, brand new, bearing notchy?

PLuKE

Hi

I have bought some Campagnolo Bullet wheelset, and I love them.

But the rear bearing has a notch in it both sides, it's not a big one. The wheels spin free, and nice pendulum effect. It's not smooth like the front when spinning the wheel when holding the axle.

Also found the front has a notchy feel, when moving the axle very slow. But spins free and smooth as butter.

The bike feel quicker, and free wheels lovely.

The wheelset uses cartridge bearing, and the wheelset is brand new.

Ideas?

Luke

ugo.santalucia

Campagnolo and cartridge bearings... is this where the world has come to?

PLuKE

Is there really any benifit over cup and cone.

Luke

ugo.santalucia

PLuKE wrote:

Is there really any benifit over cup and cone.

Luke

Are you sure they are not cup and cone?

PLuKE

No, cartridge like my Campag Scirocco's

Buckie2k5

Loosen the bearing preload slightly, the little disc with the allen bolt on it screws onto the axle. It should just be tight enough so there is no play. Too tight it feels notchy. (if it is the same setup as fulcrum cartridge.)

ugo.santalucia

Gosh, they are really packing up in Vicenza... can't even be bothered to make their own bearings... how sad... Shimano still does!

As above, if you have a preload cap, loosen it slightly

PLuKE

Buckie2k5 wrote:

Loosen the bearing preload slightly, the little disc with the allen bolt on it screws onto the axle. It should just be tight enough so there is no play. Too tight it feels notchy. (if it is the same setup as fulcrum cartridge.)

The Bullets don't have the preload cap. There 100% seal cartridge bearings, as per Campags site and my knowledge friend.

Luke

PLuKE

Thanks

I have found the very slight notch, and then tried pushing down on the axle where the notch is and I can't feel it.

I have heard that bearings can be like this, once load is applied then there fine. Like I said, spin perfect, and the wheel finds the heavy part.

Will Campag replace bearings once they have worn from a manufacturing problem?

Luke

JayKosta

If the wheels 'pendulum' nicely without any trouble caused by the slightly 'notchy' feeling, then I wouldn't worry about it. Bearings and the races take a pounding from bumps and potholes.
If possible, it might be worthwhile to clean and re-lube the bearings. Perhaps a small piece of grit is causing the notchy feeling.

Jay Kosta
Endwell NY USA

lesfirth

JayKosta wrote:

If the wheels 'pendulum' nicely without any trouble caused by the slightly 'notchy' feeling, then I wouldn't worry about it. Bearings and the races take a pounding from bumps and potholes.
If possible, it might be worthwhile to clean and re-lube the bearings. Perhaps a small piece of grit is causing the notchy feeling.

Jay Kosta
Endwell NY USA

I would expect the bearings to be smooth as silk. Either use them a bit and check them again or take them back now. Do not even think about cleaning and re-lubeing .