Replacement bearings

Shtukka

Folks,
please could someone give me a steer on replacing the bearings on my stock Planet X wheels? They are Vision Team 30.

- Main concern is what bearings should I buy?
- I'm assuming that actually swapping out the bearings is fairly self-evident but any tips on this also gratefully received.

If this is stunningly obvious to anyone then I apologise in advance, I don't do much maintenance myself but am slowly hoping to change that.

Wheels look like these:
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/vis ... wwod-EkAVA

ugo.santalucia

You need to remove them, measure them and order replacement from a bearing dealer.
External diameter-internal diameter and width are the measurements you need

I normally use simplybearings, which delivers quickly and has a good range of products, might not be the cheapest, but at least you know what you buy, while I found cycling shops tend to flog you cheaper parts as official replacements (see Wiggle and Hope bearings for instance)... whichever size you need, go for the rubber sealed ones. The more you pay, the better the quality

drlodge

+1 for simplybearings. I used them a few times, called them with my requirements and they take your order and pop bearings in the post. It would appear they now have online ordering so even easier!

Origami02

There's normally a code stamped on the vertical face of the outer race, which removes the need to measure bearings. If you're lucky, the bearing will have been fitted with this facing out, meaning you can order new bearings without removing the old.



In this pictured example 6003 relates to the type and size, and C3 the clearance. There's often a suffix eg 2RS1, which refers to the number and type of seal(s) present.

Most bearing specialists can source your bearing from these numbers. Buying direct from a bearing specialist is usually a lot cheaper. The replacement bearings for my washing machine, were 3 times the price from the machine manufacturer, compared to the bearing supplier where I eventually bought them.

Shtukka

Thanks Origami - found the code. Next question - how the heck do I get the knackered bearings off? I've tried a gentle jiggle with a sharp knife and there's no leverage. Do I need to whack out the central hollow shaft?

sungod

remove the axle then gently tap out the each bearing using a drift (i.e. left bearing you put the drift in from the right and vv), go around the circumference with the drift tapping gently so that you are removing it without it twisting

clean the bearing seats fully, ditto the axle, then apply a little grease to them

to fit the new bearings you 'officially' need a bearing press, but some may be loose enough to fit with finger power (it can help to pop the bearings in the deep freeze for 10-15 minutes to contract them a smidge), otherwise you can improvise a press, the important thing is to push them in straight

drlodge

sungod wrote:

remove the axle then gently tap out the each bearing using a drift (i.e. left bearing you put the drift in from the right and vv), go around the circumference with the drift tapping gently so that you are removing it without it twisting

clean the bearing seats fully, ditto the axle, then apply a little grease to them

to fit the new bearings you 'officially' need a bearing press, but some may be loose enough to fit with finger power (it can help to pop the bearings in the deep freeze for 10-15 minutes to contract them a smidge), otherwise you can improvise a press, the important thing is to push them in straight

And push them in only using the *outer* part of the bearing NOT the inner part. A socket wrench thingy of the right diameter is useful. I bought an arbor press for just this purpose (on r/c helis) but a hub is probably a bit too wide to fit.