How to fix a grumbling wheel bearing?

[Moose.]

It seems a 24 hour race in very muddy conditions did more damage to my bike that simply stiffening up the cables. Just got back from an attempted quick ride which was cut short by the rear wheel making a horrible grumbling noise

I've taken the wheel off and can feel lots of knotches as I turn the axle in the wheel. Guess the bearing are knackered? Can I fix this myself or is it a bike shop job? I seem to recall something about cones, but must confess I've never taken it appart so any online guides/tips would be handy

[lotisi]

Look at www.parktool.com/repair/ they provide very clear instructions

[Stuart]

Moose. said:

It seems a 24 hour race in very muddy conditions did more damage to my bike that simply stiffening up the cables. Just got back from an attempted quick ride which was cut short by the rear wheel making a horrible grumbling noise

I've taken the wheel off and can feel lots of knotches as I turn the axle in the wheel. Guess the bearing are knackered? Can I fix this myself or is it a bike shop job? I seem to recall something about cones, but must confess I've never taken it appart so any online guides/tips would be handy

Very easy to sort - just make sure that you don't lose any bearings when stripping it down, and use some decent quality silicon grease (available from your LBS) when re-packing. I've done it a couple of times - it can be a bit of an arse getting the axle back through without it picking up bearings, but that's the only thing to worry about.

[Disco_Dale]

Wow. I'm just a bit blown away that someone who's obviously a pretty hardcore cyclist doesn't know about cones/hubs/bearings.

Hadn't cycled in 18 years but I just bought a crappy budget MTB from Woolies, didn't like the feel of the bearings (notchy and a little tight) so I went to my friendly LBS, bought a pair of cone spanners, some grease and set about the task. Not something I'd done before (other than tightening slack in BMX ones in my teens) but bearings really don't get simpler than this. If only car wheel bearings were as relatively clean and hassle free.

Not having a go at the OP incidentally, just suprised - I assumed most cycling enthusiasts would be able to strip down/rebuild their entire bike blindfolded within 7 minutes.

[Moose.]

I'm flattered you think I'm hardcore, but I can assure you in no way would I describe myself as hardcore Enthusiastic oh I've only been riding for 10 months now, so I'm still learning as I go along really. The 24 event wasn't really a race, more a charity fundraising thing (although the conditions certainly made quite a few teams give up!).

[mat205125]

I had exactly the same thing happen to mine a week or two ago, and since there was a backlog of work in my local shop, bought the tools and DIY'd it.

Now have a tool box with cassette tool, chain whip, and cone spanners .... a cupboard with axle grease, and quiet free rolling wheel and a massive sense of achievement.

Bearings were only a quid too! Cones and hub were in ok condition on mine.

If your neck of the South West ain't too far from my (North East) part of the South West, you are welcome to borrow the tools and have a go at it yourself.

[lotisi]

mat205125 said:

I had exactly the same thing happen to mine a week or two ago, and since there was a backlog of work in my local shop, bought the tools and DIY'd it.

Now have a tool box with cassette tool, chain whip, and cone spanners .... a cupboard with axle grease, and quiet free rolling wheel and a massive sense of achievement.

Bearings were only a quid too! Cones and hub were in ok condition on mine.

If your neck of the South West ain't too far from my (North East) part of the South West, you are welcome to borrow the tools and have a go at it yourself.

What a nice man, I salute you sir.

[Moose.]

Many thanks for the offer Mat. Nice to know PH really is full of nice people

Luckily for me the local bike shop can strip it down, clean and change the bearings for a very reasonable cost, so I will let them do it this time as I've not got the time this week and want it back ASAP.

I will fix it next time

Edited by Moose. on Thursday 17th May 18:32

[mat205125]

Moose. said:

Many thanks for the offer Mat. Nice to know PH really is full of nice people

Luckily for me the local bike shop can strip it down, clean and change the bearings for a very reasonable cost, so I will let them do it this time as I've not got the time this week and want it back ASAP.

I will fix it next time

Edited by Moose. on Thursday 17th May 18:32

Not a problem.

I've been trying to DIY more and more in the last few months. Makes life sooo much easier to know how to do stuff yourself .... GF is starting to get a little annoyed with the "workshop" being a corner of the dining room though, then I remind her whos house it is!