Bit of play in my rear wheel

[MysteryLemon]

Cycled in to work today but when I got here, I noticed there is a tiny bit of play in my rear wheel. Maybe not even a mm but if you jiggle the rear wheel at the tyre, you can feel it knocking side to side.

I'm guessing the hub bearing is at fault and will only get worse? Is it something I can easily do myself and what do I need? I've got quite a decent set of bike tools but never stripped down a hub before. How much would I be looking for a bike shop to sort it?

The bikes done approx 1300miles since new.. should I be expecting to see wear like this so soon? I'm not the lightest of people so no doubt this inflicts extra wear on the moving parts..

[anonymous-user]

I assume they are cup and cone bearings in which case the cones are probably just a bit loose. If they are sealed bearings then you may just need new bearing races. 1300 miles given the weather etc isnt bad for wheel bearings. I'll be honest, I dont pay as much attention to the cones as I should.

[MysteryLemon]

Thanks

I haven't paid any attention to them at all. I'm not sure what type of bearings they are. Not even had the wheel off to have a look yet so I may just tighten up slightly if I can. I did have the wheel off the other day to give the frame a good clean so maybe something has worked itself loose in the process.

[Justin S]

If your not sure on what hub you have and you are certain the quick relaease/ nuts are tight then take it to a bike shop to investigate further. If the cones are loose, you will damage the hub. if the cartridge bearings are shot then they need replacing. Both will need tools and knowledge to do this safely.

[MysteryLemon]

Yeah the quick release is plenty tight. I don't know the type because in all honesty, I've never looked. I'll know as soon as I get back to the bike for a look.

No option but to ride the 10 miles home on it tonight so will take the wheel off tonight and see if there's anything obvious, otherwise I'll take it to a shop tomorrow.

Any ideas on what I might be looking to pay if the bearings need replacing? Worse case scenario etc.

[WinstonWolf]

MysteryLemon said:

Yeah the quick release is plenty tight. I don't know the type because in all honesty, I've never looked. I'll know as soon as I get back to the bike for a look.

No option but to ride the 10 miles home on it tonight so will take the wheel off tonight and see if there's anything obvious, otherwise I'll take it to a shop tomorrow.

Any ideas on what I might be looking to pay if the bearings need replacing? Worse case scenario etc.

Pop the wheel out, I bet you'll be able to tighten the cones a fraction by hand. There's a thin locknut that'll need nipping up when you have tools. Makes sense that they're cup and cone as the play developed after you removed the wheel.

http://sheldonbrown.com/cone-adjustment.html

[Magic919]

Would be worth posting what bike it is.

[MysteryLemon]

Magic919 said:

Would be worth posting what bike it is.

It's a Schwinn Slicker 2013