Play In Rear Hub

[Odinson]

Hey, guys & gals.

 

This weekend I noticed that my rear wheel has developed some lateral "play", i.e. if I hold the rear wheel, I can rock it side to side. 

 

Did a quick Google search which states that it's the hub. Now apparently with cup and cone hubs, you can readjust the tension, but my bike's spec sheets states that my hub is a sealed cartridge bearing hub. 

 

So, can my hub be adjusted or is it a write-off?

 

Below are some pics. The arrow shows where the play is. 

 

 

[Wyatt Earp]

It's hard to say, but it looks like a cartridge bearings system.

Some cartridge systems are adjustable some aren't, but even if your's is not, you just replace the bearings with new ones.

[Odinson]

Thanks, Sheriff. 

 

From the marks on the nut(s), it definitely looks like someone took a pair of cone wrenches to it. So maybe it's adjustable. 

[Wyatt Earp]

Thanks, Sheriff. 

 

From the marks on the nut(s), it definitely looks like someone took a pair of cone wrenches to it. So maybe it's adjustable. 

Yip, could very well be .

[Odinson]

What could I expect to pay for having the bearings replaced? Or should it be a warranty claim - the bike's only 9 months old.

[Wyatt Earp]

What could I expect to pay for having the bearings replaced? Or should it be a warranty claim - the bike's only 9 months old.

Definitely won't be a warranty and cost depends on the type of bearing, the number and quality you want to replace it with.

[Odinson]

I'm more interested in a quick fix to get me through the Dec riding. Considering a new wheelset in the new year.

[johanpre44]

What wheels?

 

I have 2 bikes, one's got some fulcrums (uses an adjustment nut with pinch bolt to adjust play, works like a charm). The other bike has Pro-Lite wheels, front uses a press fit axle (if play develops it will be the bearings that needs replacement, haven't had a look at the rear axle yet.

[dillon]

just replaced my sealed bearings in Novatec hubs, cost me R80 for 4 bearings and time to drink 2 beers

[RichieT]

Need to know make and model of wheels/hubs to give advice

[Odinson]

What wheels?

 

I have 2 bikes, one's got some fulcrums (uses an adjustment nut with pinch bolt to adjust play, works like a charm). The other bike has Pro-Lite wheels, front uses a press fit axle (if play develops it will be the bearings that needs replacement, haven't had a look at the rear axle yet.

 

Spez's description of the hub: Specialized disc, 4x-sealed cartridge bearings, 12mm thru-axle, 142mm spacing, 32h

[JXV]

Your pic at first glance looks like a cone+locknut arrangement but I am not familiar with the Spez hubs.

If a cone and ball bearing system ( like Shimano hubs) develops free play it can be adjusted but worthwhile always to clean it out and make sure the balls and races are not damaged by erosion or pitting. If you find such damage or metal filings in the grease then adjusting it tighter will just accelerate the damage.

If you remove the chain and spin the wheel it should rotate smoothly and silently. If it makes a rumbling noise then usually the bearings are shot whichever type they are.

Not a big job to fix either way

[Odinson]

Your pic at first glance looks like a cone+locknut arrangement but I am not familiar with the Spez hubs.

If a cone and ball bearing system ( like Shimano hubs) develops free play it can be adjusted but worthwhile always to clean it out and make sure the balls and races are not damaged by erosion or pitting. If you find such damage or metal filings in the grease then adjusting it tighter will just accelerate the damage.

If you remove the chain and spin the wheel it should rotate smoothly and silently. If it makes a rumbling noise then usually the bearings are shot whichever type they are.

Not a big job to fix either way

 

Thanks, JXV.

 

When I rotated the wheel in my hand yesterday, I could clearly feel a rumbling sensation - in all likelihood the bearings are toast. 

[Wyatt Earp]

Need to know make and model of wheels/hubs to give advice

What for, it's either cup and cone or as it looks it could be in this case, sealed cartridge bearings.

Which ever of the two, the work to be done will be the same .