Squeaky front hub

[Mikeridgwell]

Hi hubbers,

 

Hoping someone can help. 

 

I've noticed a super annoying squeak coming from the front hub when up to speed. Does anyone have any experience removing the hub end caps, in order to clean & grease between the end caps and bearings?

 

My disc rotor is attached with the bottom bracket lock-ring, and I don't see how to get the end cap out without removing the rotor. 

 

Any help would be great!

 

thanks. 

 

 

[MrJacques]

What type / brand of hub is it?

[supertorro]

You might want to elaborate on the wheelset you have that is producing said noise. I'm not familiar with a disc rotor mounted to a bottom bracket lock-ring. Bottom brackets and disc rotor are generally not involved with each other, but there's all sorts of whacky **** out there..

 

Maybe post some pictures.

Removing the end caps is not usually any more difficult than pulling firmly, or undoing a nut or screw, but impossible to say what would apply in your case without more info.

You could just take it to a bike shop.

 

Also, maybe your disc rotor is touching the pad and emitting a squeak every now and again. I'd squeak too if I were in that position

[MrJacques]

It's probably a center-lock version. Anyway, photos or more info would help.

[ABrooks]

Following; my front hub have developed the same annoying squeak last week. It is a Shimano SLX hub with centrelock rotors. 

[Mikeridgwell]

Will have to snap some pics this evening when I'm home.

[droo]

Most likely a dry seal. You'll need cone spanners (2 x 22mm I think) and a BB lockring tool.

 

Rebuild hub.

 

Job done.

[Vegan Warrior]

Yip agree with Droo. 

 

Just remember when it comes to grease, more is not always better. And keep your grubby paws off of the rotors. 

 

Good luck  . 

[Eddy Gordo]

Make sure its the front one. I also thought its the front on mine and cleaned regreased only to find the squeek still there. Re aligned the caliper still there. Found out its actually the rear, sounded as if its from the front.

[DieselnDust]

Is try a drop or two of oil first just to wet the seal and see if it helps. Remove the wheel first and place on its side.7 if this stops the squeak then you know where the problem is.

Just a drop and not an aerosol spray or you’ll have to clean the brake rotors after

[Mikeridgwell]

I thought I better report back - even if it's a bit red-faced. 

 

So on Sunday I took the wheel-out, put it on its side and let the oil work its way in. Wheel back in, spun-it and it still squeaked. After discussions here I decided just to book it in to LBS and have the front hub serviced. Went for a ride yesterday and though I'd try re-set the caliber. Wouldn't you know it, that solved the issue. 

 

I didn't think the caliper could squeak like that...

 

Join us again next week for another episode of "what the **** is squeaking this time!?" 

[Mikeridgwell]

Update

 

So after a few more rides the squeak was back. I think the rain helped keep things quiet.

 

 

This is the same kind of hub. With the help of a rag covered flat head screwdriver, I was able to loosen the drive side end cap a bit, and then just remove it by hand. I don't have a center-lock removal tool, so I can't do the non-drive side. 

 

This what's under there. 

 

Full of muck under there, so gave it a wipe out. I did take the risk and remove the sealed cartridge cap to get at the bearings. Packed in new grease and it's definitely improved things! Now if I could only do the non-drive side too!

 

Hope this helps.