How do I maintain my road bike hubs?

Your hub may be fitted with either bearings or cone/cuvette bearings which, to preserve their excellent characteristics, require regular maintenance. Here's how to proceed.

• Time : 1h30
• Level : Difficult
• Tools : Cone wrench set | Flat wrench (on most hubs, 17 mm) | Cloth | Degreaser | Bearing grease

Steps

1. Hold the cone of the hub using the cone wrench, then unlock the lock nut with the open-end wrench. 
   
   
2. Unscrew and remove the locknut, washer, spacer and cone. Probikeshop tip: be sure to mark the order and direction of assembly of these components.
   
   
3. Pull the now free axle out of the hub  
   Probikeshop tip: be careful, the balls may escape from the hub at this point.
   
   
4. Remove all balls from the hub and clean all components with a cloth and degreaser. Take this opportunity to check the condition of all these parts. 
   
   
5. Grease the cups in which the balls are housed. 
   
   
6. Replace the balls in the cups. 
   
   
7. Refit the axle, then the cone, spacer, washer and nut assembly.  
   Probikeshop tip: make sure the balls stay in place when you retract the axle.
   
   
8. Now adjust the play in the axle and the smoothness of the bearing using the cone. Tightening the cone with the wrench will eliminate play, while loosening it will improve smoothness. You need to find the right setting to eliminate play while maintaining smoothness. 
   
   
9. When the setting is correct, hold the cone in position with the wrench, then screw on the locknut to secure it.
   
   
10. Check that the setting is correct. Repeat step 8 if necessary, having first released the lock nut.