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Hi all,
I have just done a bearing change on my rear hub. I've used the correct size bearing for sure and used the proper Hope hub tool kit.
However, the wheels are not spinning very well. The old bearings were a bugger to knock out, unlike the Youtube video, where it appears easy. The new bearings were also a massive pain to get in. I couldnt even hammer them in. I had to compress them from each side by tighening the QR scewer.
I can't believe this is just because I haven't used Hope bearings....
Has anyone else experienced similar problems.
The inside of the hubs where the bearings sit are clean and I used a tiny bit of grease as suggested by the guy on youtube....
Last thing to mention...
The bearings where smooth when I checked them. I just wondering if between the hub on the outside and the axle on the inside, they are somehow being slightly compressed causing them to be less smooth.
AAAAAAAAAGGGGHHHH
You've applied pressure to the inner races by using the qr to press them instead of the outer races. This can damage the bearing. Hopefully you've just not got them fully into the hub hammer and a socket or suitable drift on the outer race hub on a block of wood tap tap.
No, I used the QR scewer over the top of the Hope drift at each end so the bearings where being correctly pushed in by equal pressure on inner and outer race...
Must either still need to go in slightly or got any bits left over? Remember hearing of people leaving a spacer out or getting them mixed up.
They are in all the way and spacer is on before the freehub. I think it must be to do with how difficult it is to get the bearing in/out of the hub body, although i can't see why that is.....
Does the wheel spin OK without the QR done up, just resting in the dropouts with the bike upside down ?
Does it only go tight when you tighten the QR ?
If so, it's probably because one or both bearings is not pressed fully home.
Try heating the up up a bit. The aluminium hub will expand more than the steel bearings, making them easier to press in.
The easiest and safest way would be to lay the wheel over a pan of boiling water and let the steam warm it.
[i]I can't believe this is just because I haven't used Hope bearings....[/i]
Hmm, and how positive are you that they were the correct size?
IME while old bearings may take a bit of bashing out, new ones go it easily when using the correct Hope toolkit - and a rubber mallet.
It doesn't spin any differently with the QR in or out so I think they're in ok. I got the correct size bearing - 6903, which is the same as the old type and a standard size. I wonder if Hope bearings are fractionally different in size, to make you buy them and that is it....
Used plenty on non hope bearings in there hubs with no issues.
I'd pull off the hub body and just check all the bearings are fully seated
as above, a bit of heat will help, either gently via steam or a hairdryer or a slightly less gently with a 'best be quick before the grease boils' hot air paint gun.
Also, if you can get more force into the drift using a QR than with a hammer you need a bigger hammer...
I did mine the other week, honestly it wasn't difficult. A couple of taps with a drift and hammer and the oldies popped out, then the new ones tapped in easy enough.
The only thing I can think of is that you've inadvertently hit the inner bearing race and its knocked it off centre a teeny bit.
Or you've knocked the plastic shim covering the bearings and its creased creating a ripple effect that's snagging the bearings.
I have had issues with some aftermarket bearings. I still use them mind you, but maybe better to use some digital calipers and check the outer radius of the bearings. It only takes a couple of thou difference to make them stiffen when fitted.
Check the plastic sealing ring that goes over the freehub is the right way round.
I always put the new bearings in the freezer before fitting and warm the hub/free hub with a hair-drier. It might only make a minuscule difference but it seems to make them go in more easily.
Regardless the bearings should go in with no problem with the hope tool as long as they are started off straight.
Cheers guys. I've got some new bearings in case it's a dodgy batch. I used used non hope bearings for the front and they're fine. I like the hot water/freezer suggestions, so I'll try them. Thanks for the help.