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Running 2 x XTR rear hubs, 1 x DMR Revolver, 2 x Pro 2 (i geared & 1 SS) & 1 x Pro 2 Evo. The SS Pro 2 and Pro 2 Evo are pretty low mileage (<100 miles each) and the others are well run in.
XTRs were smooth from the start, and the most free running hubs I've had (they've also needed no maintenance and are still buttery smooth after 2 years). The DMR was fine until the bearings went after 5 years, and are fine again with new bearings. The geared Pro 2 is pretty smooth and free, but it is 3 years old now and has a few miles on it.
The Pro 2 Evo is the newest, and the bearings felt stiff from the start. After about 150 miles it's now even stiffer, so much so that when pushing it along the wheel drives the cranks round. The freehub feels stiff, and the bearings very stiff now. Is this normal?
The SS Pro 2 has been unused for a few months but has been ridden for a hundred miles. Again, the bearings feel stiff (not notchy or grating).
So, will they all loosen up? Is there some trick I'm missing? Or are Pro 2 bearing notoriously rubbish?
Thanks.
Had mine a few months and it been fine from the start. Bloody loud though!
The Pro2 Evo shouldn't be anything like that, my Pro3 was fine from the start.
no its not normal.
Bugger bugger bugger.
Any ideas on what would cause it? The Evo has only been ridden in the dry on towpaths on my commuter so far! It's started driving the pedals round when pushed in the last 2 days only.
I suspect a dried out seal in the freehub and / or main bearings not seated properly. Strip the freehub off - a 2 min job and check it out to see where the sticky bearing is.
Sounds like the seal is not located properly to me.
Worth checking that it's fully seated.causes terrible drag if not.
^ wot TJ says. I found I needed a 'light' grease to really get the freehub smoooooth. First time I put them back, the thick grease and not re-seating a seal properly did what you describe.
Thanks all - will check it out.
Xtr hubs have to be the most free running I've ever used. But unlike most they are loose ball and not sealed cartridge type
Mine are exactly the same and still not sorted despite being sent back to Hope. I am told it is "normal" although I am not entirely happy with them...
"most free running I've ever used. But unlike most they are loose ball"
coincidence?
cup and cone hubs will tend to be more freerunning simply because they do not have effective seals - its the seals that create friction although my various wheels are indistinguishable which are the freest - probably the best are the hope big 'uns
On those hubs its usually the plastic seal not seated correctly. Make sure its clipped into the freehub body and them work the body fully home whilst getting the seal clipped in and under the driveside flange. great fun first time round! It might only be slightly dislodged as they are pretty much unrideable if they are well out of place.
I would also add that you should check the non-drive side seal. Took mine apart and there was loads of grease in there causing what felt like a hydro locking. Really slowed them down. Cleaned out the hubs and got some of the Exus grease in there instead and they have been noticeably less draggy.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=35284