Re: [CR]Wheel Ball bearings for 1971 Raleigh Supercourse

(Example: Racing:Jean Robic)

Date: Thu, 8 Feb 2007 18:17:11 -0500
From: "philip bailey" <bailey.philip@gmail.com>
To: "Sheldon Brown" <CaptBike@sheldonbrown.com>
Subject: Re: [CR]Wheel Ball bearings for 1971 Raleigh Supercourse
In-Reply-To: <p06240837c1f149c0a9cd@10.0.1.14>
References: <47b23c0b0702081329gfd0b3eg2929f2f522a2b7c2@mail.gmail.com>
cc: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org

Sheldon,

Wow, Fantastic. I checked on your site earlier, but I got lost. Everything I ever wanted to know about balls.

Now that's settled, what about the other two edges?

1. If the wheel spins freely, are the cones and hub surfaces likely all right unless gouging is noted in surfaces?

Balls, especially if softer, is a no brainer to replace. And evidently if people recommend replacing balls every lube change, then they must be softer metal than the hub and cone surfaces: because I missed anyone suggesting replace cones or hubs every wheel lube, so it must be an anomaly or cause for repair from other symptoms (?).

2. Is there anyway to help seal bearings when changing, with special tape or something? I remember when my LBS converted my BB to Ultegra, he said he sealed it so not sure what exactly took place. It works great whatever he did though, but that may just be normal Ultegra BB product installation.

3. And would it be best just to drop by LBS to get freewheel removed since tools for a one time shot seems needless.

I appreciate the guidance.

Thanks!!! Phil Bailey Sarasota, FL

On 2/8/07, Sheldon Brown <CaptBike@sheldonbrown.com> wrote:
>
> philip bailey wrote:
> >
> >I am going to replace Suntour freewheel with IRD 13-24 5 speed freewheel,
> >and thought this might be good time to replace wheel ball bearings and
> lube
> >wheels, to propel my big self easier (every little bit helps).
> >
> >
> >1. Is there any reason to do it if the wheels seem to spin fine now,
> >regardless of time or miles since greased?
>
> You can't necessarily tell on the bike. See:
> http://sheldonbrown.com/cones
>
> >
> >2. I don't suppose there is any way to tell ball diameter until you get
> the
> >wheel axle out?
>
> Front 10 x 3/16" each side.
>
> Rear 9 x 1/4" each side.
> >
> >3. What material would be best for ball bearings, SS 302?
>
> Hardened steel, grade 25.
>
> See: http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/hub-parts.html#bearings
>
> >4. Just use standard auto 'green' grease?
>
> That's fine.
>
> Sheldon "Green Grease" Brown
> +----------------------------------------+
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