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HOW TO INSTALL BEARINGS

Installing bike hub bearings is generally more complex, so our focus will be on hub bearings. However, the techniques and steps outlined here can also be applied to other bearings on your bike. Here’s an overview of the key steps:

1. INSTALL BEARING

Prepare Tools and Bearings: Have your new bearings, a bearing press (or a drift that matches the outer race size), and grease ready. Ensure the bearings are clean and undamaged before installation

  1. Clean the Hub Shell: Wipe the hub shell to remove any dirt, debris, or old grease. â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹

  2. Apply Grease: Lightly grease the bearing seats inside the hub shell to ease installation and reduce friction.​

  3. Position the Bearings: Align the new bearing with the hub shell,

  4. Press the Bearings In: Use a bearing press or a soft mallet with a drift to gently press the bearing into the hub shell.

  5. Apply even pressure to the outer race to avoid damaging the bearing. Never hit or press the inner race directly.

  6. Reinstall the Axle: Insert the axle through the bearings, ensuring it slides smoothly without forcing.​

  7. Reattach End Caps: Secure the end caps back onto the hub. Double-check that everything is seated correctly and spins freely. 

  8. Test the Hub: Rotate the hub to confirm smooth movement and no unusual resistance or noise.

Video: Wheel Hub Bearing Installation Example - DT SWISS

Copyright: DT SWISS

2. AVOID EXCESSIVE AXIAL PRELOAD ON BEARINGS

When installing bearings in a bike wheel hub, it is crucial to ensure that excessive axial preload is not applied to the bearings. Axial preload refers to the amount of pressure exerted along the axis of the bearing during installation and operation. While a certain level of preload is necessary for proper functioning, too much can cause several issues:

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  1. Increased Friction: Excessive preload forces the bearings to press too tightly against the hub and axle, increasing friction. This reduces the efficiency of the wheel and makes it harder to spin freely.
     

  2. Premature Wear: Overloading the bearings can lead to faster wear and tear, reducing their lifespan and potentially causing damage to other components within the hub.
     

  3. Heat Build-up: Excessive preload generates unnecessary heat during wheel rotation, which can degrade bearing grease and further reduce performance.
     

  4. Structural Stress: The hub and axle may experience undue stress, increasing the risk of cracks or deformation over time.
     

To avoid these issues, carefully follow the manufacturer's specifications for bearing preload during installation. Adjust the hub’s bearing preload mechanism (if available) to ensure there is no play while maintaining smooth wheel rotation. It’s essential to strike a balance between eliminating play and avoiding excessive pressure on the bearings.

3. CHECK IF BEARING IS OVERLOADED

Check for Smooth Rotation

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  • Once the bearings are installed, spin the wheel by hand. A correctly installed bearing will spin smoothly without feeling gritty or overly tight.
     

  • If resistance or stiffness is detected, loosen the preload slightly and recheck.
     

Test for Play and Tightness
 

  • After installation, check for any lateral play by gently wiggling the wheel side-to-side.
     

  • If there’s play, increase preload incrementally. If there’s no play but the wheel feels tight, reduce the preload slightly.

4. ASK FOR HELP

Always refer to your hub manufacturer's manual for specific instructions, as designs may vary. If you're unsure, consulting a professional bike shop is recommended.

 

Please feel free to contact those bike shops we have been working with for years, with tons of experience and skills.

Local Bike Shops
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