Modern road bike wheels generally have high-quality bearings. In contrast to the past, they last longer and run more smoothly. This is also due to the use of effective sliding seals that keep water and dirt out. Nevertheless, it makes sense to check new wheels for smooth running and possible bearing play, as the bearings are not always perfectly adjusted at the factory. You should pay attention to the hubs at the latest when the brake pads rub against the rim when pedalling.
Check the bearing play on the mounted wheel. The axle is then slightly preloaded by the quick release - i.e. minimally shortened, which can affect the preload of the bearings: They are then more tightly adjusted. Second advantage: You have a relatively large lever over the rim, so minimal bearing play is clearly visible in the light gap between the brake pad and the rim. Bearings that are adjusted too tightly can be recognised by the fact that the axle of the removed wheel rotates roughly or slightly sluggishly in the fingers. Another test is to let go of the mounted wheel from various positions. If it does not turn on its own and does not swing out, the bearing is too tight. The chain must be removed from the rear wheel for this test.
Adjusting the bearings on Mavic wheels is ingeniously simple - provided you have the right tool. Mavic includes it with every wheel; if you have not received it, ask for it. Campagnolo also installs bearings that are very easy to adjust, from the top Record groupset to the Centaur groupset and the system wheels. Veloce and Mirage have classic cone bearings, which still require sensitivity and patience for adjustment. Shimano uses tapered bearings for all component groups, which are adjusted with two flat spanners. Depending on the hub type, cone spanners with spanner widths between 13 and 17 millimetres are used.
So that there is no confusion: The adjustability says nothing about the quality of the bearings and smooth running. The situation is sad with some "tuning" hubs whose parts are pressed. If their bearings cannot be precisely adjusted via threads, bearing play or running noises usually require a thorough inspection of the inner workings. For many hubs, this simply means that the bearings need to be replaced. To avoid causing further damage, such bearings should only be pressed out with a suitable special tool and not with a hammer or in a vice. It is best to leave this to the manufacturer or an authorised service centre.
Degree of difficulty: for talented hobby mechanics
You will need:
- Tool: Depending on the manufacturer, hexagon socket and open-end spanners, cone spanners or special bearing spanners
Prelude:
Mavic wheels
Campagnolo system wheels
Hubs with conical bearings
