You can't see bearing play in the hubs - but you can hear it. Only occasionally at first, but then all the more annoying when the brake pads rub against the flanks of the rim every time the wheel rotates. It doesn't really slow you down, but the noise gives you the bad feeling that the wheel is not rolling optimally. This can drive you to despair on long climbs. However, if you open the brakes a little in order to take it easy, you are gambling with your health: on the next fast descent, the lever travel may no longer be sufficient to achieve maximum braking effect.
Cause of the dragging brake pads: Poorly adjusted hubs. Correctly adjusted, road bike axles rotate with low friction for many thousands of kilometres. However, if the bearing is too preloaded or loose, the bearings are quickly and usually irreparably damaged. If the cones and bearing surfaces are damaged, you can feel this with your fingers when turning the axle, see it after dismantling the axle or, with a little experience, even hear it if you use a screwdriver as a substitute for a stethoscope on the hub shell. Grinding brake pads can also be a sign of impending disaster: If the quick release is not properly closed, the axle of the hub is only loose in the dropouts - the wheel tilts back and forth slightly when pedalling. You may be able to ride many kilometres this way, but the ride can also end after just a few metres if you ride through a pothole or slightly lift the front wheel on an edge.
Degree of difficulty: for talented hobby mechanics
You will need:
- Tool: Cone spanner, hexagon socket or brand-specific bearing tool and soft-face mallet if necessary
Hub adjustment - how it's done
