Bearing & Freehub Overhaul
Please note: We do not sell bearings as these are available in so many different qualities and prices to suit your needs.
We do recommend genuine SKF bearings. eBay is usually a good place to start looking for these.
Freehub Removal and Replacement (Wheelsmith Hubs only)
Removal Instructions:
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Insert 5mm allen key in each end of hub
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Untighten anti-clockwise
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Take 1 end cap fully off
If end cap is left on drive side (this does not apply to disc hubs):
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Insert 10mm allen key into non drive side axle
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Untighten drive side end cap and remove
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Remove freehub
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clean gently with lint free dry cloth, regrease and refit
If the seal stays in the hub:
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Prise it out gently with your nail or a flat blade screwdriver
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Refit to freehub body from drive side
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Make sure the thin membrane fits into the groove properly
(Note 1mm washer. Do not lose)
Re-assembly Instructions:
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Slide new freehub onto axle
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Rotate and push until it locates in hub shell properly
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Re-fit end caps on both sides tightly but not overly so
Wheelsmith hub bearing replacement:
Procedure:
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(as above) 1x5mm allen key in each end.
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Undo whichever side comes off first and fit 10mm into axle to remove the other end cap.
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Remove freehub body by pulling. Clean well.
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Tap axle out firmly from right to left, removing left bearing with it (61802).
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Tap out right side bearing with drift or screwdriver from left. Support hub flange over a hole in wood or something similar.
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Using a bearing press or suitable tool, press in the right side bearing (61902)
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Refit axle from left to right.
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Fit new bearing by hand in left side.
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Put freehub on and both end caps.
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Tighten end caps to press in left bearing.
Freehub bearings are 61902 for Shimano and 61802 for Campag and can be drifted out from left to right. But replacement requires a press.
You can make a press up with 12mm threaded rod, nuts and washers.
Front hub bearing removal & replacement (Wheelsmith & Novatec Hubs)
Hub type identification - Top uses 699 bearings, Lower uses 6900 bearings.
Removal Instructions:
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Insert 5mm allen key in each end of hub
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Untighten anti-clockwise
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Take 1 end cap fully off
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Insert 6mm allen key in that end
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Take the other end cap off
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Screw 1 end cap back in 2 turns only
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Gently hammer the end of the cap to remove the adjacent bearing
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Repeat for other side
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If the bearing is corroded or tight for some reason, support the flange over a 30mm hole in a piece of wood in a vice.
Refitting Instructions:
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Place 1x bearing in as flat and straight as possible
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If you don’t have a press, insert end cap and tap lightly with plastic mallet
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Replace inner tube and repeat with other bearing
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Replace both endcaps and use them to tap bearings a little more
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Tighten each endcap fully against each other to seat bearings fully
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If they won’t catch thread, tap a little bit more with the mallet
Do not overtighten or force anything.
If bearings don’t go in flat at first, remove and refit.
