ESSENTIAL FIXES FROM THE WORKSHOP...

This month we show you how to service your bike’s cup and cone bearing hubs

UNDO LOCKNUT

For rear wheels, first remove the cassette. Undo the lock nut on the non-driveside using a cone spanner. Remove the locking nut and spacer by hand.

REMOVE BEARINGS

Carefully remove the bearings from the race, a magnetic screwdriver will help. Clean the bearings and races using degreaser and some paper cloth. If there are signs of wear in cups and cones they’ll need replacing.

RETURN AXLE AND CONE

Return the axle to the freehub side. Press it against the bearings and rotate it to check it’s sealed correctly. Refit the cone to the non-driveside of the axle and tighten until it contacts the bearings, finger-tight will do.

REMOVE CONE

Hold the lock nut on the driveside with one spanner, then undo the non-driveside cone with another and wind it off by hand. Now remove the axle from the hub.

APPLY GREASE

Apply a healthy dose of grease to the bearing race in the hub. Place the bearings into the grease to help hold them in place. Once in place you can refit the axle and gently turn it to ensure they are installed correctly.

FINAL ADJUSTMENTS

Return the other nuts, spacers and seals to the non-driveside of the axle in the order they were removed. Hold the cone and tighten it against the locking nut with a spanner. Refit the cassette and quick-release skewer.