Replace Bearings On Rear Wheel Bicycle
Bicycles are a great form of exercise, transportation, and recreation. However, like any machine, bicycles require maintenance and repairs from time to time. One of the most common issues that bicyclists face is worn out or damaged bearings. Bearings are an integral part of a bicycle's wheels and are responsible for ensuring a smooth ride. In this article, we will discuss how to replace bearings on a rear wheel bicycle.
What are Bearings?
Bearings are small, round, metal balls that are housed in a race. They are used to reduce friction between moving parts and allow them to move smoothly. In bicycles, bearings are used in the wheels, bottom bracket, and headset.
Why Replace Bearings?
Over time, bearings can wear out, become contaminated, or get damaged. If you hear a grinding or clicking noise coming from your wheels, it may be a sign that your bearings need to be replaced. Riding with worn out or damaged bearings can cause further damage to your bike and make it unsafe to ride.
Tools Needed
To replace the bearings on your rear wheel bicycle, you will need the following tools:
- Adjustable wrench
- Cone wrenches (sizes will vary depending on your bike)
- Bearing press tool or flat-head screwdriver
- Bearing grease
- Rag or paper towel
Steps to Replace Bearings on Rear Wheel Bicycle
Follow these steps to replace the bearings on your rear wheel bicycle:
- Remove the wheel from the bike by loosening the quick-release lever or nuts that hold the wheel in place.
- Remove the tire and inner tube from the wheel.
- Using a cone wrench, loosen the locknut and cone from the non-drive side of the axle. Keep the cone and locknut together so you don't mix them up with the other side.
- Slide the axle out of the hub and remove the bearings from the non-drive side of the hub. You can use a bearing press tool or a flat-head screwdriver to help remove the bearings.
- Clean the hub and axle with a rag or paper towel.
- Grease the bearings and the races on the non-drive side of the hub.
- Insert the new bearings into the races.
- Slide the axle back into the hub and replace the cone and locknut. Tighten the locknut and cone until there is no play in the wheel, but not so tight that the wheel doesn't spin smoothly.
- Repeat steps 3-8 for the drive side of the hub.
- Replace the inner tube and tire on the wheel.
- Put the wheel back on the bike and tighten the quick-release lever or nuts.
Conclusion
Replacing the bearings on your rear wheel bicycle may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and a little know-how, it's a job that can be done at home. Regularly maintaining and replacing worn out bearings can extend the life of your bicycle and ensure a smooth ride every time.