Overhauling cup & cone bicycle hubs

Shimano XT Cup & Cone Hub

Restoring or maintaining a vintage bicycle? It likely runs on “Cup & cone” hubs, invented circa 1878 by Daniel Rudge. Keeping them running smoothly is the foundation of efficiency and longevity. Maintained and adjusted carefully, these classic hubs are unsurpassed for low rolling-resistance. Here’s a video-illustrated tutorial to help get your bearings. 
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfjvlIAEsJY[/youtube]

Tools and Supplies

• Cone wrenches
• Wrenches to fit, or adjustable “crescent” wrench
• Magnet
• Grease
• Zip ties
• Solvent (citrus degreaser)
• Rags

Disassembly

• For rear hubs, begin by removing rear sprockets. Remove quick-release skewer. If it is a solid axle, remove nuts.
• Rear axle spacing is usually asymmetrical, with more axle on the cog side. Note number of threads extending beyond lock-nuts.
• Use a cone wrench (usually 13mm) to hold cone in place. Use a crescent or appropriately sized spanner to free the lock-nut. Turn counter-clockwise.
• Remove lock-nut and spacers. (You may choose to remove only one side) Note the order of the spacers. Left and right cones and spacers may be different. Tip: thread them in order on a zip-tie.
• Slide the axle out of the hub body.
• Inspect axle to make sure it’s straight. Replace axle if bent.
• Examine cones for pitting. If they show obvious wear, replace.
• Remove bearings from cup (a pen magnet helps). Are they dull? If so, replace as well.

Cleaning

• Clean all components thoroughly, using degreaser.
• Leave dust caps in place; they bend easily.
• Scrub inside the hub body, paying special attention to the cup, where the bearings run.
• Buff with clean cloth.
• Examine the inside of the cup carefully. Run a ball-point pen around the cup, checking for pitting. If there is significant wear, your job ends here; the hub needs replacing.

Assembly

• Pack new grease into the cups.
• Press bearings into place, in the grease (9 X  ¼ rear, 10 X 3/16 front)
• Goop more grease over the bearings
• With one cone in place,  slide axle through the hub body, careful not to dislodge any bearings.
• Install second cone and snug up.
• If both cones were removed from axle, install right side parts. Install in original orientation. Return axle protrusion to original measurement (see above)
• Replace spacers and lock nuts, finger tight.

Adjustment

• Make sure that axle is equally spaced, either side of lock-nuts (For safety sake, the axle MUST NOT interfere with final tightening of the hub in frame dropouts).
• Hold cones in place with cone wrench while tightening down the lock nut (clockwise).
• Test to see if the axle runs smoothly; neither too tight or loose. You will no doubt move the cone and lock-nut back and forth several times before attaining perfection. However …
• Consideration must be given to the pressure the frame/quick-release/bolt will exert on the hub. It’s likely you’ll need to factor in a bit of slack.
• Mount the wheel. Test. Repeat as necessary.

 

Go to VeloGarage

Listed Under Jobs: Adjustment, Maintenance, Repairs

Listed Under Components: axle, bearings, hubs, lube, wheels

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