Bearing Replacement

Please note: We do not sell bearings as these are available in so many different qualities and prices to suit your needs.

We recommend genuine SKF bearings. eBay is usually a good place to start looking for these.

​Freehub Removal and Replacement (Wheelsmith Hubs only)

Removal Instructions:

• Insert 5mm allen key in each end of hub

• Untighten anti-clockwise

• Take 1 end cap fully off

If end cap is left on drive side (this does not apply to disc hubs):

• Insert 10mm allen key into non drive side axle

• Untighten drive side end cap and remove

• Remove freehub

• clean gently with lint free dry cloth, regrease and refit

If the seal stays in the hub:

• Prise it out gently with your nail or a flat blade screwdriver

• Refit to freehub body from drive side

• Make sure the thin membrane fits into the groove properly

(Note 1mm washer.  Do not lose)

Re-assembly Instructions:

• Slide new freehub onto axle

• Rotate and push until it locates in hub shell properly

• Re-fit end caps on both sides tightly but not overly so

Wheelsmith hub bearing replacement:

Procedure:

• (as above) 1x5mm allen key in each end.

• Undo whichever side comes off first and fit 10mm into axle to remove the other end cap.

• Remove freehub body by pulling. Clean well.

• Tap axle out firmly from right to left, removing left bearing with it (61802).

• Tap out right side bearing with drift or screwdriver from left. Support hub flange over a hole in wood or something similar.

• Using a bearing press or suitable tool, press in the right side bearing (61902)

• Refit axle from left to right.

• Fit new bearing by hand in left side.

• Put freehub on and both end caps.

• 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)

Most variants use 699 bearings. Try to get the 2RS version, in stainless.

Removal Instructions:

• Insert 5mm allen key in each end of hub

• Untighten anti-clockwise

• Take 1 end cap fully off

• Insert 6mm allen key in that end

• Take the other end cap off

• Screw 1 end cap back in 2 turns only

• Gently hammer the end of the cap to remove the adjacent bearing

• Repeat for other side

• 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:

• Place 1x bearing in as flat and straight as possible

• If you don’t have a press, insert end cap and tap lightly with plastic mallet

• Replace inner tube and repeat with other bearing

• Replace both endcaps and use them to tap bearings a little more

• Tighten each endcap fully against each other to seat bearings fully

• 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.