I have found a road bike that is nothing fancy but fits me as I am a male on the short end of the height scale.
Its a Roadmaster (*grin*) from 1982 that's it almost perfect shape with light surface rust and minor paint issues, with that said I have a front wheel bearing issue that I need to address.
When I got the bike yesterday I noticed that the bearings on the front tire where shot, but these are different then what I am used to seeing. They are in a metal ring and pushed up inside the hub and held on with a washer and thin nut along with the safety washer and the axle/ frame nut.
Can I replace a original bearings that were caged with just loose balls in the wheel? If so how many? Stick with the amount that's in the cage?
I am looking forward to hitting the Shelby Park Greenway here in Nashville for a good ride.
GavinG
I believe you will need one more in each side if you put loose ones in. I think there is 8?? with the cage and you will have to add one. Make sure you measure the size of the Ball bearing. Use Grade 25 stainless if possible.
Good maintenance to your Bike, can make it like the wheels are, true and smooth!
Just take the bearings to a bike shop they have a gauge. Usually 3/16 in wheels. You can get your bearings from them . Replace all. As per grease use waterproof marine wheel bearing grease, frequently used on boat trailers.
BTW its not your tire but the wheel that needs bearings.
Never Give Up!!!
+1 on boat trailer wheel bearing grease per George.
I do NOT agree with stainless steel bearing balls - 52100 bearing alloy are superior hardness and roundness to stainless steel. The grease will protect the ball from corrosion.
My qualification: I designed bearings for hard disk drives.
Nigel
(07-31-2012, 09:23 PM)nfmisso Wrote: My qualification: I designed bearings for hard disk drives.
I can't keep a disk drive alive to save my life!
![Smile Smile](https://forums.bikeride.com/images/smilies/smile.png)
Wrong grease??
Wheelies don't pop themselves. (from a QBP fortune cookie)
Ok so that is a Carbon Steel alloy comparable to TBS-9. The only enemy it has is salt, water, etc., which is where the Marine Grease comes in to protect it. Definitely harder then stainless steel, and more expensive. Totally forgot about the Carbon Steel. STAY AWAY from ceramic ball bearings.
Again nigel I thank you for the correction.
Yea Rob you shouldn't use the copper grease with the magnetic properties
![Big Grin Big Grin](https://forums.bikeride.com/images/smilies/biggrin.png)
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Good maintenance to your Bike, can make it like the wheels are, true and smooth!
That is one of the sites I have bookmarked for looking up different grades of steel.
![Smile Smile](https://forums.bikeride.com/images/smilies/smile.png)
. Now lets give the "ole chap" a source to buy from. Some LBS don't carry these in stock at least the ones I am familiar with.
You go with an online site like ebay or amazon.
Good maintenance to your Bike, can make it like the wheels are, true and smooth!
Wow a hundred pack, that will do a few bikes. Sounds like a lifetime supply.
AS per Marine Grease being recommended for non SS bearings just to protect them from rust, Bill, NOT, its a good grease that seals well, lasts and protects the entire hub, axle cups etc, better IMO than some of the pricey bicycle greases. Maybe racers can get the .001% advantage from them not me.
I use it on my motorcycles too. Bel Rey Marine Grease is my favorite.
Never Give Up!!!