Grinding/scraping sound in front wheel (audio example included

Rory Fisher · 10-14-2020, 11:01 PM

Hello! I have a grinding sound coming from my front wheel and I can't figure it out. I took apart the hub and cleaned the ball bearings, which made the wheel spin more smoothly but the sound is still there. I have attached a link to an audio recording of the sound. The sound seems to occur at a slow and steady pace, even when i'm biking pretty fast. I have a single speed bike with rim brakes.

any suggestions would be great!

(P.s. my brakes aren't too close to the rim!)

https://voca.ro/6CRapFMtg3k

plebtheclown · 10-18-2020, 02:26 PM

Did you place any grease back in the hub that sounds to me like it could be rather dry.

Jesper · 10-19-2020, 01:31 AM

(10-14-2020, 11:01 PM)Rory Fisher Wrote: Hello! I have a grinding sound coming from my front wheel and I can't figure it out. I took apart the hub and cleaned the ball bearings, which made the wheel spin more smoothly but the sound is still there. I have attached a link to an audio recording of the sound. The sound seems to occur at a slow and steady pace, even when i'm biking pretty fast. I have a single speed bike with rim brakes.

any suggestions would be great!

(P.s. my brakes aren't too close to the rim!)

https://voca.ro/6CRapFMtg3k

Without knowing the age or mileage of the hub, and/or conditions used under, I would assume that either the bearing race(s) on the spindle, the cone(s), and/or ball bearings themselves are worn and pitted (although not severe). Take a close look with a magnifying glass and ensure that there is no pitting, scoring, and/or brinelling; I'd replace the ball bearings (cheap part) even if everything looked good. Also, ensure that you are not over tightening the hub when adjusting for bearing play. Most wear and/or excessive tightening can easily be felt by spinning the wheel and holding it in your hands; the same "rough" feel is not always as apparent with the wheel mounted; but if you can feel it while riding then it sounds somewhat more severe as to the problem in relation to the smooth operation of the hub.