Ball Bearing Query

[accountantpete]

Just planning my winter fettling and I want to service my Zonda hubs.

They have 5/32" stainless steel ball bearings Grade 10 according to the blurb.

However I can only see grade 100 on t'interweb for stainless steel but Hardened Chrome Grade 10's are available - would the latter be ok?

 

[Landslide]

The smaller the grade number, the better.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ball_(bearing)#Grade
I can't see there'd be any point in a manufacturer making bearings to a better tolerance in a lesser material, so I'd opt for the Hardened Chrome Grade 10s if I were you.

 

[Gerry Attrick]

Compared to industrial standards, the bearings on bikes are subject to little stress. They will be fine.

 

[accountantpete]

Thanks chaps - I'll give the chrome plated ones a go.

The stainless steel bearings are supposed to be less susceptible to corrosion but as the hubs are sealed I don't think that this is an issue.

 

[Hover Fly]

They're not chrome plated, the steel alloy contains chromium for hardness. I would choose chrome steel for preference.

 

[accountantpete]

They're not chrome plated, the steel alloy contains chromium for hardness. I would choose chrome steel for preference.

I stand corrected - apparently the Chrome Hardened Steel bearings are a harder wearing than their stainless steel relation so I suppose the axle will wear away a tad quicker.

I got some grade 10's from http://simplybearings.co.uk/shop/index.php?cPath=23 -great sales service - and will see how they perform.