Hub noise sounds like its got a stone loose in there

[bad boy]

Hello All,

Just thought id ask what you think I should do if anything.

I got caught in the pouring rain yesterday morning out on a ride and have just noticed today that when spinning the rear wheel its sort of making a crackling noise. I am assuming its as a result of some water getting into the hub perhaps ??, but the bike is relatively new and only done 700 miles all dry so although it did rain hard am a bit pissed that I may have to stripe and re-grease the hub after one wet ride.

strangely with the bike upside down when I turn the pedals backwards so the wheel is not rotating but the cassette is I still hear the noise so would that indicate the freehub as I was thinking just the cones and bearings etc ?.

Might it dry out or do I need to take action and is it normal to hear these noises after ridding in bad conditions ?.

Any help much appreciated

 

[potsy]

My rear wheel is starting to sound a bit 'gritty' now,suspect it needs a service,but need to work up to doing that job myself.
Seems strange if you've only ever been out once in the wet though.

 

[Garz]

Mine has a sound like this but its really feint and can only hear it if you try then put your ear by the hub. I wouldn't say it was large, possibly a form of grit but can concur your familiar experience with my rear wheel.

 

[eddiemee]

Though it can be a chore I'd recommend stripping the hub and re-greasing. It could save you a lot of grief in the long run as once something starts to go wrong inside the hub it will only get worse. I once 'ignored' the cracking sound from my rear wheel for about three weeks and when I finally opened it the bearings on one side had ground down to about 2/3 the the size of the others, taking the polished face of the cup with them.

 

[raindog]

Yes, the hubs need greasing, it's as simple as that. But do it straight away or you'll wreck your bearings.

 

[battered]

If it's a new bike as you say then it looks like first free service time, assuming it came from a shop.

 

[bad boy]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

I have taken the rear wheel out and holding either end of the axle spun the wheel which seems smooth and interestingly noise free !?, that crackling noise is not audible.

when the wheel is back on the frame and the QR is tight if I spin the wheel the noise appears again. I am definitely thinking this is now a free hub problem, so I rang the shop and apparently there is a slight issue with some Spez own brand hubs they are using in particular laced onto a mavic cxp22 rim.

I done a quick google and there are a few similar complaints with this.

They have ordered me a new free hub which arrives tomorrow which will get replaced on warranty.

 

[twentysix by twentyfive]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

I have taken the rear wheel out and holding either end of the axle spun the wheel which seems smooth and interestingly noise free !?, that crackling noise is not audible.

when the wheel is back on the frame and the QR is tight if I spin the wheel the noise appears again. I am definitely thinking this is now a free hub problem, so I rang the shop and apparently there is a slight issue with some Spez own brand hubs they are using in particular laced onto a mavic cxp22 rim.

I done a quick google and there are a few similar complaints with this.

They have ordered me a new free hub which arrives tomorrow which will get replaced on warranty.

Good result. Keep an eye/ear out on the new one too.........

 

[bad boy]

Good result. Keep an eye/ear out on the new one too.........

Thats a good point I hope its not another dodgy one !?

 

[alecstilleyedye]

Though it can be a chore I'd recommend stripping the hub and re-greasing. It could save you a lot of grief in the long run as once something starts to go wrong inside the hub it will only get worse. I once 'ignored' the cracking sound from my rear wheel for about three weeks and when I finally opened it the bearings on one side had ground down to about 2/3 the the size of the others, taking the polished face of the cup with them.

good advice. i've got a wheel to do that to, but as i've replaced it with another for now, it can wait

 

[bad boy]

Just to update you all, wheel went to my great LBS today and the mechanic said he has had 6 Spez bikes come back this week with the same problem all within a year old. He showed me a few of the 'faulty' free-hubs and it would seem most if not all have a layer or rust running round them. He seems to think the sealing is to blame as the ones being sent next day from Spez have better sealing.

Its mainly those spez bikes that use the mavic cxp22 rims, but its happening quite allot it would seem.

What gets me is I have only ever got caught out in the rain once on this bike in the 700 odd miles its done and that was on Sunday.

 

[Garz]

Glad you got it sorted mate!

 

[swee'pea99]

I have the same problem. Unfortunately my wheel is about 20 years old. Greasy time!

 

[swee'pea99]

Sorted it this weekend. Rain had clearly got into the bearings on one side, to such an extent that what came out were brown bearings in a light rust-soup. Cleaned it all out and replaced with well-greased brand new bearings both sides...runs luvly now!

 

[bad boy]

[quote name='swee'pea99' timestamp='1286185169' post='1418844']
Sorted it this weekend. Rain had clearly got into the bearings on one side, to such an extent that what came out were brown bearings in a light rust-soup. Cleaned it all out and replaced with well-greased brand new bearings both sides...runs luvly now!
[/quote]


Good job swee pea, I think I might have to learn how to do this as it seems to be common place on my two bikes lately.