Lateral Play on Rear Wheel (with video)

[united4ever]

Should I be concerned? Rear wheel, nexus hub, the bolts are very tight so I don't think it's that, the axel does not move but there is a lateral movement when I hold the frame with one hand and move the wheel side to side with the other.


View: https://x.com/Sharrowval2711/status/2031066589898907711?s=20

 

[lenfield]

Is the cone adjustment correct?

 

[Sharky]

Most likely cause is slightly loose cone nuts on the axle as mentioned above.

You'll have to take the wheel out of the frame and wiggle the axle bolts to examine for any play.

Also check frame for any cracks. I had a frame that had started to rust and gave the same symptoms.

Good luck

 

[88robb]

If the wheel moves but the axle doesn't, your hub bearings are shot. Get it fixed before the wheel falls off.

 

[united4ever]

Thanks all, ended up at the bike shop with this. They say the hub is gone, sprockets, chain also. They said they don't make the hub anymore so it would mean a new wheel also and it's not an economical repair so I can collect it and scrap it or they will scrap for me.

It is this bike:

https://www.boardmanbikes.com/gb_en/products/2345-urb-8.6-2021.html

Only paid £150 for it on eBay (barely ridden and I am pretty sure it was barely ridden) but had to replace the hub about 18 months ago. Is it normal to get through hubs like this? I do commute through winter about 70 miles a week on canal towpaths so it does take a battering.

I have a summer/derailer bike but am thinking it's good to have a winter workhorse. I am debating whether to get a hub gear again though. How many years do they last usually? Was thinking of getting a belt drive also but again it gets pricey.

 

[Sharky]

I am surprised that they are saying that sprockets, chain and hub have all gone. Did they dismantle the bearings?

Don't let them scrap it, even if you keep it yourself, you might find the parts come in useful in the future.

One cheap option, would be to convert to a fixed gear for the winter. You won't need a rear brake, just a simple fixed gear wheel and you can use your existing tyres.

 

[united4ever]

Yeah, I will pick it up. It has a rack on it for starters which I will reuse and light attachments etc. It's a reputable shop but I don't know exactly what they did to reach the diagnosis. TBF, the axle was not moving at all whilst the wheel was, so I feared it would not be a minor issue.

 

[Sharky]

If you do try and convert to a fixed, check the OLN. An off the shelf fixed wheel is likely to be 120mm.

 

[lenfield]

AW hubs used to outlast the bikes. I don't know about the modern ones though.

A single-speed might be better for winter commuting than a fixed gear. The handling could be unpredictable on slippy surfaces.