Wheel Bearing Size

[Scilly Suffolk]

I bought a book on wheelbuilding and have a pair of old wheels to practise on. I thought it would make sense to service the hubs at the same time.

They are Sachs Maillard cup & cone type, dating from the early/mid-nineties judging by the bike they came off.

Are the bearings of cup & cone hubs a standard size (if so what is it) and if not how do I measure them.

Many thanks.

 

[accountantpete]

At a guess you will have 9 x 1/4" bearings on the rear and 3/16"th on the front. But different makers did use different sizes.

You will need to get a micrometer or take a sample down to the LBS and compare.

I would check that the races on the hubs and the cones are spotless - without pitting or scratch marks - otherwise you are wasting your time.

 

[Scilly Suffolk]

Thanks for getting back to me Pete.

It's as I feared, with different sizes for different manufacturers.

Good point about the races, I'll wait until they're stripped down before getting new bearings.

Not too fussed if they're gone: these are just to practice wheel building on.

 

[rusty bearing]

A digital vernier caliper is your friend here and can be had for 11-30 pounds depending on quality.

 

[PpPete]

A digital vernier caliper is your friend here and can be had for 11-30 pounds depending on quality.

or less if you buy from Chinese vendors on eBay. One of the most useful tools in the kit of anyone who messes about with old bikes.

 

[Scilly Suffolk]

Ordered one yesterday from a uk supplier for seven pounds or so.

Tried to measure a bearing with my manual Verniers and went a bit cross-eyed.

I appreciate that there will be a marked difference in quality with "proper" callipers, but work is thin on the ground at the moment, so they'll have to do,

 

[rusty bearing]

I know the feeling about work being thin, still , more time for cycling. Now if I could just get some sun organized. Anyway enjoy rebuilding your wheels

 

[slowmotion]

JTW, I'm sure you know this, but on the off-chance that you don't, there are loads of good clips on Youtube about bearing sizes, regreasing etc. I always have trouble getting the cone tension compression "sweet".

Good luck.

 

[Scilly Suffolk]

Actually Slowmotion, it hadn't occurred to me to look on Youtube, so thanks for the suggestion.