How to Lubricate Ceramic Bicycle Bearings

Bicycle ball bearings are housed in a cone connected to the wheel hub.

If your ceramic bicycle bearings are not sufficiently lubricated, your bike's wheels will not rotate properly. This will slow you down and could potentially damage the mechanics of your wheels. If your wheels seem to be under unexplained stress and your ride is not as smooth as it once was, add some lube to your ceramic bearings.

Things You'll Need

• Two adjustable wrenches
• Old rags

Instructions

1. Purchase some lubricant purpose-made for ceramic bicycle bearings from you local bike store or online.

2. Place your old rags over the floor and lay your bicycle out flat over them. Make sure the bearing cone on the wheel you want to work on is facing up.

3. Position one of your adjustable wrenches on the bearing cone of your wheel and the other on the locking nut then unscrew.

4. Remove the locking nut from the wheel hub.

5. Unscrew the bearing cone so as you can see the ball bearings.

6. Apply a liberal coating of grease to the bearings in line with the directions provided by the manufacturer of your lubricant.

7. Replace the cap of the bearing cone and screw the locking nut back into place using your wrenches.

8. Repeat the process for the bearings on the other side of the wheel.

References

• How to Fix Bikes: How to Grease Bicycle Wheel Bearings