How to Take Bicycle Bearings Out

Removing wheel bearings from the rear hub can be tricky.

Removing the wheel bearings from the rear or front hub of a bicycle may be necessary if the bearings are worn or if they are in need of being re-greased. Removing the front wheel bearings is easier and requires fewer tools. If attempting to remove the rear wheel bearings it is advisable to take your bicycle to a shop and have a professional help you pick the right tools.

Things You'll Need

• 17mm open-end wrench
• Rags
• Waterproof grease
• 13mm cone wrench (front hub)
• 15mm cone wrench (rear hub)
• Chain whip (rear hub)
• Lock ring tool (rear hub)
• Large wrench (rear hub)

Instructions

1. Wrap the chain whip around one of the biggest sprockets of the cassette body in the rear wheel. (If removing the bearings from the front wheel hub skip to Step 6.)

2. Place the lock ring tool into the inner notches of the lock ring.

3. Use the large wrench and fasten it to the hexagonal fitting of the lock ring tool.

4. Push the handles of the wrench and chain whip toward each other to loosen the lock ring.

5. Remove the lock ring and cassette to reveal the freehub body.

6. Remove any protective seals that may be on the cone or locknut.

7. Place the wheel on its side and use the 15mm cone wrench, or 13mm cone wrench for the front wheel, to grip the cone flat.

8. Use the 17mm open-end wrench to loosen the locknut by turning it clockwise while holding the cone flat firmly with the cone wrench.

9. Un-thread the cone and locknut and remove them.

10. Remove the axle by sliding it out. Keep a rag handy to deal with any old grease on the axle.

11. The bearings can now be removed from the hub to be replaced or re-greased.

Tips & Warnings

• Once the wheel bearings are out, you can choose to replace them or simply re-grease them. Regardless of what you choose to do, make sure you keep track of the bearings. There should be ten 3/16-inch bearings in the front hubs and nine 1/4-inch bearings in most rear hubs.

• When putting your wheel hubs back together and putting the wheels back on the bike, make sure that there isn't any play in the wheel by moving the rim side to side.

References

• Bicycle Tutor: How to Overhaul Wheel Bearings
• Bicycle Tutor: How to Replace a Cassette Cluster