Front wheel "rumbles"

I don't like my front wheel to make noises, because if it stops rolling while I am riding bad things happen. :eek:

It sounds to me like a bearing or hub issue, and should be examined and fixed.

genxsis said:

I have a Specialized Crossroads Sport from 1994, and I've noticed something that I don't know if I should be concerned about or not. When I spin the front wheel with the bike upside down, it makes a rumbling sound. That's about the only way to describe it. It's a low rumbling that's similar to when a snowplow is plowing the snow on the road in front of your house, and the plow blade is scraping the pavement; but not as loud. How's that for a description 🙂 ?

I wonder if it has something to do with the hub. Probably does. Is it a sign that it's wearing out? Is it safe to be riding it with it this way?

The hub/bearings need maintenance. The grinding noise may mean that the cones/races are damaged.

Is it safe to ride? Probably, but inefficient and will only get worse.

Time to have both the hubs seerviced, new balls and new grease. There are cups & cones as well, but they will probably no longer be available.

Thank you everyone for your help! It's nice to know that the bike is probably still safe to ride, even though it's on its way to bike heaven. Probably not worth getting major parts replaced anymore. 🙁

genxsis said:

It's a low rumbling that's similar to when a snowplow is plowing the snow on the road ?

Sounds like Snowplow wheel to me ! 😄

This will have to be defined in the Bike Mechanics glossary...... Under "S" of course.

lw