Hub Overhaul

Overhauling hubs is a major pain in the neck. It's been years since I've tried, and I had a similar experience--I was totally careful about it, and my wheels still felt like [censored] when I was done. I think it has something to do with the wear and tear--the inside of the hub wears out a bit over the years, so even if you put in new bearings, it doesn't feel right. It's a little bit like when you try to replace your worn chain and use the some old cassette--it's worse than it was before because the popular cogs (16, 17) are so worn down, so you end up buying a new cassette. I long for the old days when you could take apart the rear gears and buy individual cogs to replace the worn ones. Progress isn't always a good thing.

I'm no expert, but it's one of those repair jobs I won't bother with anymore. When my hubs are shot, I shop around for new wheels.

Was it rough turning before you started? Some times new cones aren't finished all that smoothly, and take a little time for the bearing races to wear in.

An old bike mechanic's trick, but don't do this unless you're mechanically inclined, very careful, and are sure to clean the hubs thoroughly when you're done: Remove all of the grease from hubs and bearings, and repack with white polishing compound. (get it at auto parts stores) Then, take it for a short ride, a couple of miles at the most. Clean the hubs and bearings completely, and repack with grease. It should run smoother. Don't do this too much, or you'll put excessive wear on the bearings and/or races.

I used this technique to rehabilitate a Rolf MTB wheel that had been neglected.

Thanks a lot for the advice, appreciate it.

But what exactly is white polishing compound, but you use it with grease or on its own?! Is there a possibility that it has something to do with the thread on the axil, are they ether slightly 'drunk'.

Cheers