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    Ball bearing popped out on a gravel ride. How do I go about fixing this?


    The front tyre just went all wobbly as soon as I went over some cobbles. I'm not how to describe it but it seems to have lost the hub cap on side of the wheel. The ball bearing are exposed and very likely need to be replaced.

    I'm just getting into making repairs on the bike like basic tune ups, brake pad changes and spoke tensioning. Should I attempt to make this repair on my own?

    If yes, then what all kind of parts would I need? How do I go about it?

    If no, then does any one have a bike shop recommendation in Manchester?

    Ball bearing popped out on a gravel ride. How do I go about fixing this?
    byu/sgsfxp inbikewrench



    by sgsfxp

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    13 Comments

    1. mlydon11 on

      The wheel could potentially be damaged internally from that. Depending on what type of wheel, it may be cheaper to replace the whole thing rather than get all the parts to do it yourself. You’d need the right size ball bearings, new cones, potentially a new axle, plus all the tools.

    2. cndvsn on

      That hub seems to be broken beyond repair (absolutely fucked). New wheel will probably be cheaper than getting a mechanic to replace the hub

    5. Durkle69 on

      Id recommend taking it to a shop. It’s possible to do on your own of course, but if it’s your first time it may be challenging. You have probably lost some ball bearings, and will need a new axle nut. Spacing and tightening that correctly on your axle, making sure all bearings are in properly and greased is not fun the first time. There also may be some further issue that initiated the nut coming off that a shop could diagnose.

    6. chazm411 on

      Do you want to learn to lace up a new hub? You can just replace the hub itself which I would recommend vs rebuilding your questionable hub. No better way to learn about how to tighten spokes than rebuilding an entire wheel.
      Planning to lace up wheels has a real harsh learning curve the First time you do it but sure is bragging rights when you’re at the pub.

      Or just buy a new wheel if you aren’t mechanically inclined.

    7. Shredding_Spree on

      -clean hub shell and inspect cups for damage. If there are pits and dents in the area where the bearings go then you’ll need to have a shop lace up a new hub.

      – if the hub is not damaged, bring it to a bike shop to purchase new bearings, caps, cones, spacers, washers, locknuts, whatever’s damaged or missing. Probably approach one of the older guys in there about it because most teenagers at shops won’t be well versed with this.

      – put a bead of grease in bearing cups and reinstall all parts.

      -refer to online sources to find proper torque specs on lock nuts and axel nut. Google “unsealed bicycle hub schematic for visuals on what is typically involved with the setup.

    8. jlusedude on

      Honestly, just get a new wheel. If it got so bad that the bears fell out while riding, the chances of damage are pretty high. 

    10. JadedEntrepreneur505 on

      You’re missing some parts there. Take it to a shop. Prob need a new cone and some balls. It also looks terrible, clean it all out, degrease and check for pitting on the cups and balls you have.

    12. Warm-Occasion-7799 on

      Visit local mechanic he will fix it by replacing axle and ball bearings. Mostly this will work or if there are some serious cracks on the rim, he will tell you to replace the wheel.

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