First cassette is brand new. I put a 2mm spacer between largest cog and wheel. Is has a little bit of play. Is that okay?
Second is on another bike and because the first one was giving me a little doubt I checked it. And it feels really loose. I guess it’s could be a hub problem?
Both are torqued to 40nm
by WeaknessSelect
7 Comments
I’d say neither of those are looking great. If both are torqued correctly, I’d look at the (free) hubs. For the second one, are the axles torqued correctly? DtSwiss style hubs are essentially just pushed together so if there’s not enough preload from the hub axle, the play is expected.
If the lockring is moving, then the whole free hub is just wiggling a little, normal.
Iirc an 11/12 speed cassette doesn’t need spacer. Was it very loose before you added the 2mm spacer?
Looks like either the hub bearings or wheel bearings are almost done
Remove the cassette from the free hub and inspect the bearings. Wiggle the axle about to see if there’s play. Is there play? Then the bearings need replacing. If you spin the wheel while holding the axle you should feel no resistance. If they feel gritty they’re done or nearly done and its a good idea to replace those also
There’s play in the whole freehub. Normal amount in the first one, second looks a bit much to me.
First one is not properly installed, definitely too much play. You can tell because there is movement relative between each of the cogs. Dont ride this pls.
The second one might possibly be installed properly but the entire freehub seems to have a significant amount of play. I would check and see if the freehub is properly seated in the hub. Youd have to remove the wheel and check.
Yes they’re too loose. This is an 11 speed cassette? What’s the maximum cog size? Some 11 speed cassettes will need a spacer, and some won’t. Depends if they’re classified as “Road” or “Mountain”, typically any 11 speed cassette with a cog larger than 32T is mountain so needs the spacer.
However, you have the spacer, and it’s still wobbling. I would take it all apart and put it back together again. Make sure everything is seated properly, and ensure the lockring is threading in correctly. Basically: Try again.