How To Service Bearings On Your Bike

[@TheNovaNorm]

I've tried that time lapse trick when working on my bikes but, according to my wife, it works backwards. A five minute job actually takes an hour by her clock. Oh, well.

[@gcntech]

Happens to the best of us 🤷‍♂️

[@sabamacx]

We're still doing boomer humour about wives?

[@TheNovaNorm]

@@sabamacx, well, I am, yes. :-)

[@viffer94]

I’ve replaced my cartridge wheel bearings and freehub bearings. Only really serviced old school free ball bearings. Generally I find it easier to replace rather than service cartridge style bearings. They just don’t go wrong often enough to worry about and when they do you’re better off going with brand new if you’re going to the trouble of disassembly.

[@davetbassbos]

Yeah, how much are bearings for road bikes? BMX uses standard industrial sizes for everything so BB are about $10. Knowing road bike companies though, replacements are proprietary and cost a couple $100.

[@Blackwing2345635]

@@davetbassbos some brands use standart sizes, some - 1mm different, so it depends. I'm trying to use parts with standart bearings or with free ball bearings with balls you can buy for reasonable price

[@simonpeneau7802]

@@davetbassbos A new BB 105/Ultegra (SM-BBR60) cost 29€ (you can find it @20€ at probikeshop) , a Dura-ace (BB-R9100) cost 50€ (you can find it @30€ at probikeshop). Bearing start @2€ but can go up @100€ for ceramic bearings. I think it is 6806 on Shimano BB, good bearings are 15/20€ so 2 bearing is the cost of a new BB.

[@simonpeneau7802]

@@davetbassbos if you search for bearing or very good BB, check Hambini web site ;) its not cheap but it's quality made by a 5 years old (check his YT channel to)

[@davetbassbos]

@@Blackwing2345635 Cool, I'm putting together a commuter bike and was a little overwhelmed by all the BB standards in the road world, but I'm making a spreadsheet, lol!

[@willum5175]

Nice video and good demonstration. I would suggest to anyone that has the bearings out and in hand to pack them using the old fashioned way I was taught. Dollop of grease in one palm and hold the bearing in the other hand and press part of the bearing assembly open faced (where the seal is removed) firmly into the grease to push it into the bearing. Rotate and do each section until the whole bearing is full. Messier than what is shown but the grease gets in better. Ideally you would have both seals removed and you would do this until grease comes out the other side… As others have said, getting the internals truly clean probably takes a fair bit more work and cleansers than is shown…

[@jeffr119]

If you remove the covers carefully, you do not need to replace the covers. The best tool to remove the cover is an eyeglasses screwdriver, commonly available at any drug store for a few dollars. The covers can easily be removed without deforming them with an eyeglasses screwdriver. A small flat blade electronics screwdriver will also work, but not many people have these in their tool collections. Oh, and Alex to remove the covers you slide your pick or miniture screwdriver under the cover at the inner race, not the outer race.

[@WokeSpokes]

Champion.

[@robsworder]

Handy to have a threaded frame, Alex. Any advice for press fit BBs; service in place, or just remove & replace?

[@larsdohmen6796]

I like to just take my BB30's out fully, u can grease the whole frame cups then aswell

[@graffhead206]

If you're just doing one side of the bearing, like Alex is doing in the video, there is no need to remove the bearing from the frame. However, if you want to repack both sides of each bearing, you will need to tap them out of your frame in order to access the inside seal and balls underneath.

[@meatfish6346]

High chance of damaging it if removing and they aren't expensive so just replace

[@alexseidman354]

@@meatfish6346 If you have the right tools, they shouldn't get damaged. Also, the cost is dependent upon which bearings the BB is running. If they're ceramic, you're going to want to do whatever you can to save them and keep them working for as long as possible.

[@meatfish6346]

I've used the park tool (like a mini version of a headset cup remover) and always failed with a bb92. Usually to resort to a dowel or similar to get to them out. I've not tried the shimano version but for the price, it's not really worth it for the home workshop Vs just getting a new xt BB...

[@janwillemkuilenburg7561]

If you clean a bearing like this, its interior will be contaminated still. It requires: cleaning from both sides, far more degreaser fluid, a brush to work it around, lots of rinsing with hot water to remove all degreaser with contaminations and drying before applying the new grease.

[@undrwings]

Depending on what degreaser you use, definitely going to leave residue when dry!

[@armadillito]

Possibly why disk brake cleaner was used but not explained? It should evaporate. But I'm not convinced it was a thorough cleaning process.

[@west_park7993]

use low-odor mineral spirits and compressed air several times to blast it all. or even pressure washer. water alone can clean it, but you have to dry it up and grease it quickly.

[@jeffdavis5841]

Since I typically don't ride in the inherent wet UK conditions I don't have to do this often. I use a clean solvent to soak the bearing in (after seals removed) then dry thoroughly using low pressure compressed air. I use a 60W synthetic oil and when installing the BB rather than grease the threads I use a wrap of teflon tape on the threads which won't wash out or attract any fine grit if I do get caught out in wet conditions.

[@S3iF3]

Marathon inline skater here. For us bone Swiss speed cream is the gold standard lubricant. It’s a very light oil. A heavy oil like WD40 is a nogo, because it‘ll collect a lot of dirt. But since bike bearings are further away from the street and as I see double shielded, this perhaps becomes less of a concern. Just note that this is another disadvantage of a heavier oil. Also don’t over lubricate your bearings, it‘ll increase hydroresistance.

[@jonathanzappala]

You make it seem so delicate. I have bent seals, but I’ve never not be able to re use them. I also like to get the compressor and blow the degreaser out faster.

[@gcntech]

It is a very delicate process, annoyingly! Alex has super steady hands 🙌

[@TonyTurboRST]

Great video and very informative. I’ve always been a bit scared to service my bike but Alex made that look easy. Oh, and the thumbnail was highly amusing 😂👍🏻

[@GCNalex]

Glad you enjoyed the thumbnail, i never take myself to seriously 😀

[@danielp709]

Loving the rally car on the workbench behind you.

[@GCNalex]

Hey, glad to hear it, plenty of RC cars in my garage!!!!

[@anthonyscrivener2267]

Do a full one on replacing headset bearings on a fully intergraded cockpit. Bet that would increase the sale of bikes with bar and stem with exterior hoses.

[@edymarkonthego4096]

Thanks.. very informative. Could you do on wheel set bearing? Thanks you in advance.

[@grindeyyyyy]

Being a skateboarder I learnt from a young age how to clean sealed bearings, I stripped mine apart and regreased them before

[@gmiller4987]

Do you have a link on where to buy replacement BB30 seals? Can't seem to find them.

[@fogrider4607]

“Sit back and feel all nice and smug”! Haha!

[@misaelramos83]

What a sweet frameset. Really wish my Domane had direct mount calipers. Long live rim brakes.

[@kev379]

When cleaning out the old grease in bearings and other bike parts, can I use isopropyl alcohol and/or dish soap with water

[@ガイレ]

I use needles to pick on the cap is that good?

[@billkallas1762]

I'd love to see Alex service the bearings on a BB7700. (tiny loose ball bearings, and roller bearings)

[@nicktodoroff7836]

Park Tool and R J the Bike have them.

[@billkallas1762]

@@nicktodoroff7836 They've serviced a BB7700?

[@nicktodoroff7836]

@@billkallas1762 Opps. Sorry Bill. They were for squared tapered sealed cartridges.

[@billkallas1762]

@@nicktodoroff7836 The 7700 Octilink spline tool is different from the Octilink spline tool for the Ultegra and 105 bottom brackets and cranks. The 7700 family included Dura Ace road, Dura Ace Track, and XTR.

[@nicktodoroff7836]

@@billkallas1762 Yes sir. That said, I really like your suggestion and hope that Alex takes acts on it. I'd like to see that video too!

[@mosher6264]

If I don’t have new seals,it’s possible to reuse them if I remove them carefully?(Front hub)

[@johnreese3762]

Super! Thanks!!

[@gcntech]

Have you ever changed the bearings on your bike? Let us know in the comments below 👇

[@aleksiniemi9901]

I've replaced and also installed bearings while building my current bike.

[@kennywilson7413]

Great to see the 'secret' of servicing cartridge bearings have an airing.

[@BeefPCC]

How often you have to clean and lubricate bearing on a bike (bottom bracket, direction, wheels, etc)? Ty

[@GCNalex]

Hey Marc, if you have a BB that is serviceable (many are not) once a year should be about right.

[@bugboy152000]

#AskGCNTech I have the SRAM Apex 1 group set on my gravel bike and I'm looking for a cost effective power meter option that is compatible. Pedal option won't work as I'm very partial to my crank brothers pedals and Shimano RX8 shoes. Faithful viewer and truly love spending time with the #GCNTech & #GCN team every week. Thank you for being part of my routine and inspiration.

[@leonbroekx]

Can you show us how to do the (rear)wheel bearings?

[@RichardMaguire110]

Thank you a helpful video. I prefer using an oil rich automotive grease in my bearings, they last a long time with this grease.

[@gcntech]

Thanks Richard!

[@frankeeeej]

I have some slight play in the headset (kinda sketchy on descents.. (good thing I live in the Netherlands)) Could that be a bearing issue?

[@pierrelaviolette670]

Bearings are probably fine but probably need to tighten headset. If you ride too long like this bearings may get damaged because of the play

[@calada1212]

In my years of engineering in rotating equipment, spraying degreaser into bearing is an absolute no.except u want to clean the bearing in order to inspect defects in them, in which case u throw them away after that.no term reuse "degreased bearing"..

[@ZeeFrankensteel]

Can you explain why as I'm truly interested to know? Is there another cleaning solution that would be preferable (milder solvent?) or simply there it's just better not to clean an reuse, but to just get new ones. I've been cleaning many years when the bearing was ok, but always like to learn new real facts. Thanks.

[@ZeeFrankensteel]

or perhaps use ultrasonic cleaner after a mild solvent to finish the job well?

[@chriskotting]

If you can't get to both seals to remove them, trying to clean them out is pretty pointless. You are very likely to just pack old grease and grit against the back side of the bearing, as well as some of the solvent or cleaner you used.

[@larrylem3582]

Gee, would Hambini recommend cleaning and regreasing cartridge bearings or simply replacing them?

[@GHinWI]

He’s a wanker anyway

[@melissagibson4300]

Got a question for anyone that could answer for me I’ve a pinnacle gravel bike that’s second hand and is in really good condition (my view of not knowing a lot about bicycles) the previous owner has done thousands of miles as she loves to cycle. The bike is fine cycling on flat ground and down hill but loudly squeaks as I start to go up hill even over a ramp the sound sounds like it’s coming from behind me when cycling of course it doesn’t squeak when not on the bike. I’ve lubed the chain it helped a bit but the squeaking is still there does anyone know what it could be or had the same issue?

[@21zit]

This bike was really easy to assemble kzbin.infoUgkxMesz3KOGEmwmvyKQfLfrRSUXLFzfVHZA and required very few adjustments out of the box. The wheels did not require any truing/adjustments. The frame had some small scratches, but nothing major.I did replace the seat though - the seat it came with was very uncomfortable. The tires need to be re-inflated every 4-5 days, but this appears to be quite common for the narrow 700x25 tires.Overall, in my opinion, this bike looks and rides like a much more expensive bike.

[@SignorLuigi]

Threaded bottom bracket!!! So much nicer for maintenance. At least, IMO.

[@TM-mt6sx]

I clean my bearings every 300-500km's of riding,and is it fine to lubricate the cable housings?!

[@bikepackingadventure7913]

You cannot clean the bearing properly whilst it is still fitted in the BB. To undertake a proper cleaning and re-grease the bearing should be pushed out and both seals removed and the pressed back in when service completed. However this will require correct bearing extractor and fitting tools.

[@hyperbunny7054]

Agreed! My (bike) life has become so much more complete after getting a bearing puller and bearing press kit.. Not to forget the ultrasonic cleaner (for jewelry) to get them totally cleaned. And wrt the seal if you use a thin pick or needle and ALWAYS pick the inside of the seal, you do not damage them - usually...

[@sstu0286]

Why replace the seal? I’ve had no issues removing seals and it’s perfectly reusable

[@georgedawson235]

You can re use seals! However the seals contribute to a large amount of friction in a cartridge bearing, even if it may seem like you havent nicked the seal I can almost guarantee it won't be 100 percent un damaged

[@GCNalex]

Its just good practice to replace the seals as they are a consumable part, yes you can re use a seal if its not bent, but if possible, best to replace with new.

[@jeffr119]

@George Dawson I can remove these types of seals/covers all day long and can 100% guarantee that none of them will be damaged in any way.

[@georgedawson235]

@@jeffr119 good for you Jeff 👍

[@jeroenbauwens6297]

@@GCNalex can you give an example of where to buy replacement seals? 😅It must be my googling skills, but I can't seem to find separate seals, not even on (online) bearing speciality stores?! Thank you in advance, I currently reuse them after there is little damage after removing them with a scalpel

[@olivierhenrat5881]

Have you really checked that with the bearing manufacturer? I've always been told that not only the type of grease you use matters a lot but also the quantity!

[@GCNalex]

Hi Olivier, all manufactures will have their recommendations, but the video details a method that will provide suitable lubrication for the majority of applications and situations, thanks

[@qp2036]

Oliver your correct. Its absolutely horrid to change from grease to oil for example. Thick grease is the same, the grease it self holds oil that lubricates the bearing. Depending on load levels you need a grease that releases the oil at different conditions. Its a really bad advice to say that anything will work.

[@zukzworld]

Not sure if this is a good home maintenance; I guess I will take the bearings out to the nearest hardware shop and buy exactly same new ones to replace them. They are not expensive and will have peace of mind for having new ones.

[@hopleyp]

How often (duration/distance) should you service the bearings?

[@onehourmusicbc]

From what I heard, if you are using shimano BBs, no services are required. Replace it after you hear creaks or malfunction in it, or just change it every year or two if you ride very often. Shimano BBs are not designed to be serviced. However, if you are using Ceamic Bearings like CeramicSpeed, 5000km per service is recommended if I recall correctly.

[@janwillemkuilenburg7561]

Check all your bearings every year, preferably after winter, and feel if they rotate well without hickups. Service the ones that have a grindy feel or replace those.

[@chrisfoglesong2017]

For a second there, I thought they were making Alex service the bearings on the Eurobike, as some sort of cruel prank.

[@oOoACFREEMANoOo]

Waiting for Habini to shit on this video...

[@jeffr119]

Considering that is his shtick, shitting on everything. That guy has got a serious God complex.

[@B_COOPER]

@@jeffr119you could say that but the 5 year old knows what he’s talking about.

[@hendriksiering9077]

And if you did something wrong, welcome to your local bike shop! xD

[@gcntech]

No shame in taking it taking it to a bike shop!

[@SonnyDarvish]

welcome to the waiting room if you don't have a spare bike

[@dwyerlavery8523]

Should maybe point out that Shimano Hollowtech BB's aren't supposed to be serviced, if you're following the manufacturers instructions that is!

[@frlo7688]

I can use whatever grease I want for bearings ??? Next time tell us which grease we should use lol, not all grease have the same use 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@crypcase150]

Nice bird little have this timer gravel speed👻🐑🧙🐄🥶🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@zebulundocallas]

I would not use a pick to remove a seal that can be re used. Id rather use a needle.

[@ViveSemelBeneVivere]

Let me guess - is this because of doing What's The Deepest Water You Can Ride Through? 😁

[@tomahoks]

Don’t try this at home, kids. Not on your daddys Pinarello at least.

[@GHinWI]

That was about 3x the amount of grease than that bearing should be filled with.

[@Greg-1080k]

Ohhhh so that's why it's always clicking

[@rakebluewallgaming6185]

Why are bikes so expensive to maintain goddamn

[@playandteach]

Why so many missed steps in dismantling? Surely anyone who knows how to get them out by dismantling the drive chain isn't the target audience for adding a bit of grease?

[@richarddelossantosparis4135]

Wow your bike very expensive i like road bike but I no money to buy😥😥

[@hendriksiering9077]

get a used one in good conditions! ;)

[@JMcLeodKC711]

"Hello Hambini fans and welcome to another episode of 'The royal shite show that is threaded bottom brackets'"

[@weldion]

Poor bike that will be ”lubricated” with MucOff.