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Introduction

This tutorial will show how to replace the hub shell bearings in our common SL style rear hubs. This procedure can also be used as a guide for changing bearings in other hubs which use similar axle reducer assemblies.

  1. Any brand bearing press will work as long as the correct size bearing drifts are used. To skip to bearing installation, proceed to step 4. Begin by removing the axle from the hub by following one of these guides:
  2. Slide the bearing removal drift onto the threaded axle of the bearing press tool. Then slide the tool through the disc side of the hub. Place the bearing removal cup on the non-disc side. This cup should be larger in diameter than the outer race of the bearing. Thread the remaining handle onto the bearing press tool. Make sure the bearing removal drift and bearing removal cup are centered.
    • Slide the bearing removal drift onto the threaded axle of the bearing press tool. Then slide the tool through the disc side of the hub.

    • Place the bearing removal cup on the non-disc side. This cup should be larger in diameter than the outer race of the bearing. Thread the remaining handle onto the bearing press tool.

    • Make sure the bearing removal drift and bearing removal cup are centered.

    • Tighten the tool handles to press the axle reducer and non-disc side bearing out of the hub shell.

    • The axle reducer will still be attached to the bearing. The bearing can be pulled off the reducer with firm hand pressure.

  3. Slide the bearing removal drift and axle reducer onto the bearing press tool. Place the bearing removal cup on the disc side of the hub. This cup should be larger in diameter than the outer bearing race. Tighten the tool handles to press the axle reducer and the disc-side bearing out of the hub shell. The axle reducer will still be attached to the bearing. The bearing can be pulled off the reducer with firm hand pressure.
    • Slide the bearing removal drift and axle reducer onto the bearing press tool.

    • Place the bearing removal cup on the disc side of the hub. This cup should be larger in diameter than the outer bearing race.

    • Tighten the tool handles to press the axle reducer and the disc-side bearing out of the hub shell. The axle reducer will still be attached to the bearing. The bearing can be pulled off the reducer with firm hand pressure.

  4. Before installing new bearings, thoroughly clean bearing bores on the hub shell. You can also add a small amount of Loctite to the clean bore before pressing the bearing in, as an optional safeguard. To install a new disc-side bearing, begin by gently centering the bearing in the bearing bore. Slide the bearing press drift onto the press tool and insert through the disc-side of the hub. Slide the bearing drift onto the press tool on the non disc side, and install the handle.Tighten the tool to press in the disc-side bearing. Be sure to center drifts to avoid damage to the bearing and/or uneven installation.
    • Before installing new bearings, thoroughly clean bearing bores on the hub shell. You can also add a small amount of Loctite to the clean bore before pressing the bearing in, as an optional safeguard.

    • To install a new disc-side bearing, begin by gently centering the bearing in the bearing bore. Slide the bearing press drift onto the press tool and insert through the disc-side of the hub. Slide the bearing drift onto the press tool on the non disc side, and install the handle.Tighten the tool to press in the disc-side bearing.

    • Be sure to center drifts to avoid damage to the bearing and/or uneven installation.

    • To install the non disc-side bearing, install the bearing on the axle reducer, using firm hand pressure. Slide the bearing drift onto the press tool, followed by the axle reducer and bearing. Insert the tool through the non disc-side of the hub. Then slide the bearing drift onto the press tool on the disc side. Install the handle, and tighten.

    • And that's it! Thanks for reading, now get out there and ride!

Conclusion

Thanks for reading, now get out there and ride!

Elle T

Member since: 02/15/2022

1 Guide authored

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