hub bearings

It would help if you told us the brand of hub, I'm guessing Maillard and possibly the Helicomatic model, but it's strickly a wild guess. If I'm right then you would probably have one of two bearing sizes, 3/16th or 1/4th inch size. And the rear usually had the smaller bearing if I remember correctly which means they should be available on the open market as just bearings. Or you could shop on E-Bay for a replacement either NIB or NOS Maillard hubs. Or I could be wrong about which hub you have and I wasted my time!

solecyclist65 said:

hi there just wondering if anyone can tell me what type of hub bearings are used on a raleigh record sprint 😄

Round ones.

Most bikes of that era used loose ball bearings - sometimes they used a bearing retainer from which you could easily pop the bearings free. You don't need the retainer. New ball bearings can be obtained from a bike shop or an industrial parts supply store.

Check that the bearings really are worn beyond reasonable use. Dismantle the hub, clean everything, check the cones and bearings for wear and reassemble.

You'll need a set of cone wrenches (aka cone spanners) to do this job. Depending on the hub they'll likely be either 14mm or 15mm.

solecyclist65 said:

hi there just wondering if anyone can tell me what type of hub bearings are used on a raleigh record sprint of which ive had for twenty five years from the eighties im afraid theyve given up the ghost any relenant information would be great😄

hi there thanks for the info is it possible by any chance that you would know what crank bearings go into the record sprint thank you:p

I also own a 1985 Raleigh Record Sprint, it definitely has a Helicomatic rear hub, these use a smaller bearring size 5/32". More information on the Helicomatic can be found here: The Helicomatic Museum or here Sheldon Brown's Bicycle Glossary Ha-Hi

Just by chance I have dismantled a Record Sprint's bottom bracket a couple of weeks ago. 9 caged bearings on either side. The bearings in these look like a more standard 1/4", but I haven't bothered to measure as they were in fine condition. If replacing consider putting in 11 loose bearings of the same size. For the why and how see here: Tool Tips--Bottom Bracket Adjusment

Stop riding it now. You probably need a new spindle as well as balls but you may be able to reuse the cups. However, if they're pitted they need replacement too.