"DanSMeyers" <
[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I just repacked both Ultegra hubs and wonder about a few things: the old
grease
> (lithium) was a medium grey color...is this from water entering or just
normal
> old grease look? I inspected the races and see a defined, but smooth, line where the bearings sit.
> Normal? Also, should all play be removed from the
hub
> once they're back on the bike or can/should there be just a hint of play?
I
> seem to have just a hint on the front hub after numerous attempts to get
it
> just right. Appreciate your help.
>
> Dan
I'm not a big fan of white lithium grease for hubs or bottom brackets. I prefer to use a heavier
grease like moly-slip. However, if you clean and re-grease enough, it's probably ok. I find it dries
out and becomes displaced from the bearings after a time. The grey colour is probably normal as a
result of wear and tear and dirt. The line you see is just normal wear and tear, depending how many
miles you have on your hubs. As long as they aren't pitted, you'll be alright for now. Check the
cones and bearings as well. There should be no pitting. If your bearings are a dull grey colour you
may consider replacing them. They're the cheapest thing to replace (along with the cones) so if in
doubt, put new ones in. If you have quick-release wheels, you can have a little play when adjusting
on the bench as the QR will take up some of that play once installed. If you have your wheels
installed on the bike and can STILL feel noticeable play, they are too loose and need to be
tightened. There is a trick to adjusting hubs. Overtighten or loosen slightly, then use two cone
wrenches once locked to loosen the adjustment a fraction or use a cone wrench and a regular wrench
on the opposite lock nut to tighten a bit. Generally, you can get about a
1/4 - 1/2 turn adjustment this way without losing your locked state.
Cheers,
Scott..