Topic: Front wheel spindle

[Michael]

My C5 is now stripped.

I fitted the tyres on saturday and checked the front wheel when spinning felt notching and did not spin freely.

Can the spindle be removed from the front wheel and lubricated. The car has sat for 5 years.

Also the pedals had a tendency when no chain fitted to spin, but then stop like that spindle is sticky too, so will lubricate those bearings.

[KarlG]

Hi Michael;

it's no problem to remove the spindle.

First place a tray or something similar on the bench to catch any of the ball bearings that may fall out. The system I use is to lay the wheel in the horizontal position, keeping weight on the wheel to prevent any of the ball bearings from dropping out of the lower side. Holding the coned nut (the inner nut) in place with a thin spanner remove the locking nut,. then remove the coned nut. Be careful that the ball bearings don't spill out, remove the balls, I use a super magnet to collect them.  Finally push the spindle out, and of course collect the balls.

If the wheel has been notching it's best to replace the balls.

Av phun.

Cheers.

Edit: Sould check my spelling before posting. 

[Michael]

Oh brill.

Thanks for that one. Well I could see what looked like a lock nut on it, so thought it was possible.

Now I know it is.

Do the bearings come from a normal bike shop or halfords?

Regards michael

[KarlG]

Hi Michael,

I don't know about Halfords, I've never been there.   They're normally available at bike shops, but I would advise you to take a ball , or a cage, with you, as a sample, when you go.

Cheers. KarlG.

EDIT: The C5 front wheel bearings may be caged, but this doesn't alter the procedure.

[Michael]

I was curious when I stripped the final bits from the chassis, so stripped the frot wheel spindle too.

Infact it all appears good with the balls and cage but seems the grease had gelled. After soaking one set (for test purpose) in brake cleaner they move so freely and all appear to be round.

Will now do this with all ball bearings that are caged and should have a better feeling.

[KarlG]

Hi Michael,

it goes without saying, if you strip the bike down you should remove all traces of old grease from both bearings and housings. Just make sure you use the correct grease when re-lubing.

[Michael]

What grease is used?

I have high hptemperature axle grease in the garage.

[KarlG]

Hi Michael,

that'll be OK, any type of GP grease can be used.