Rumbly bearings

[Danthefestaman]

Re:

oh yeah cant quite believe it!! It feels like a little grit in it but obviously could be worse so needs attention.

Been turning spanners for 20 years and seen some silly problems occur from lack of people giving a stuff. Worse one was a new Vivaro 9k on clock had to put new engine in because the idiots ran it out of oil (DPF issues). Then got it recovered to the dealer but didn't top it up with oil to at least stand half a chance getting warranty. Any way off topic rant but emphasises everything needs a little maintenance.

 

[Captain Stupido]

I'd be wondering why a "new" 9k vivaro ran out of oil in the first place! Presumably most people who buy new cars/vans expect them to just work... (both my cars are 20 years old...so yes, i check the oil regularly)

Bikes are generally easier than cars to work on, but different. They're probably easier to make a mess of if you don't know what you're doing, and possibly require more specialist tools. Knowledge is key and a good book is a great help. It's outdated now but "Richard's Bicycle Book" (Richard Ballantine) has been a bible for me over the years.

A few years ago I took an old Saab to a specialist for some work. Brilliant, experienced mechanic, years in the trade, clever and thorough, he was building up a single speed bike in his spare time and had ruined a brand new headset (and possibly the frame) trying to install it by tapping it in with a hammer. He did a great job on my car though!

Servicing hubs is a piece of cake with the proper tools. The tools needed aren't particularly expensive either. But if you're only doing one or two then it's probably cheaper and easier to take them to your local bike shop, especially if you value your time.

 

[Danthefestaman]

Re:

The van sits on an airport and idles all day long in the winter, despite being told to turn them off. Was lovely to put an engine in a brand new van (not).

I find bikes a pleasure to work on after spending years fixing vehicles but as you say there are some bits you need to ask questions about just to back up what you already thought. Will grind a spanner up later to make a cone spanner and get it sorted hopefully.

 

[hamster]

CV joint grease is great for bike hubs.

 

[Danthefestaman]

Re:

So I tried CV grease (VW spec) and still pretty rough. The insides of the hub were pretty clean with what looked like multipurpose grease. I cleaned out and cleaned all bearings but its not quiet. If you set the hub up any where near tight its awful I have it backed off a little and its smooth but not enough. Will look again and see if I can get a bearing size and order some.

Got the bike out the box and it looks like I need a few parts so I will have to make a list and ask around. Frames pretty good for 24 years old just forks could do with paint.