Shimano Wheel Bearings Question

[Wold Ranger]

Any one know how many Balls there should be a side in Shimano XT 7 series wheel bearings? Just servicing mine and the front one appears to have 11 in one side and 7in the other! Should it be 9 a side 10 or 11? 11 will fit without rubbing, but which is the correct number? Can soon get some more balls as they are a standard size.
Thanks

 

[Iwasgoodonce]

Just done an eight speed and that was nine on each side. I'm amazed eleven could fit in one side. Are they the right size?

 

[gump]

9 each side
1/4"

Think all my shitmano have been the same actually :?

 

[Wold Ranger]

Balls

Yep its 9 each side, someone must have slipped up sevicing it b4. Smaller in front 1/4 in back. Managed to find a service guide on the web.
Fitted some XTR Ti axles while I was on. Puts the Torus under 22 pounds now, with quite a bit more saving on tyres, tubes, bottom bracket and seat post to come. Thanks for the response.

 

[gump]

ahh, maybe I only ever serviced the rears

 

[Elev12k]

I can be wrong, but my 1st thought was:

10x 3/16 in front
9x 1/4 in rear

 

[Wold Ranger]

balls

You may be right as I could get 11 in one side, they had 7 in one and 11 in the other, but some times with smaller dia' balls they prefer to leave room so they don't rub up tight against each other? I have put nine in each at the mo' but may pop another one in each side then.

 

[Elev12k]

Actually I have no much doubt. I stick to my 10. Serviced quite a lot XT and DX hubs over the years. 10 came out, 10 went in.

I find well greased, smooth rolling bearings very important. Recently serviced a DX bb. Only 7 balls (in the ring, of course) were fitted. XT and XC Pro bb's came with 9. I mounted 9 balls (without a ring, is better) back, that is an increase of over 20%!!! It was more or less the same for the headset. Shimano found some room for making savings compared to the XT. Less balls.

 

[jonboy]

Yeah, but think of the extra weight your adding with those additional ball bearings !!!!! LOL