Anyone changed the bearings on a Hope XC front hub (2005) without buying the recommended tools on www.hopetech.co.uk

If you have what did you use to remove/insert the bearings?

Cheers.

PS the bearings on mine only lasted 12 months.

Did my rear one with a normal drift and was OK though putting it back together took me 3 goes to get spacers etc the right way round

Hi Alan...

Whats a drift? Got any photo's or know any sites that sell drifts?

Thanks.

Martin

A drift is a metal bar for kknocking things like bearings out of the hole they are in


Like this

Aarr..like a punch..

I was going to make one (drift/punch) out wood to do the same thing....hopefully.

Cheers.

If your taking a bearing out it will be because it is worn. So I just use a long screw driver. It doesnt matter if the seal gets split.

http://www.bikemagic.com/forum/forummessages.asp?URN=2&UTN=18368&last=1&SP=&V=1

I've changed bearings without special tools no problem. Some designs you can just tap them out using the axle or a blunt screwdriver. The new ones will usually go in easily enough also with a light coating of decent grease.

Go to the link Montgomery referred to - I can vouch for the quality of instructions that Dave gave - I printed them out and have used the instructions a few times since then as well. When knocking out the bearings I supported the hub on a pvc screw-on waste pipe fitting cap (the bit the tightens the fitting on to a pipe length). And don't be frightened to really wallop the drift - it takes some getting out!

Also - look at this page:

http://www.hopetechnology.com/technical/technical_index.htm

it gives some great info as well.

To replace the bearing, use a socket from a spocket set, or a tube of some sort to fit the outer race and then put in a vice, this way you can control the movement and avoid bashing bits and breaking them.

Cheers!

Does anyone know how the lower bearings on a FSA Orbit XL II come out, eg do you have to remove the cup to get them out?

I have one of those headsets. No you won't need to take the cup off...You will need to remove the stem and then slide the fork steerer out of the headtube. The bearing cartridges should then be easily removable with fingers - they might need to be gently prised out if the grease has held them in position. Clean them or replace them and liberally grease them/the cups and reverse the removal process to install. hope that helps.

Try here for your bearings. Why pay £5 each when you can get 10 for just over an Ayrton....