[Closed] How many balls should I have?

As many as you can fit in.

Usually worth replacing them anyway as they cost f-all. Just take a couple of examples along to a bike shop and buy several.

Any old Shimano hub I've seen has 9 in the rear (each side). There's also the 'rule of 10'. Ten each side up front, Eleven in the BB and Nine in the rear (hence TEN). If for someone reason, as many as you can fit in minus 1 is better. The bearings will be sat in the right place and not rubbing against each other.

Ta. Yes I intend to replace them.

Grab a torch and check inside the hub shell.

Grab a torch and check inside the hub shell.

Based on the OP's username and my experience it's an eyeball upgrade that would be most helpful 😐

One is under the fridge. always one ends up under the fridge

True. Fridge suck is the most powerful force in the known universe. You don't even have to be in the same room.

True. Fridge suck is the most powerful force in the known universe. You don't even have to be in the same room.

I'm replying to this thread from under the fridge right now

I think it's the magnets...

Now for once I wasn't working in the kitchen and I made a point of ensuring i caught or dug out all the balls. Hub is cleaned out now so nothing left inside. I think. Actually maybe I should get Mrs Slowoldman to take a look. She's good at finding things I can't find in the location I have been looking. Jamba is right about my eyesight but I have fearsomely good specs.

Following the "which grease?" thread with interest too.

We know how to have a wild time here!

Rough guide.

Fill it up until it is obviously too many, remove one.

We know how to have a wild time here!

Well I got a bag of balls big enough for two hubs for a quid from my local Evans.

That's your Christmas balls sorted out then.

I know how to have fun.

Get a telescopic magnet preferably with a torch on it.

Saved my bacon many times