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Apologies for the basic query.
The hubs on my 2009 Fuel EX 8 are getting v noisy. They've covered regular miles, several times a week, in all weathers and never been touched.
What are my options? I was thinking of replacing them with an XT factory wheelset but seem to remember someone saying that the rear skewer may be longer than usual? Something to do with the ABP? It may be that I've completely misunderstood, but can I just go online and by any wheelset or are there specific hub/skewer widths. Can I use existing QR skewer with new wheels without a problem and just swap the rotors?
I'd quite like to keep the old wheels to fit to an old bike. I've never serviced wheels before - other than changing the cassette - but is it just a question of getting cone spanners, opening them up and cleaning/greasing the bearings?
Basic, I know but any advice appreciated. Thanks.
They are probably sealed bearings rather than cup and cone. Did the wife's EX8 front a few weeks ago and it was. Take out the axle. Tap out bearings - each from the opposite side. Read number on bearing - order on ebay. Fit and they are as good as new. Don't know if the rear is more complicated, but doubt it will tax you.
Thanks for the speedy response djflexure. I might have a go at that.
...but doubt it will tax you.
You'd be surprised at just how incompetent I am 🙂
What about replacement wheels? Is it just a question of buying a set "off the shelf" or are there specific hub widths/disc placement/skewer sizes required?
Front hubs are qr (9mm) - which is what you will likely have, 15mm or 20mm - standard width.
Rear are qr , 10mm x 135 or 12mm x 142.
Thanks very much for taking the time to respond, djflexure. I'm grateful for your advice.
I take it you mean either 10mm x135mm or 12mm x142mm at the rear, rather than either being suitable? If so, how do I work out which one I need? Presumably the 142 refers to the width of the hub, so I guess if I measure that I will know which one I need. What measurements do the 10 and 12 equate to?
Anyone have any views on suitable replacements that are equivalent or slightly better than the standard Bontragers? I'm not good enough to warrant anything exotic or expensive as long as they perform well and are durable. (Couldn't stand the ones that go "clickety click" though).
I imagine you will be 9mm or 10mm x 135. If its qr like the front its 9mm, otherwise bolt in/ through is 10mm. The dropouts are all 10mm, its just the internal axle diameter that varies - so either would fit your bike.
What you have is a set of standard quick release wheels , 135mm at the rear . You can order any Quick release wheels to replace them . You are correct that the rear QR skewer is longer than standard but you just use it instead of the rear skewer that comes with your new rear wheel and it will fit fine .
Brilliant. Thank you, gentlemen. That's just the information I need.
Time to do a bit of browsing for wheels now, I think......