I was about to set off on my bike commute this morning but then I noticed my front wheel was wobbling about despite the QR being done up tight. I took the wheel off and felt that the nuts on either side of the hub were loose so I tightened them up with a spanner and a pair of pliers. When I put the wheel back on there was no wobble but when I gave it a spin, it doesn't spin for long (3 secs?) before stopping (the brakes weren't rubbing). As I was running late I rode in to work like that.
So my questions to you: have I done the right thing? Have I over-tightened my nuts? 😉 Do I need to take any further action or get it seen to by someone who knows what they're doing?? Help me please!
it's a quick lbs job looks like you've over-tightened the cones. I'm not sure how it works but someone on here will know what to do. if you dont get any luck on here try searching 'tinternet for shimano hub service guides or take it to your lbs
copied and pasted from http://www.mountainbikerides.co.uk/fettling/shimano_hub.htm
Using the cone spanners tighten the cone and the lock nut to hold it in place. The cones should have a very small amount of play when you have finished. Insert the quick release skewer and try the hub in the bike. The compression of the skewer usually takes up the play in the cones. Spin and rock the wheel in the bike to test for play and smoothness of rotation. You may have to re-adjust the cone and lock nut until it is just right. There is no quick fix for this - it's just a matter of trial and error until you get a feel for it!
cheers bomberman, I had a quick look on the park tools site before posting and, along with what you've posted, I'm off to the lbs with it. Ta.
Yup, you've overtightened it!
Don't ride it too long, or you'll mash up the cones and the bearings.
You'll need a cone spanner to do it right.. Usually a 13mm for the front.
Lack of right equipment and know-how = trip to lbs 😉
I'll give them this bike (my road bike) when I pick up my mountain bike from them after work today - fettled with rear mech to sort out indexing with the help of park tools website, got my confidence up so then had a go at front mech - oops, big mistake! When will I learn?
headfirst - Ahhh, setting up front mechs.
Setting up a rear mech is an exact science, line things up appropriately and off you go. In comparison setting up a front mech to work in all gears with no rubbing is a dark art only to be performed by those who have sold their souls to the evil god of bicycle mechanics.
The problem is the amount of variables that can come into play with a front mech. Chainstay length, chain angle, bb width, chainset dimensions, chainring sizes, seat-tube angle, etc, all effect the initial set-up. Then once you think you have everything set-up you take it out of the stand and take it for a ride. It's then you quickly realise that you hadn't taken into account the flex in the bb area so everything is rubbing and your back to the beginning.
All bike mechanics will tell you that setting up a front mech is an exercise in compromise and trial and error.
setting up a front mech to work in all gears with no rubbing is a dark art only to be performed by those who have sold their souls to the evil god of bicycle mechanics.
Unless you've got friction thumbies, in which case it's a great deal easier!