[Sandwich]

I have a set of 20mm/150mmx12mm outlaw wheels. I followed the instructions to remove the bearings, but now that they're out, it feels like they spin relatively freely. Am I mental? Could the terrible crunchy feeling be coming from something else? Could it only be "active" when the axle is installed and tightened up?

I feel like I must be missing something...

 

[Racebike]

That they spin "relatively freely" is not a sign that they are still good to go.

Some hubs have a more snugly fitting bearing seat compared to others. So they could indeed feel quite good when not installed.

Mind you, if you experience premature wear of bearings, the seat could be too tight.

Anyhoo, since you whacked them out, replace them.

If you experience more crunching noises when spinning your front wheel with fresh bearings, it's probably in your mind.

Do check that the disc clears any mounts/adapters and check that the cups that go over the bearings (the part between the hub and fork) don't rub against the hubshell.

 

[Sandwich]

I'm sorry...this is my rear hub. The axle was hard to turn when it was installed...now that I've freed the bearings, they feel OK. I may as well replace them since they're cheap, but I'm wondering if I should expect something else, like the freehub...even though there was no freehub drag and the bike backpedaled fine.

Is there any value to going to a higher grade bearing? Instead of an ABEC-1, try an Abec-5 or 7 or even ceramic?

 

[Racebike]

The same problem applies to the rear hub, the bearing seats and perhaps a rubbing spacer between the hub and frame.

The freehub usually houses bearings as well, did you change them as well?

Make sure the pawls and retainers for them are cleaned and re-lubed.

Check the seal between the freehub and hubshell, also check the contact point between them for wear.

If your axle does not go through easily, it may be damaged, but that is unusual. Some hubs don't like the tapered Maxle for example, just check so the axle is straight and has no damage.

Ceramic bearings are not worth spending extra money for this apllication IMHO. Just make sure you have bearings that have two rubber seals (usually marked 2RS), one seal on each side.

Cheaper bearings work, but could use some more grease from the get go.

Before installing, take one of the seals off and push some quality bearing grease into them, then push the seal back in. Be careful not to bend the seal (metal core) and don't damage the rubber material.

If you buy premium bearings they do last a bit longer, they come better greased and hold a higher quality. But they dislike the pressure washer as much as cheapo ones.

 

[w00dy]

That horrible feel is probably due to the bearings being pressed in by the inner race. It sets the spacing funny. The formula freehub bodies I used to work with had to be disassembled and re-pressed before they felt good. Make sure you press in the new bearings by the outer race or both races evenly. Your freehub is probably fine. Those haven't seen too much pedaling.

DO NOT buy ceramic. You'll have greasy glass powder for bearings before the axle even goes in. Those have to be handled with the utmost care and proper pressing tools.

Higher grade bearings have tighter tolerances, mostly. The seals won't change much. The grease may be better. Doesn't hurt to give them a shot of something water-resistant. I rebuilt my hub with marine grease last time. It's bound to see water.