Source
r/bikewrench•
Propane

Rear hub keeps loosening up after ~20 miles

Hey all, I am experiencing an issue where, a few hundred miles after servicing my rear hub, the hub is loosening up on short rides enough to have noticeable play when I get home. It's a standard cup/cone hub with quick release - I got the lock nuts down pretty tight when I did the overhaul.

Is there any way I can stop this from happening? Do I need to get some loctite for the threads?

Posted May 10, 2021, 1:08 PM UTC

12
rcybak•

Depending upon the quality of the axle, cones, and locknuts, it is possible that one or more of these items is stripped. You'll need to inspect the threads of each to determine which need replacing. Or, you may need to buy a whole new axle and cones. Typically, the axle will not strip, but it can. The threads can be worn down, thus making it hard to hold the cones and/or locknuts tight.

2
Moutache_person•

rcybak is right about the possible wear on some parts. The locknuts used on wheel axles are pretty thin, and we need to tighten them hard. I once had to replace a stripped locknut on a wheel.
If it was my wheel I would :

  • Disassemble every part, which include the two locknuts ;
  • Check every part for unusual wear, especially on threads ;
  • If everything is okay, put everything back together again.

One thing to keep in mind before disassembling everything is to measure the distance between the locknuts and the end of the axle.
If I was worried about the axle loosening again, I would :

  • Avoid putting grease on the locknuts' faces ;
  • And/or use medium strength threadlocker.

p.s. : it's actually what I'm gonna do tonight, since I got play on one of my bike's wheel axle.

2