The quick release or the thru axle are tight and yet your wheel wobbles back and forth in the rear triangle or fork? A clear case of bearing play. We explain how you can get the play in Shimano, Mavic and other hubs under control with just a few simple steps.
Adjust bearing play
If the wheel has bearing play in the frame, it is high time to take action. We explain the solution using a Shimano rear hub as an example; below you will find tips on other manufacturers.
You will need these tools:
- Cone spanner
- Five-seater coach
- Special spanner for Mavic
1. check bearing play You do not need to remove the wheel to check it. Wiggle the wheel and check the bearing play with two fingers on the hub. If there is play, the cone is too loose.
2. loosen the cone The cone for adjusting the bearing play on the wheel is always locked with a nut. Loosen this screw connection with two cone spanners, it is often loose anyway (also possible on the cassette side).
3. adjust bearing play To adjust, you must hold the axle with a cone spanner on the second side of the hub. The bearing play is reduced by turning the loosened cone on the axle to the right.
4. counter the cone If the axle no longer has any noticeable play, the previously loosened cone can be locked again (as shown in figure 2). Lock the cone against the lock nut again using two cone spanners. Caution: Hold the cone nut firmly and only turn the lock nut so that you do not change the bearing play again.
5. check ease of movement By turning the axle with two fingers, you can check whether the axle still moves smoothly in the hub. If the bearing runs extremely roughly, you have turned the cone too tightly.
Other systems
Systems with Allen key flats
It is often easier to remove bearing play from quick-release hubs with industrial bearings. Remove the quick release and tighten the Allen key flats on the left and right of the axle against each other.
Mavic wheels
With most Mavic wheels, you do not even have to remove the wheel. Once installed, simply tighten the disc with milled dots using the special tool supplied.
