Deore LX Freehub - 'am I missing a bearing...???'

[bertberr]

Been investigating a growling noise coming from my rear Deore LX Parallax hub - M563, generaly one per rotation.

So, removed cassette and checked cup/cone & bearings and all seemed OK, so removed freehub, and when I removed the rubber seal at the very back of the freehub to expose the bearings, I was a little surprised to see a gap approx' 1 bearing wide...

Now, I'm no bearing expert, but surely there shouldn't be a gap like this... I counted 25 bearings, anybody know how many should be in a freehub like this?

Cheers

 

[JamesM]

I'm no bearing expert either but I've had a few hubs apart over the years and that doesnt look out of place to me.

 

[Andy R]

In a "loose" ( ie not caged) ball race the rule of thumb is to leave one ball space vacant, which is what you've got here. Looks right to me

 

[bertberr]

OK thanks, at least that eliminates one line of enquiry... back to the drawing board :?

 

[dyna-ti]

When repacking old headsets use loose bearings and fill it up[but no huge amounts of grease].Then take one ball out
Standard practice

However it can help to fill it as sometimes it makes it feel smoother,try it full and remove one if you think it warranties it

 

[bertberr]

will try that, thanks

 

[REKIBorter]

Flush it out with oil - Finish Line XC or similar - before you put it back. Helps if you fill it with oil then put your mouth over then end and blow the oil through the freehub body.

 

[JamesM]

I let one soaked in engine flush once. I then let it dry before filling it with outboard (boat) gear oil and draining it. Once done it was completely silent, you couldn't even here the ratcheting. I used it on my single speed and it was all very peaceful. Gear oil might be a bit thick though especially in colder weather.

 

[Xesh]

For freehub servicing this is the best tool ever!

http://www.morningstartools.com/freehub_buddy1.html

 

[bertberr]

I saw that Freehub Buddy mentioned in an article somewhere - looks good but probably only worthwhile if you're pulling apart a LOT of freehubs?

Anyway, not sure how relevant this is, but I think the droning noise may be due to cassette movement on the freehub body, or possibly even the freehub body moving very slightly on the hub splines...

Tell me, with the wheel out of the frame on the workbench, when you hold the largest sprocket and give it a wiggle side to side, should there be any movement at all? Mine rocks very slightly side to side.