Machine Tech hub service

[stavros222]

I have a rear Machine Tech hub that will require new bearings. I took it into my LBS today, but they didn't seem interested. I thought most hubs basically had the same bearings. Is this correct? How difficult is it to:

a) Service the hub myself?
b) Get the bearings I require to do this?

Any info is gratefully received. I'm looking to get bearing info, supplier details of these bearings and some guidance on how to do the job. Not much then!

Photos of the hub below:

Cheers!

 

[David Gibson]

machine tech bearings

Here's a site for replacement bearings. They're expensive, but else can you do?
http://cgi.ebay.com/Ceramic-Bicycle-Bea ... 18Q2el1247

 

[stavros222]

Ouch!

Thanks for the link man!

 

[pinguwin]

I would talk to an industrial bearing shop and see what they have. It's highly unlikely that this is a special bearing that Machine Tech had made for themselves. It's more likely that it's a standard bearing that they used. The bearings linked to are ceramic which are much more expensive than conventional bearings for a minimal boost in performance.

Take your existing bearings to a bearing supply shop and they can look at inner/outer diameters and thickness and have a good chance of fixing you up. Be aware, I'm speaking of generalities here and could be full of it and this really is a special bearing.

There are some bearings that really are unique. Take Klein MC1/2 headset bearings. These are bearings that come from Boeing and aren't available from standard shops. The bottom bracket bearings are available all over.

 

[kaiser]

Agree with pinguwin, if its a 6001 which from what I can make out from the ebay ad, any of this type will do.You can enter 6001 + bearing in ebay search for a selection. Though you do get open ones which aren't suitable. Go for an RS(Rubber Sea)l type. If you want to be really flash Phil Wood will also provide a bearing with there spec of grease in it. You can get these from Jensons or Phil Wood.


To double check the sizes for a 6001 are 12mm X 28mm X 8mm.

I've just ordered 2 for a paul components hub from these guys


http://stores.ebay.co.uk/E-B-R-Bearing-Supplies


Of course id'ing the brg this way isn't ideal.(get out clause :roll: )

 

[Elev12k]

If they have a rubber seal (lift it on the inside, carefully with a knife), maybe you can come away with putting in new thick grease.

 

[REKIBorter]

If they have a rubber seal (lift it on the inside, carefully with a knife), maybe you can come away with putting in new thick grease.

Like the man said, used this technique with Pulstar hubs & Marin swing arm pivot bearings, works a treat

 

[pinguwin]

maybe you can come away with putting in new thick grease.

That is true, you can often do this, but I would do this as a last resort. Generally bearings are pretty cheap (often just a few pounds each) and if you're rebuilding it, why not start out with a fresh set? I've met an engineer who worked for a bearing company while on a ride and he said that this could be done, but it's not nearly as good as original. Failing to find a suitable set, 12k has a good idea.

 

[Elev12k]

Pingiun,

You are right on that replacing bearings is supirior. My situation is that I do not have the tools the replace them myself

 

[Err]

Are rubber sealed bearings definitely superior to double metal shielded ones?