Proper maintenance of your bike is very important for you because without proper maintenance the age of your bike will decrease quickly, that’s why this is very important to know how to grease a bike wheel bearing or how to lubricate bike wheel bearings. To grease or lubricate the bike wheel bearing, you will need the following tools and materials.
- A set of wrenches or pliers (depending on the type of axle)
- A grease gun
- A tube of high-quality bike grease
- Clean rags or paper towels
- Rubber gloves (optional)
There are a number of steps to grease your bike bearing but the most important thing is to choose the best grease for your bike bearing because it’s not a thing that you can change daily. So, use the best grease. Here are the simple 7 steps to grease or lubricate your bike wheel bearing.
Remove the Wheel from the Bike
Use the appropriate wrench or pliers to loosen the nuts or quick-release skewer and remove the wheel from the bike. You can also read the guide of how to replace dirt bike tire to remove wheels.
Shift the gears to the smallest cog on the rear wheel. This will make it easier to remove the wheel.
Use a wrench to loosen the nuts or a quick-release skewer that holds the wheel in place. Depending on your bike, you may need to use a different size wrench or tool.
If you want to remove the tire from the wheel, use tire levers to pry the tire off the rim. Then, use your hands to pull the inner tube out of the tire.
Remove the Axle
Depending on the type of axle, you may need to use a wrench or pliers to loosen and remove the axle nuts or a quick-release skewer. Once the axle is removed, take out the bearings from the wheel hub.
Once the wheel is removed, you will see the axle. The axle is the metal rod that runs through the center of the wheel.
Locate the nuts or bolts that hold the axle in place. Depending on your bike, there may be one or two nuts or bolts that need to be removed.
Use a wrench to loosen and remove the nuts or bolts.
Carefully slide the axle out of the wheel hub. You may need to gently tap the end of the axle with a hammer to get it to slide out.
Clean the Bearings
Use a clean rag or paper towel to wipe off any dirt, grime, or old grease from the bearings. Make sure the bearings are completely clean and free of debris.
Using a degreaser and a small brush, clean the bearings thoroughly, and remove any dirt or grime that has accumulated on them. Be sure to clean both the inside and outside of the bearings.
Once the bearings are clean, dry them thoroughly using a clean, lint-free cloth.
Apply new Grease
Use a grease gun to apply a small amount of high-quality bike grease to each bearing. Be careful not to over-grease, as this can cause excess friction and damage to the bearings.
Reassemble the Wheel
Place the bearings back into the wheel hub and reinsert the axle. Tighten the nuts or quick-release skewer to the appropriate torque setting, as recommended by your bike’s manufacturer.
Check the Wheel
Spin the wheel to make sure it rotates smoothly and without any wobbling or grinding sounds. If necessary, make any adjustments to the bearings or axle to ensure the wheel spins correctly.
Reinstall the Wheel
Once you’re satisfied with the wheel’s performance, reinstall it onto your bike and tighten the nuts or quick-release skewer.
By following these steps, you can ensure your bike wheel bearings stay well-greased and perform optimally for many rides to come.