Front Wheel Bearings

[awol]

I've recently noticed my front wheel has been a bit 'gritty' when spinning. First I adjusted the brake thinking it was rubbing then decided to check the bearings. It's the first time I've taken the front wheel apart so didn't know what to expect and I've done about 6500 miles on the bike. What I found was bearing balls sat in dirty grease so removed the ball bearings, cleaned/regreased them. I think I found the rough spinning problem though, it looks like it's caused by the nut things which tightens up onto the bearings themselves.
Can anyone tell me what this is called and where to get new ones?

 

[Deleted member 4366]

The bearings comprise cups, cones and ball-race. They normally come as a set with the axle from a bike shop.

 

[Kuorider]

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/cone-adjustment.html Everything you need to know on this link. Parts are cheap and plentiful, it's well worth cleaning ,greasing and adjusting these regularly. Check the condition of the cups in the hub,if these are pitted they must be replaced or the new bearings and cones will be damaged . This may be a bike shop job if you cannot do this yourself.
Pay particular attention to correct adjustment ,too tight will ruin the bearings, the correct cone spanners are cheap. A little practice and you will soon become proficient.

 

[Kuorider]

http://www.bikemag.com/videos/exploring-and-maintaining-the-humble-cup-and-cone Another link with a good video.

 

[Deleted member 4366]

Modern wheels often have sealed non-adjustable bearings, so no need to clean and adjust if you have that type.

 

[awol]

Thanks for all the info, yes it's the part called a cone part I need, and I have the hub with separate balls for bearings. I've just been to a local bike shop and he will need to see my parts as he says there are many types and as d8veh says I will probably need a full set so will do that next week hopefully before my hub gets damaged too, but for now I have adjusted the tightness better and the wheel spins better than it used to.

 

[awol]

Thats a great video posted above, he really makes it look easy.
It just occurred to me earlier that I still have my original brand new rear wheel untouched in the garage so am going to see if the cone nuts fit my front wheel but the question now is that if the cone nuts fit the front, do I also swap the bearing balls too even if my front ones look ok?

 

[Deleted member 4366]

Always swap the balls. You can't see if they're damaged.

 

[awol]

Always swap the balls. You can't see if they're damaged.

Thanks, will do that.