How to Replace or Service the Bearings in Your SRAM XDR Hub

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The SRAM XDR [paid link] hub is a critical component in your road bike’s drivetrain system, offering precision, durability, and smooth engagement. However, over time, the bearings within the hub can wear out, affecting performance. Regular maintenance, particularly bearing service, is essential to keep the hub running efficiently. This guide will take you through the step-by-step process of replacing or servicing the bearings in your SRAM XDR [paid link] hub.

Tools Required

Before beginning the replacement or service process, ensure you have the following tools on hand:

  • Cone wrenches (usually 12mm, 13mm)
  • 10mm socket or adjustable wrench
  • Bearing press [paid link] or hammer with appropriate bearing drift
  • Grease (high-quality bike grease)
  • Rags for cleaning
  • Needle-nose pliers
  • 2mm and 5mm Allen wrenches [paid link]
  • Replacement bearings (specific to SRAM XDR [paid link] hub)

Step 1: Remove the Wheel from the Bike

The first step in servicing the bearings in your SRAM XDR hub is removing the wheel from the bike. Here’s how:

  1. Use a quick-release lever or thru-axle to detach the wheel from the bike frame.
  2. Secure the wheel in a work stand or lay it flat on a soft surface to avoid damaging the rim.

Step 2: Remove the Cassette

To access the hub and bearings, the next step is removing the cassette from the wheel.

  1. Use a cassette tool and chain whip to loosen and remove the cassette from the freehub body.
  2. Set the cassette aside, making sure not to damage the individual cogs.

Step 3: Disassemble the Hub

Once the cassette is removed, it’s time to start disassembling the hub to reach the bearings.

  1. Use the 2mm Allen wrench [paid link] to remove the end cap or axle nut from the non-drive side of the hub.
  2. Gently slide the axle out of the hub body. Depending on your SRAM XDR hub version, the axle may be either pressed in or held in place with a retaining screw. Make sure to follow the specific instructions for your hub model.
  3. If the axle is difficult to remove, gently tap the non-drive side with a rubber mallet to help loosen it.

Step 4: Remove the Bearings

With the axle removed, you now have direct access to the hub bearings. Here’s how to remove them safely:

  1. Use a cone wrench [paid link] to unscrew any cone nuts that are holding the bearings in place. This may require turning the wrench counterclockwise on each side of the hub.
  2. Once the cone nuts are removed, you should be able to slide the bearings out of the hub body. Take note of the orientation of the bearings and spacers, as they need to be reassembled in the same order.

If the bearings are stuck or difficult to remove, a bearing press [paid link] or hammer and bearing drift can be used to gently tap them out. However, take care to avoid damaging the hub shell in the process.

Step 5: Clean the Hub and Axle

Before installing the new bearings, thoroughly clean the hub and axle to ensure proper reassembly.

  1. Use a rag to wipe off any grease, dirt, or debris from the hub and axle.
  2. Ensure that there are no burrs or sharp edges on the axle or bearing surfaces. If any imperfections are found, file them smooth to ensure a proper fit for the new bearings.

Step 6: Install the New Bearings

Now it’s time to install the new bearings into the SRAM XDR hub.

  1. Place the new bearings into their respective positions in the hub body. Be sure to orient the bearings exactly as the old ones were positioned.
  2. Apply a small amount of high-quality grease to the bearings and the bearing surfaces inside the hub shell. This will help ensure smooth rotation and protect against corrosion.
  3. Use a bearing press [paid link] or a mallet and bearing drift to gently seat the new bearings into place. Be sure not to apply excessive force, as this can damage the bearings or the hub body.

Step 7: Reassemble the Hub

With the bearings installed, it’s time to reassemble the hub.

  1. Replace the cone nuts onto the axle and tighten them with the cone wrench [paid link]. Be sure to adjust the bearing preload by ensuring the cones are tightened to a point where the hub spins freely but with minimal play. The bearing preload should not be too tight, as this can cause unnecessary friction and wear.
  2. Reinsert the axle into the hub shell and secure the end cap or axle nut on the non-drive side.

Step 8: Reinstall the Cassette

Once the hub is fully reassembled, reinstall the cassette onto the freehub body.

  1. Slide the cassette back onto the freehub body in the proper orientation, ensuring it is fully seated.
  2. Use the cassette tool and chain whip to tighten the lockring, securing the cassette firmly in place.

Step 9: Test the Hub

Before putting the wheel back on your bike, it’s essential to test the hub’s performance.

  1. Spin the hub by hand and check for smoothness. The bearings should rotate freely without any rough spots or excessive play.
  2. Check for any unusual noises or resistance during the spin. If the hub feels rough or sticky, further adjustment may be required to ensure proper bearing preload.
  3. Reinstall the wheel onto the bike and test the engagement of the freehub by pedaling.

Conclusion

By following this guide, you should be able to replace or service the bearings in your SRAM XDR hub with ease. Regular bearing maintenance can greatly improve the performance and lifespan of your hub, ensuring smooth rolling and efficient power transfer. Always use high-quality components and lubricants during the process, and be sure to regularly inspect and service your hub to maintain peak performance.