The Shimano Dura-Ace FH-9000 [paid link] hub is a high-performance component designed for 11-speed road bikes. Proper installation, adjustment, and maintenance are crucial to ensure optimal performance and longevity. This guide provides detailed instructions for each process.
Installation of the FH-9000 [paid link] Hub
Preparation
Before beginning the installation, ensure you have the following tools:
- 5 mm hexagon wrench
- TL-LR15 [paid link] or TL-LR10 lock ring tool
- Torque wrench [paid link]
- Grease
Installing the Cassette
- Apply Grease: Lightly grease the freehub body splines to facilitate easy cassette installation and removal.
- Position the Cassette: Align the cassette sprockets so that the wide spline on the sprocket matches the wide groove on the freehub body. This ensures correct orientation.
- Install Spacers for 10-Speed Cassettes: If you’re installing a 10-speed cassette, place a 1.85 mm spacer onto the freehub body before mounting the cassette. Some 10-speed cassettes may also require an additional 1.0 mm spacer. Refer to the cassette manufacturer’s instructions for specific spacer requirements.
- Secure the Lock Ring: Use the TL-LR15 [paid link] or TL-LR10 tool to tighten the lock ring to a torque of 30–50 N·m.
Mounting the Wheel to the Bicycle
- Inspect the Dropouts: Ensure the rear dropouts are clean and free from debris to allow proper seating of the hub axle.
- Insert the Wheel: Place the wheel into the rear dropouts, ensuring the axle is fully seated.
- Engage the Quick Release: Close the quick release lever securely. The lever should require firm pressure to close and should leave an imprint on your palm, indicating proper tension.
Adjustment of the FH-9000 [paid link] Hub
The FH-9000 hub utilizes cup-and-cone bearings, which allow for fine adjustments to eliminate play and ensure smooth rotation.
Adjusting Bearing Preload
- Remove the Wheel: Take the wheel off the bicycle to access the hub adjustments.
- Access the Cones: Remove the quick release skewer. Using two 5 mm hexagon wrenches, hold the left-side cone and loosen the lock nut by turning it counterclockwise.
- Adjust the Cone: Turn the cone clockwise to reduce play or counterclockwise if the hub feels too tight. Adjust in small increments to avoid over-tightening.
- Secure the Lock Nut: Once the desired adjustment is achieved, hold the cone in place and tighten the lock nut securely against it.
- Reinstall the Wheel: Place the wheel back onto the bicycle, ensuring it is properly seated in the dropouts, and secure the quick release lever.
Maintenance of the FH-9000 Hub
Regular maintenance is essential to keep the FH-9000 hub performing optimally.
Cleaning and Lubrication
- Remove the Wheel: Detach the wheel from the bicycle.
- Disassemble the Hub: Remove the quick release skewer and use two 5 mm hexagon wrenches to loosen the lock nut and cone on the non-drive side. Carefully slide out the axle assembly.
- Clean the Bearings: Remove the ball bearings from both sides of the hub shell. Clean the bearings, cones, and cups thoroughly using a degreaser. Inspect for signs of wear or pitting.
- Repack with Grease: Apply a generous amount of high-quality bicycle grease to the bearing races inside the hub shell and to the ball bearings.
- Reassemble the Hub: Place the ball bearings back into the cups, insert the axle assembly, and thread the cone and lock nut back onto the axle. Adjust the bearing preload as previously described.
Freehub Body Maintenance
Over time, the freehub body may require servicing to maintain smooth operation.
- Remove the Freehub Body: After disassembling the hub as described above, use a 14 mm hexagon wrench to remove the freehub body fixing bolt located inside the freehub body.
- Clean the Freehub Body: Wipe down the freehub body and inspect the pawls and ratcheting mechanism for wear or damage.
- Lubricate the Mechanism: Apply a light oil to the pawls and ratchet teeth. Avoid using heavy grease, as it can impede the pawls’ movement.
- Reinstall the Freehub Body: Secure the freehub body back onto the hub shell using the fixing bolt, tightened to 35–50 N·m.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Noisy or Rough Bearings
- Cause: Contaminated or worn bearings.
- Solution: Perform a hub overhaul by cleaning and repacking the bearings with fresh grease. Replace any bearings that show signs of wear or pitting.
Freehub Slippage
- Cause: Worn or dirty pawls inside the freehub body.
- Solution: Remove and clean the freehub body, then lubricate the pawls with light oil. If slippage persists, consider replacing the freehub body.
Excessive Play in the Hub
- Cause: Loose bearing adjustment.
- Solution: Adjust the bearing preload by tightening the cones as described in the adjustment section.