The Campagnolo Bora One hub is known for its precision engineering, low rolling resistance, and classic Italian craftsmanship. However, even the most well-built hub can develop noise or play over time if it’s not properly adjusted or maintained. This guide covers how to identify the source of noise or looseness, the correct adjustment procedure, and maintenance practices to keep your Bora One hub running silently and smoothly.
Tools Required
- 5 mm and 2.5 mm Allen keys[paid link]
- Campagnolo cone wrench[paid link] (if applicable)
- Torque wrench[paid link]
- Clean rags and degreaser
- Campagnolo-approved grease
- High-quality bearing oil or light grease
- Freehub removal tool (for deeper inspection)
Understanding the Bora One Hub Design
The Campagnolo Bora One uses a cup-and-cone bearing system rather than sealed cartridge bearings. This allows for precise adjustment of preload, which directly affects how freely the wheel spins and how long the bearings last. The rear hub also incorporates a Campagnolo freehub body designed for quick engagement and efficient power transfer.
Because the system relies on mechanical adjustment, even a small misalignment can lead to bearing play, side-to-side looseness, or creaking noises under load. Understanding this system is essential before attempting any repair or adjustment.
Common Causes of Noise and Looseness
Noises or hub movement often come from one of the following issues:
- Incorrect bearing preload: If the cone adjustment is too loose, you’ll feel side-to-side play at the rim. If too tight, the hub may feel rough or cause premature bearing wear.
- Dry or contaminated bearings: Dirt or moisture can enter the bearing races, causing grinding or popping noises.
- Loose end caps or axle nuts: These can back off over time, especially after transport or long rides.
- Freehub body issues: A dry or contaminated freehub ratchet can produce a metallic clicking or grinding noise.
- Misaligned axle assembly: If the axle isn’t properly seated, it can cause imbalance and vibration during rotation.
Diagnosing Hub Noise and Play
To properly diagnose Bora One hub issues, follow these steps carefully:
- Step 1: Check for lateral play. Hold the frame steady and wiggle the wheel side to side at the rim. Any perceptible movement indicates excessive bearing clearance.
- Step 2: Spin the wheel. Listen for grinding, clicking, or scraping sounds. A smooth, silent rotation indicates proper preload and lubrication.
- Step 3: Isolate the sound. Lift the chain off the cassette and spin the wheel again. If the sound disappears, the issue may lie in the drivetrain rather than the hub.
- Step 4: Inspect end caps. Ensure both end caps are tight and fully seated. Loose caps are a common cause of clicking under load.
- Step 5: Check freehub noise. Remove the cassette and lightly spin the freehub body. Rough or gritty movement indicates the need for service.
Adjusting the Bora One Hub Bearings
Proper adjustment is critical to eliminate looseness without adding drag. Campagnolo hubs are designed for micro-adjustment using a 2.5 mm Allen key on the preload ring.
Adjustment Procedure:
- Remove the wheel from the bike.
- Insert a 5 mm Allen key into each side of the axle to stabilize it.
- Loosen the 2.5 mm preload locking screw on the non-drive side.
- Turn the adjustment ring clockwise to remove play, or counterclockwise to reduce preload if the hub feels tight.
- Recheck play by rocking the axle laterally with your fingers. The goal is zero play with smooth rotation.
- Tighten the locking screw and reinstall the wheel.
- Recheck for side-to-side play after clamping the quick-release or thru-axle, as this can slightly alter bearing pressure.
Always make fine adjustments in small increments. Over-tightening can damage the delicate bearing surfaces inside the Bora One hub.
Servicing the Bearings
If noise persists even after adjustment, the bearings may need cleaning and re-greasing. Campagnolo hubs are serviceable, allowing full bearing inspection and lubrication.
Bearing Service Steps:
- Remove the freehub body using the appropriate Campagnolo tool.
- Wipe away old grease from the bearing cups and cones using a clean rag and degreaser.
- Inspect bearing races for pitting or wear; replace if damaged.
- Pack the bearings with Campagnolo-approved light grease. Avoid overfilling, as excess grease can attract dirt.
- Reassemble the hub and readjust the preload following the previous section.
This service should be performed every 5,000–7,000 km under normal riding conditions, or more frequently in wet or dusty environments.
Eliminating Freehub Noise
A dry or dirty freehub can produce clicking or grinding noises, especially under load. Bora One hubs[paid link] use a pawl and spring system, which requires light lubrication for optimal performance.
To service the freehub:
- Remove the cassette and freehub body.
- Clean all internal surfaces with a lint-free cloth.
- Lightly lubricate the pawls with thin oil (not heavy grease).
- Ensure springs move freely and reassemble carefully.
- Avoid over-lubricating, as excess oil can seep into the braking surface on rim brake wheels.
Preventing Future Issues
Routine maintenance will significantly extend the lifespan of your Bora One hubs[paid link] and prevent noise or play from recurring.
- Check hub preload every few months.
- Keep bearings clean and properly greased.
- Avoid high-pressure washing directly at the hub area.
- Ensure quick-release skewers or thru-axles are torqued evenly.
- Re-lubricate the freehub pawls at least twice per season.
Proper care ensures your Bora One wheels remain silent, smooth, and efficient on every ride.
Troubleshooting Summary
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Corrective Action |
|---|---|---|
| Side-to-side wheel movement | Loose bearing preload | Tighten adjustment ring slightly |
| Grinding when spinning | Dry or contaminated bearings | Clean and re-grease |
| Clicking under load | Loose end caps or freehub pawls | Retighten and lubricate |
| Rough freehub engagement | Worn or dry pawls | Clean and oil freehub mechanism |
| Hub feels draggy | Over-tightened preload | Loosen adjustment ring incrementally |
Conclusion
A noisy or loose Campagnolo Bora One hub often results from simple issues such as incorrect preload, dirty bearings, or loose hardware. By following the correct diagnostic and adjustment steps, you can restore the precise feel and quiet performance that Campagnolo hubs are known for. Regular inspection and proper lubrication will prevent premature wear and keep your Bora One wheels performing flawlessly for many seasons.