How to Install, Adjust, and Maintain the Shimano FH-6800 Hub

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The Shimano FH-6800 [paid link] hub is a key component in the Ultegra 6800 series, known for its durability, smooth engagement, and efficient rolling performance. Proper installation, adjustment, and maintenance are essential to ensure longevity and optimal function.

In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about setting up and maintaining your FH-6800 [paid link] rear hub, including common mistakes to avoid, best practices for adjustment, and essential maintenance routines.

Tools Required

To install, adjust, and maintain the Shimano FH-6800 [paid link] hub, you will need:

  • 17mm cone wrenches
  • 5mm and 10mm hex keys [paid link]
  • Cassette lockring tool [paid link]
  • Chain whip
  • Adjustable torque wrench [paid link]
  • High-quality grease (e.g., Shimano Dura-Ace or Park Tool PolyLube)
  • Hub-specific bearing grease
  • Isopropyl alcohol and lint-free cloths
  • Needle-nose pliers
  • Rubber mallet (if necessary for bearing replacement)

Installation Guide for Shimano FH-6800 Hub

1. Preparing the Wheel and Frame

Before installing the FH-6800 hub, ensure that:

  • The dropouts on your bike frame are clean and free of debris.
  • The wheel and hub are correctly aligned with the frame spacing (130mm rear spacing for road bikes).
  • The quick-release skewer (or thru-axle if converted) is in good condition.

2. Mounting the Cassette

  1. Secure the rear wheel in a truing stand or place it on a stable surface.
  2. Slide the cassette onto the freehub body, ensuring the largest cog is aligned with the widest spline.
  3. Use a cassette lockring tool [paid link] and a torque wrench [paid link] to tighten the lockring to 40 Nm.

3. Installing the Wheel onto the Bike

  1. Insert the wheel into the rear dropouts, ensuring proper chain alignment with the smallest cog.
  2. Secure the quick-release skewer or tighten the thru-axle to the recommended torque (8-12 Nm for QR, 12-15 Nm for thru-axle).
  3. Check for any lateral play and ensure the wheel spins freely.

Adjustment of Shimano FH-6800 Hub Bearings

The FH-6800 hub features cup-and-cone bearings, which allow for fine-tuned adjustments.

1. Checking Bearing Play

  • Spin the wheel and check for roughness or lateral movement.
  • If there’s play in the hub, an adjustment is necessary.

2. Adjusting the Bearings

  1. Remove the quick-release skewer to access the axle ends.
  2. Use 17mm cone wrenches to loosen the locknut on one side.
  3. Adjust the cone by tightening or loosening it slightly until there is no lateral play, but the wheel spins freely.
  4. Once adjusted, hold the cone in place and tighten the locknut against it.
  5. Reinstall the wheel and recheck for play.

Pro Tip: Slight preload is normal, as the quick-release skewer will compress the bearings slightly when tightened.

Maintenance and Servicing of FH-6800 Hub

Regular maintenance will extend the lifespan of the hub and improve performance. Shimano recommends servicing the hub every 3,000–5,000 km, or sooner in wet or gritty conditions.

1. Cleaning the Hub Internals

  1. Remove the rear wheel from the bike.
  2. Disassemble the freehub body by unscrewing the 10mm hex bolt inside the hub shell.
  3. Wipe down the freehub mechanism with isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth.
  4. Reapply a light coat of Shimano-approved grease to the pawls and ratchet ring.

2. Servicing the Bearings

  1. Use cone wrenches to remove the axle and access the ball bearings.
  2. Remove old grease and inspect for wear or pitting.
  3. Repack with fresh hub grease and reinstall the ball bearings.
  4. Reassemble the axle and ensure correct bearing preload adjustment.

3. Freehub Lubrication

  1. If the freehub sounds too loud or rough, it may need lubrication.
  2. Use a few drops of light oil (not grease) to maintain smooth engagement without excess drag.

Troubleshooting Common FH-6800 Hub Issues

1. Hub Feels Rough or Grinding

  • Cause: Dry or worn-out bearings.
  • Fix: Clean and regrease the bearings, or replace them if necessary.

2. Freehub Slipping Under Power

  • Cause: Dirty or worn-out freehub pawls.
  • Fix: Remove the freehub, clean thoroughly, and apply light oil.

3. Excessive Drag in the Freehub

  • Cause: Over-greased freehub mechanism or damaged seals.
  • Fix: Use only light oil on the pawls, and inspect the seals for damage.

4. Clicking or Noisy Hub Engagement

  • Cause: Loose bearings or misaligned cassette installation.
  • Fix: Adjust the bearing preload and re-torque the cassette lockring.

Conclusion

The Shimano FH-6800 hub is a well-engineered component that, with proper installation and maintenance, will provide thousands of trouble-free kilometers. Ensuring correct bearing adjustment, freehub lubrication, and periodic servicing will keep your hub running smoothly for years to come.

By following this detailed guide, your Shimano FH-6800 hub will remain in peak condition, ensuring a smoother and more efficient ride.