The Shimano FH-RS400[paid link] is a high-quality rear freehub designed for road bikes, compatible with 10 and 11-speed cassettes. Featuring durable cup-and-cone bearings and Shimano’s internal cam quick release, it ensures smooth performance and longevity. Proper installation, adjustment, and maintenance are crucial to maximize its performance and lifespan.
Installation of the Shimano FH-RS400[paid link] Hub
Preparation
Before starting, ensure you have the following tools:
- 15 mm hub spanner
- 17 mm hub spanner
- Adjustable wrench
- Grease (preferably Shimano Premium Grease)
Spoke Lacing
When building a wheel with the FH-RS400 hub, it’s essential to lace the spokes correctly to ensure optimal performance and safety. Shimano recommends a three-cross pattern for this hub:
- Three-Cross Pattern: Each spoke crosses three other spokes between the hub and the rim. This pattern distributes stress evenly and provides a balance between strength and weight.
Hub Installation
- Prepare the Hub: Ensure the hub is clean and free from debris. Apply a thin layer of grease to the hub flanges where the spokes will make contact.
- Lace the Spokes: Following the three-cross pattern, insert the spokes into the hub flanges. Ensure that the spokes are oriented correctly and that the pattern is consistent on both sides of the hub.
- Attach the Rim: Carefully thread the spokes into the rim, maintaining the lacing pattern. Tighten the nipples by hand initially to hold the spokes in place.
- Tension and True the Wheel: Using a spoke tension meter, gradually tighten the spokes to the manufacturer’s recommended tension. Ensure the wheel is true both laterally and radially. This step may require a truing stand for accuracy.
Installation into the Frame
- Frame Preparation: Ensure the rear dropouts are clean and free from debris. Check that the spacing matches the hub’s over-locknut dimension (OLD), which is typically 130 mm for road frames.
- Insert the Wheel: Place the wheel into the dropouts, ensuring the axle is seated correctly. The quick-release lever should be on the non-drive side (left side) of the bike.
- Secure the Quick Release: Close the quick-release lever, ensuring it’s tight enough to hold the wheel securely but not so tight that it’s difficult to close. The lever should leave an imprint on your palm when closed properly.
Adjustment of the Shimano FH-RS400 Hub
Proper adjustment of the hub’s bearings is crucial for smooth operation and longevity.
- Check for Play: With the wheel installed, grasp it at the top and gently rock it side to side. If there’s noticeable movement or play, the bearings need adjustment.
- Remove the Wheel: Open the quick-release lever and remove the wheel from the frame.
- Adjust the Bearings:
- Using two 17 mm hub spanners, hold the cone (inner nut) stationary while loosening the locknut (outer nut) on one side of the hub.
- Turn the cone clockwise to tighten or counterclockwise to loosen, making small adjustments to eliminate play without causing binding.
- Once adjusted, hold the cone in place and tighten the locknut against it securely.
- Reinstall the Wheel: Place the wheel back into the frame, secure the quick-release lever, and recheck for play. Repeat the adjustment if necessary.
Maintenance of the Shimano FH-RS400 Hub
Regular maintenance ensures the hub’s longevity and optimal performance.
Routine Cleaning and Lubrication
- Remove the Wheel: Take the wheel off the bike and remove the quick-release skewer.
- Disassemble the Hub:
- Using the appropriate spanners, remove the locknut and cone from one side of the hub.
- Carefully slide the axle out, keeping track of the bearing balls on each side.
- Clean Components:
- Wipe down the axle, cones, and bearing races with a clean rag.
- Inspect bearing balls for wear or pitting; replace if necessary.
- Repack Bearings:
- Apply a generous amount of grease to the bearing races inside the hub shell.
- Place the bearing balls back into the races, ensuring they’re evenly spaced.
- Reassemble the Hub:
- Slide the axle back through the hub, taking care not to dislodge the bearings.
- Thread the cone and locknut back onto the axle and adjust the bearing preload as previously described.
Freehub Body Maintenance
The freehub body houses the pawls and ratchets that allow the wheel to coast. Over time, it may require servicing.
- Remove the Freehub Body:
- With the hub disassembled, insert a 10 mm hex wrench into the freehub fixing bolt inside the hub shell.
- Turn counterclockwise to remove the bolt and slide the freehub body off the hub shell.
- Clean and Lubricate:
- Wipe down the freehub body and inspect the pawls and ratchets for wear.
- Apply a light oil to the moving parts; avoid using heavy grease as it can impede pawl engagement.
- Reinstall the Freehub Body:
- Slide the freehub body back onto the hub shell, ensuring proper alignment.