Maintaining your Shimano FH-6800 [paid link] hub is crucial for ensuring its smooth performance and long lifespan. The FH-6800 [paid link], part of Shimano’s 11-speed road bike drivetrain system, is designed for high-end road cycling. Like any component, it requires regular maintenance to perform at its best. This guide will provide you with the essential steps to maintain your Shimano FH-6800 [paid link] hub effectively, covering everything from basic cleaning to bearing service.

Cleaning the Shimano FH-6800 Hub

Keeping your FH-6800 hub clean is a critical part of maintaining its performance. Dirt, debris, and moisture can infiltrate the hub over time, leading to premature wear and performance degradation.

1. Disassemble the wheel: Begin by removing the wheel from the bike. This allows you to access the hub and perform cleaning without damaging the surrounding components.
2. Clean the exterior: Use a soft brush and mild detergent to clean the outside of the hub. Ensure that all dirt and grime are removed from the freehub body and the spoke nipples.
3. Wipe the hub shell: After cleaning the exterior, use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the hub shell. This ensures a smooth surface free from contaminants.
4. Flush the internals: While the FH-6800 has sealed bearings that protect the internal components, it’s still a good idea to flush the freehub body with a light degreaser to remove any build-up of grease and dirt.
5. Lubricate the freehub: Apply a small amount of light, high-quality grease to the freehub pawls and ratchet mechanism to keep them functioning smoothly.

Checking and Adjusting Hub Bearings

The hub bearings are crucial for ensuring that your FH-6800 operates smoothly. Over time, the bearings may begin to wear out, which can lead to roughness or stiffness when spinning the wheel.

1. Remove the cassette: Use a cassette removal tool to remove the cassette from the freehub body. This will allow you to access the hub’s bearings more easily.
2. Inspect the bearings: Check the bearings for smoothness. If you feel any roughness or play, it’s time to service or replace them.
3. Adjust bearing preload: The FH-6800 has cup-and-cone bearings, which require preload adjustment. To adjust, you’ll need to tighten or loosen the cones slightly. Start by adjusting the cones so the wheel spins freely without any noticeable play.
4. Grease the bearings: Apply a generous amount of grease to the bearings before reassembling. This will ensure that the bearings are well-lubricated and prevent water or dirt from entering.

Freehub Maintenance

The freehub body is one of the most important parts of your Shimano FH-6800 hub, as it houses the ratchet mechanism that engages the wheel when you pedal. Regular maintenance ensures that the freehub engages smoothly and avoids skipping or slipping.

1. Disassemble the freehub: Remove the freehub body from the hub shell. Shimano recommends using a specific tool for removing the freehub to avoid damaging the body.
2. Clean the freehub mechanism: Use a degreaser to clean the internal ratchet and pawl system. Ensure there’s no build-up of old grease or dirt that might prevent the mechanism from engaging smoothly.
3. Inspect the pawls: Examine the pawls for wear. If they appear damaged or excessively worn, they should be replaced. Damaged pawls can lead to inconsistent engagement, making pedaling less efficient.
4. Lubricate the pawls: After cleaning, apply a light layer of grease to the pawls and ratchet mechanism. This ensures smooth operation while also preventing rust and corrosion.

Hub Lubrication and Grease Application

Proper lubrication is essential for preventing friction between the moving parts of the hub, especially when operating in different weather conditions. Lubricating the hub correctly will extend its life and prevent wear on the bearings and freehub body.

1. Grease the hub shell: Apply a light coating of grease to the hub shell, focusing on the areas where the bearings meet the shell. This ensures proper sealing against water and dust.
2. Freehub lubrication: Be sure to use high-quality grease specifically designed for hubs. Apply it sparingly to the freehub pawls and ratchet system, ensuring it doesn’t overflow into the freehub body.

Testing and Final Checks

Once you’ve completed the maintenance tasks, it’s time to reassemble your FH-6800 hub and test its performance.

1. Reassemble the wheel: After greasing and checking all components, reassemble the freehub and cassette onto the hub shell. Tighten the cassette to the manufacturer’s recommended torque settings.
2. Check the wheel’s spin: Spin the wheel to check for any roughness or stiffness. The hub should spin smoothly and quietly.
3. Test the engagement: Spin the wheel backward and engage the freehub. Listen for a smooth clicking sound, which indicates that the pawls are engaging correctly.
4. Install the wheel back on the bike: Once you are confident that the hub is functioning correctly, install the wheel back onto your bike, making sure the axle is securely tightened.

Prolonging the Life of Your Shimano FH-6800 Hub

Maintaining your Shimano FH-6800 hub regularly will help maximize its performance and lifespan. Here are a few additional tips to ensure your hub stays in top condition:

• Regularly clean your bike: Keeping your bike and components clean will prevent dirt and debris from entering the hub and freehub body.
• Check hub bearings periodically: Even if there’s no noticeable issue, checking the hub bearings every 6 months or so can help prevent potential problems before they develop.
• Avoid excessive water exposure: While the FH-6800 is designed with sealed bearings, prolonged exposure to water can still affect the internal components. Avoid riding through deep puddles or washing your bike directly with a hose.

By following these steps and maintaining your Shimano FH-6800 hub, you can ensure its smooth, reliable operation for many years, allowing you to focus on enjoying your ride.