How to Replace or Service the Bearings in Your Shimano FH-9000 Hub

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Replacing or servicing the bearings in your Shimano FH-9000 [paid link] hub is an essential task for maintaining smooth and efficient performance on your road bike. Bearings are responsible for ensuring the hub spins freely and efficiently. Over time, they can wear out, leading to a loss of performance, noise, or even complete failure. Regular maintenance and timely bearing service can significantly extend the lifespan of your hub and improve your ride quality.

Tools Required

  • Shimano FH-9000 [paid link] hub tool [paid link] kit
  • 10mm Allen wrench [paid link]
  • Small flathead screwdriver
  • Bearing press [paid link] tool
  • Grease (high-quality bike grease)
  • Torque wrench [paid link]
  • Clean rags
  • Chain whip or cassette tool (if cassette needs removal)
  • Hub oil (for cleaning)

Step 1: Remove the Wheel from the Bike

Before starting the bearing replacement process, ensure your bike is stationary and secure. Follow these steps:

  1. Use a quick release or a thru-axle to remove the wheel from the bike frame.
  2. Place the wheel in a stable position on a workbench or bike stand [paid link] to ensure easy access to the hub.

Step 2: Remove the Cassette

To access the bearings, you need to remove the cassette from the FH-9000 [paid link] hub. If the cassette is already off, you can skip this step.

  1. Use a cassette tool to remove the cassette from the freehub body.
  2. Keep track of the cassette components in the correct order for reinstallation.

Step 3: Disassemble the Hub

With the cassette removed, you can now proceed to disassemble the hub to expose the bearings.

  1. Using the 10mm Allen wrench [paid link], remove the axle nuts or quick-release mechanism if present.
  2. Carefully slide the axle out of the hub. Be cautious of any small parts or washers that may come loose during disassembly.
  3. Once the axle is removed, gently pull off the freehub body from the hub shell. This will expose the internal bearings.

Step 4: Remove the Old Bearings

To remove the old bearings, follow these steps:

  1. Inspect the condition of the bearings before removal. If they are dry, noisy, or feel rough, it’s time to replace them.
  2. Use a small flathead screwdriver to gently pry out the bearings from their seats. Be careful not to damage the bearing races or the hub shell.
  3. If the bearings are stuck or difficult to remove, apply a small amount of penetrating oil and let it sit for a few minutes to loosen them.
  4. Clean the bearing races in the hub with a clean rag to remove any grease, dirt, or debris.

Step 5: Install the New Bearings

Now that the old bearings are removed and the hub shell is clean, it’s time to install the new bearings.

  1. Apply a thin layer of grease to the bearing seats in the hub shell. This will help secure the new bearings and ensure smooth operation.
  2. Place the new bearings in the bearing seats, ensuring they are seated evenly and securely.
  3. Use a bearing press [paid link] tool to press the bearings into place. Ensure they are properly aligned and fully seated in their respective locations.

Step 6: Reassemble the Hub

Once the new bearings are installed, it’s time to reassemble the hub.

  1. Carefully slide the freehub body back onto the hub shell, ensuring the new bearings are properly aligned with the freehub mechanism.
  2. Insert the axle through the hub shell and freehub body.
  3. Reinstall the axle nuts or quick-release mechanism, tightening them to the manufacturer’s recommended torque specifications using a torque wrench [paid link].

Step 7: Reinstall the Cassette

After the hub is reassembled, you can now reinstall the cassette.

  1. Slide the cassette back onto the freehub body in the correct order.
  2. Use a cassette tool to securely tighten the cassette onto the freehub body.
  3. Ensure the cassette is properly aligned and tightened.

Step 8: Check Hub Operation

Before reinstalling the wheel on the bike, test the hub to ensure everything is functioning smoothly.

  1. Rotate the hub by hand to check for smoothness and to ensure there is no excessive play or roughness in the bearings.
  2. If the hub feels smooth and silent, the bearing replacement was successful.

Step 9: Reinstall the Wheel

Once the hub has been checked and is functioning properly, reinstall the wheel onto the bike.

  1. Place the wheel back into the bike frame.
  2. Tighten the quick-release or thru-axle mechanism to secure the wheel in place.
  3. Double-check that everything is tightened to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Conclusion

Replacing or servicing the bearings in your Shimano FH-9000 hub is a straightforward process, but it requires attention to detail and the right tools. By following these steps, you can ensure that your hub operates efficiently and lasts longer, providing you with smoother rides and better performance. Regular maintenance of your hub bearings is key to keeping your bike in top condition and avoiding costly repairs down the line.