The Shimano FH-6800 [paid link] hub is an excellent component for road cyclists looking for a reliable, durable, and efficient rear hub. Part of Shimano’s 11-speed 105 group, it is designed to offer smooth, consistent performance over long distances. To ensure that your FH-6800 [paid link] hub continues to perform at its best, proper maintenance is crucial. This guide will walk you through essential tips and techniques to keep your Shimano FH-6800 [paid link] hub running like new for years to come.

Understanding the Shimano FH-6800 Hub

The Shimano FH-6800 hub is known for its precision engineering, which delivers exceptional performance on the road. It features a wide flange design that contributes to enhanced wheel stiffness, making it ideal for both professional riders and serious enthusiasts. The hub also boasts a sealed bearing system that helps minimize friction while providing excellent protection against dirt, moisture, and road debris.

Despite its durability, regular maintenance is key to keeping it in optimal condition. Regular care not only enhances its performance but also prolongs its lifespan, preventing costly repairs and replacements in the long run.

Regular Cleaning to Maintain Efficiency

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to keep your Shimano FH-6800 hub in top condition is by keeping it clean. Dirt, grime, and road salt can build up on the hub and cause friction, reducing performance over time.

Cleaning Steps:

1. Remove the wheel from the bike, ensuring the chain and cassette are also cleaned.
2. Use a soft brush and warm, soapy water to gently scrub the hub’s exterior. Pay special attention to the freehub body, as dirt can accumulate in the engagement mechanism.
3. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue.
4. Dry the hub completely with a microfiber cloth, ensuring no moisture is trapped in any parts of the hub.
5. If necessary, use a degreaser to clean the cassette and freehub body, but be cautious to avoid getting the degreaser on the bearings.

Keeping your hub clean prevents unnecessary wear and keeps the internal components running smoothly.

Lubricating the Hub: Freehub Body and Bearings

Lubrication is essential to prevent friction and ensure that the freehub body and bearings perform optimally. The Shimano FH-6800 hub uses a sealed bearing system, which requires less frequent lubrication than open-bearing hubs, but it still needs attention.

Lubrication Steps:

1. Remove the rear wheel and take the cassette off to access the freehub body.
2. Inspect the freehub body for wear. The freehub pawls should move smoothly and engage with ease. If the pawls are stiff or not engaging correctly, they may require some lubrication.
3. Apply light grease to the freehub pawls and inside the freehub body. Use a small amount, as too much grease can attract dirt and cause build-up.
4. Check the hub bearings: If you hear any roughness or feel resistance when rotating the wheel by hand, it might be time to replace or re-grease the bearings.
5. Reassemble the cassette and the wheel, ensuring everything is tightened to the manufacturer’s recommended torque.

By applying the right amount of lubrication and performing these steps regularly, you will minimize the risk of wear and keep your FH-6800 hub’s engagement smooth.

Checking and Adjusting Hub Tension

The Shimano FH-6800 hub is equipped with a 10/11-speed freehub body that works with Shimano’s 11-speed drivetrains. Over time, the hub’s freehub mechanism may experience slight tension loss, which can affect shifting performance and engagement response.

Adjustment Steps:

1. Remove the wheel from the bike.
2. Loosen the hub axle nuts or quick-release skewer to remove the wheel from the frame.
3. Inspect the cassette body: Check for any wobble or looseness that could indicate issues with the hub’s internal components.
4. If the freehub body is loose, you may need to tighten the lockring that secures the freehub assembly to the hub shell. Ensure the lockring is tightened correctly, but do not overtighten, as it could damage the threads.
5. Reinstall the wheel and check for smooth engagement. Spin the wheel and listen for any irregularities in the hub’s movement.

Correct tension ensures that the freehub body engages smoothly and consistently, helping maintain shifting accuracy.

Hub Bearing Maintenance

While Shimano’s sealed bearings are designed to reduce the need for maintenance, regular inspection is important to ensure the bearings remain smooth and responsive. Over time, dirt and water can penetrate the seals, causing the bearings to become rough or gritty.

Bearing Maintenance Steps:

1. Remove the wheel and take off the cassette to access the freehub body.
2. Inspect the bearings: Spin the hub by hand and listen for any roughness or noise. If you feel any resistance or hear grinding, the bearings may need to be replaced.
3. Remove the bearings carefully if they need to be replaced. This may require using a bearing puller or simply tapping out the bearings with a soft tool.
4. Clean and lubricate the new bearings before installation, using a high-quality bearing grease.
5. Reassemble the hub and reinstall the wheel.

Bearings are integral to the smooth operation of the Shimano FH-6800 hub, and replacing them as needed ensures long-term reliability.

Troubleshooting Performance Issues

If you notice that your Shimano FH-6800 hub isn’t performing as it should, there are several common issues to check for.

Noisy Freehub Engagement

• Cause: The freehub pawls might be sticking or not engaging properly.
• Solution: Remove the cassette, clean the freehub body, and lubricate the pawls with a small amount of grease.

Rough Hub Rotation

• Cause: Dirty or worn bearings can cause roughness when rotating the wheel.
• Solution: Inspect the bearings and replace them if necessary. Clean and grease them regularly to keep the hub smooth.

Loose or Wobbly Freehub Body

• Cause: The freehub body might have loosened over time.
• Solution: Tighten the lockring or replace any worn components within the freehub body.

By addressing these common issues early, you can ensure that your Shimano FH-6800 hub maintains its performance over time.

Conclusion

To maximize the performance of your Shimano FH-6800 hub, it’s crucial to keep up with regular maintenance, including cleaning, lubrication, bearing checks, and tension adjustments. By following these steps, you’ll ensure that your hub operates smoothly, providing reliable performance for your rides. Whether you’re tackling long-distance road cycling or daily commutes, keeping your FH-6800 hub in top condition is essential for the best cycling experience.