Shimano FH-5800 Hub Bearing Adjustment: Why It Feels Rough and How to Fix It

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The Shimano FH-5800 [paid link] hub is a popular choice among cyclists for its durability and smooth performance. However, over time, the bearings inside the hub can become rough or worn, leading to a decrease in rolling efficiency and a less-than-optimal riding experience. Proper bearing adjustment is essential to maintain the smoothness and responsiveness of your wheel. This guide explains why your Shimano FH-5800 [paid link] hub might feel rough and provides step-by-step instructions on how to fix it.

Understanding the Cause of Rough Bearings in Your Shimano FH-5800 Hub

Before diving into the adjustment process, it’s important to understand why your FH-5800 [paid link] hub bearings might feel rough in the first place. Common reasons include:

  • Wear and Tear: Over time, the bearings inside the hub can wear down due to regular use and exposure to dirt, water, and other elements.
  • Improper Adjustment: If the bearings are not correctly adjusted, they may create resistance, leading to a rough feel when the wheel spins.
  • Inadequate Lubrication: Lack of proper lubrication can cause the bearings to grind against the inner surfaces of the hub, resulting in friction and roughness.
  • Contamination: Dirt, water, and grit can enter the bearing assembly, causing resistance and roughness.

When these issues occur, it’s crucial to address them quickly to avoid further damage to the hub. Regular maintenance and bearing adjustments are key to prolonging the life of your Shimano FH-5800 hub.

Tools Required for Shimano FH-5800 Hub Bearing Adjustment

To properly adjust the bearings on your Shimano FH-5800 hub, you will need the following tools:

  • Shimano FH-5800 Hub Tool [paid link] Kit or compatible tools
  • Park Tool HHP-2 Bearing Press [paid link] or similar press tool
  • Cone wrenches (13mm and 14mm)
  • Grease (preferably high-quality bike bearing grease)
  • Rags for cleaning
  • Small screwdriver (optional, for removing seals)
  • Torque wrench [paid link]
  • Flathead screwdriver (optional for scraping old grease)

Ensure you have a clean workspace before starting, as cleanliness is essential to avoid contaminating the hub bearings with dirt and debris.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Adjust the Bearings in Your Shimano FH-5800 Hub

1. Remove the Wheel from the Bike

Start by removing the wheel from your bike. Use the appropriate tools to release the wheel from the frame, and then place it securely on a workbench or bike stand [paid link].

2. Disassemble the Hub

Next, you need to remove the freehub body and axle. Depending on your bike setup, you might need to remove the quick-release skewer or thru-axle.

  • Remove the freehub body: Use a 10mm wrench or the specific tool that fits the FH-5800 freehub body. Be careful not to damage the freehub body while removing it.
  • Remove the axle: With the freehub body removed, you should be able to slide the axle out of the hub shell. Inspect the axle for any signs of wear or damage.

3. Inspect the Bearings

With the axle and freehub body removed, you can now access the bearings. Inspect each bearing for signs of wear or damage. You may notice pitting or rough spots on the bearing surfaces, which indicate that the bearings need servicing or replacement.

  • If the bearings are excessively worn, it may be necessary to replace them. In most cases, however, simply adjusting or lubricating the existing bearings can restore smooth performance.

4. Clean the Bearings and Hub Shell

Before adjusting the bearings, thoroughly clean the bearing races and other internal components of the hub.

  • Use a rag to wipe down the bearing races inside the hub shell, removing any old grease, dirt, or debris.
  • If necessary, use a small flathead screwdriver or bearing scraper to gently remove any old grease that may be hardened or caked onto the surfaces.

5. Apply New Grease

Once the hub is clean, apply a generous amount of fresh, high-quality bearing grease to the bearing races. Be sure to coat the bearings evenly and ensure that all surfaces are well-lubricated. Fresh grease helps reduce friction and ensures that the bearings rotate smoothly.

6. Reassemble the Hub and Adjust the Bearings

Now that the bearings are clean and lubricated, it’s time to adjust them. To adjust the bearings, you will need to set the correct preload using the cone nuts.

  • Tighten the cone nuts: Using your cone wrenches, begin by tightening the cone nuts on each side of the hub. This preload step is crucial, as the bearings should not be too tight (which causes resistance) or too loose (which allows the axle to move excessively).
  • Check for smoothness: Spin the hub while making small adjustments to the cone nuts. The hub should spin freely without any roughness. You should feel slight resistance as the bearings engage, but there should be no grinding or roughness when rotating the wheel.

7. Secure the Freehub Body and Axle

Once the bearings are adjusted correctly, reassemble the hub by reinstalling the freehub body and axle.

  • Install the freehub body: Slide the freehub body back onto the hub, ensuring that it engages properly with the bearing assembly.
  • Secure the axle: Insert the axle back through the hub shell and tighten it according to the manufacturer’s specifications, ensuring everything is snug but not over-tightened.

8. Test the Hub

Finally, reinstall the wheel on your bike and test the hub by spinning the wheel. Pay attention to the smoothness of the rotation. The wheel should spin freely with minimal resistance, and the hub should feel much smoother compared to its previous state.

If you still notice roughness after adjustment, you may need to replace the bearings, as they might be too damaged to be fixed with an adjustment alone.

How to Prevent Rough Bearings in the Future

To keep your Shimano FH-5800 hub running smoothly and to prevent future bearing issues, follow these maintenance tips:

  • Regular cleaning and lubrication: Clean your hub and bearings regularly and apply fresh grease to ensure smooth operation.
  • Avoid water and dirt: Try to minimize exposure to rain, mud, and dirt, as these can lead to contamination and accelerated bearing wear.
  • Check for wear: Regularly inspect your bearings for signs of wear and replace them if necessary to prevent damage to other components.

Conclusion

Proper bearing adjustment is critical to maintaining the performance and longevity of your Shimano FH-5800 hub. By following these steps and keeping your hub clean and well-lubricated, you can ensure smooth rolling and prevent future bearing issues. If the roughness persists despite your efforts, consider replacing the bearings or consulting a professional mechanic for further assistance.