What cones for a Shimano Exage front hub

[onyerbike531]

Hello forum folk

I was wondering if anyone on here knows what my options are when replacing the cones in my Shimano Exage HB-RM50 front hub, the current cones are pitted and worn. Original replacements seem to be non existent so I thought I'd just save myself the hassle and by a complete hollow axle replacement from Halfords.

I measured everything up and bought a 9mm x 108mm axle which is the exact size of the original; when it came to actually fitting it there isn't enough exposed axle for it to safely sit in the dropouts of the front forks.

The threading appears to be the same as on the old axle, is it worth me chopping and changing the components from the original and new one to see if I can get the right fit eg one spacer opposed to two and the original locknuts off the old axle?

 

[onyerbike531]

PS

Thanks in advance

 

[mdvineng]

You can try swapping out the cones. Have you also got the inner cones and new balls? The axle length, if the same as the original should be fine, as long as the original was no problem.

 

[onyerbike531]

Re:

I've got cones and new balls but they are the type that come in a circular cage and aluminium seals fitted to the hub don't seem to lift out from the cup so I can't insert those... I was just going to use the existing loose balls; the ten per side 3/16s that came with the hub which are in reasonable shape.

The configuration will be the original locknut - one thin washer - the cone - original ball bearings, could I get away with that?

 

[mdvineng]

If the inner cone isn't good and you fit the old balls, the new outer cones will quickly look like the old ones.

 

[onyerbike531]

Re:

I'm sorry I don't quite understand what you mean when you say inner cones? The only cones I know of are the ones that sandwich the ball bearings between them and the cups.

The cups appear to be in good order, I will order some new ball bearings when I repack.
I've managed to track down the exact cones now so I'll be able to reassemble safe in the knowledge that it will all fit together.

 

[mdvineng]

Inner cones/cups same thing, looks like you have it under control. Good source of quality bearings and great service is a company called "simply bearings" they now do a lot a specific cycle stuff.

 

[legrandefromage]

just buy a new hub and swap the gubbins over?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Shimano-front ... EOQC4TzLXQ

 

[Jonny69]

I don't think the inner races are replaceable. If you've got new cones then put new balls in. They don't wear down evenly and now you've mixed them up they won't go back in the same side they came out. It won't ever be as good as new but it'll be much, much better with new cones and balls.

 

[Markone]

I had the same problem on a vintage Raleigh with Exage hubs, I bought NOS hubs very cheaply and rebuilt the wheels!

The races on Exage 600 hubs are not replaceable,so once worn and pitted the hubs are junk!