How to Install Ceramic Bearings in a Kysrium ES Rear Wheel

Ksyrium's ES wheel set is meant for cyclocross and trail racing. As fast and light as this wheel set is, in the eyes of many bicyclists it can be improved. Replacing the standard steel bearings that come with your Ksyrium set with new ceramic bearings saves weight and makes them roll smoother and easier. The result is a professional grade racing wheel set for well under the price of a whole new set. You can replace the bearings in your Ksyrium ES rear wheel in a few steps.

Things You'll Need

  • Ksyrium ES Ceramic bearing kit
  • Bearing puller
  • 8 mm hex wrench
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Instructions

    • 1

      Loosen the quick-release lever on the left side of your rear wheel. Open the rear brake caliper by twisting the release lever on the right side of the brake, then pull the rear wheel out of the frame dropouts and away from the bike.

    • 2

      Twist the quick release nut on the right side of the wheel counterclockwise to remove it from the skewer. Slide the skewer out of the wheel and set it aside. Pull the bearing cap off of the left side of the hub, and out of the right-side free hub body. Insert an 8mm hex wrench into the end of the free hub body and twist it counterclockwise to loosen and remove the free hub body from the wheel.

    • 3

      Insert the bearing puller tool included with your bearing replacement kit into the center of the bearing on the left side of the hub. Spread the two handles of the bearing puller and pull outward to remove the bearing from the hub. Repeat this procedure to remove the bearing on the left side. Use a flathead screwdriver of similar object to pry out the thin outer bearing on the back of the free hub body.

    • 4

      Push the new ceramic bearings into place where the old ones were removed: one on each side of the rear hub, and the larger thin one on the back of the free hub body. Replace the free hub body on the hub by setting it in place, inserting your 8mm hex wrench, and turning the wrench clockwise.

    • 5

      Reattach the end cap on both the right and left side of the hub. Slide the quick-release skewer into the center of the hub and attach the quick-release nut to the end of the skewer. Set the wheel back into the dropouts of the frame, then head out for a test ride