How to Lubricate Bike Wheel Hubs

If you feel friction or hear grinding in your wheels when you pedal, it may be time to lubricate your bike hubs. On the outside, the hub is simply the center point of the wheel where the spokes converge. On the inside, the hub contains an axle and greased ball bearings that keep the wheel turning with a minimum of friction. To lubricate this hub system, you'll need to remove the axle from inside the hub, clean out any old grease and generously lube the inside. This will keep your bike running smoothly for much longer.

Things You'll Need

  • Small cone wrench
  • 2-5 lint-free rags
  • Pencil magnet or scalpel
  • Lubricating grease
  • Small shallow container
  • Degreasing solvent
  • Cotton swabs
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the wheel from the bike by flipping the quick release lever. Turn the lever to the left (counterclockwise) to loosen and remove the wheel. Set the bike aside. If it is a back wheel, you'll have to remove the rear cog first before flipping the release lever

    • 2

      Set the wheel on its side with the rubber cover facing up. If you haven't yet, remove the cover and use a small cone wrench to loosen and remove the locknut.

    • 3

      Carefully lay the cap, locknut, spacers and cones in the order that you removed them, on a clean, lint free rag. Slide the axle out of the hub shell. Be careful not to lose any bearings, which should be secured in the hub shell cups at each of the hub.

    • 4

      Use a thin pencil magnet or a scalpel to remove the bearings one by one from the hub shell cups. Place a liberal dollop of grease on the end of the scalpel, which will help the bearings stick to the scalpel. With the bearings in the palm of your hand, use a clean rag spritzed with degreaser to gently remove any old lubricant. Set these aside in a small, shallow container to prevent them from rolling away.

    • 5

      Gently clean the rest of the hub parts with a cotton swab and a spritz of degreaser. Make sure you remove any old lubricant from the inside of the hub shell cups, where the bearings sit.

    • 6

      Grease the axle threads -- where the cones, spacers and locknuts attach -- with a small amount of lubricant. Liberally grease the inside of the clean hub shell cups. Any excess will work its way out of the hub, so don't worry about adding too much lubricant.

    • 7

      Replace the bearings in the cups and apply a thin layer of grease on top, using a cotton swab. Insert the axle and replace the cones, spacers, locknuts and rubber cap. Reattach your wheel to the bike frame. Gently pedal to make sure the hub friction is minimized.