How to Change FLY/Spider Front Hub Bearings

We'll help	Call or e-mail with questions.  We are happy to help with this process.  All parts needed are available directly from Nimble.  Some, like #12 washers, are available from other local sources. If you can suggest an improvement for this text please let us know!  e-mail: product@nimble.net
Parts	The front wire wheel hub consists of 6 parts:     (1) hubshell forged alloy anodized black     (2) axle spacer alloy (3, 4) 2 x R4 bearing1 (5, 6) 2 x endcaps black alloy with steel inserts ___________ 1Note: The R4 bearing has a bore of 0.250 inches, an outside diameter of 0.625 inches and a width of 0.196 inches (6.35 mm x 15.875 mm x 5 mm). ___________
Tools	Needle nose pliers Front QR skewer Block of wood Pair of #12 washers2 ___________ 2Note: These washers need to be flat and press against both the inside and outside race of the R4 bearing while fitting easily inside the 0.625 inch (9.92mm).hole of the hub shell.  ___________
Disassembly	1. Use a pair of pliers to pull one endcap out of the hub.
	2. Take the nut off your front skewer and put the skewer partially into the hub from the end missing the endcap.
	3.  Angle the skewer into the side of the hub so that it moves the center spacer out of alignment (the spacer is loose in the center of the hub).  Try to deliberately catch the end of the skewer on the inside race of the opposite side bearing.
	4.  Hold the hub firmly against a work table. You will need to hold the hub in a way that leaves clearance for the bearing to come out and still supports the hub firmly.  Knock the handle of skewer with the block of wood to push the opposite side bearing completely out of the hub.  The opposite endcap should come out too.  This should not be a difficult high force knock.
	5.  Take the center axle spacer out of the hub from the side missing the bearing.
	6. Turn the hub over and push out the opposite bearing using the same process.
	7. Remove the skewer.
Reassembly	8. Load the skewer rod to make a double-decker sandwich of the old bearings and new bearings with hub in the center3.  This assembly deliberately does not include the hub endcaps, which are reassembled at the end.  The endcaps are left out because they have a raised center area that pushes only on the inner race of the bearing and this adversely affects bearing placement.  In this assembly the washers and old bearings act as a mandrel to ensure the proper placement and alignment of the new replacement bearings.  A little grease on the bearing exteriors will help in pressing it into the hubshell.  The replacement bearings are symmetrical and can be put in either side facing the center of the hub.  If you are replacing the center spacer as well as the bearings, swap the new part for the old part in the middle of the sandwich. Assemble as follows:      skewer, lever end with rod    washer3    old bearing3    new bearing    center spacer    hub shell    new bearing3    old bearing3    washer    skewer end nut ___________ 3Note: If you are not changing the bearings or you do not have a second set of bearings, you can use a flat round element (such as a socket tool) that fits within the 0.625 inch hole (15.875 mm) hole - You must make sure that this element is sized to evenly press both inside and outside bearing races of the R4 bearing.   ___________
	9. Use repeated closing of the skewer and tightening of the skewer nut to push the assembly tightly together.  Squeeze until the parts appear aligned and there is no lateral play in the hub assembly.
	10. Remove the skewer end nut. Pull the skewer out of the assembly, collect the washers.  The old bearing may partially trapped in the hub by this process (since the bearing races have a small overhang).  Carefully work the old bearings out of the assembly (this may require your pliers.)
	11.  Push the hub endcaps back on.