Hub Question (adjustment)

[ruckerz]

So I overhauled my hub the other day now I'm worried about adjustment. Here's an excerpt from parktool...

"If the axle has play when the wheel is outside the bike, but no play inside the bike, the adjustment is adequate."

Now I'm not sure what "play" is.. Merriam Webster says it's free or unrestricted movement. So when I grasp the locknuts/hub when the wheel is in my hand, there should be free movement, and when it's locked in the bike, it should grind a bit?


Francis

[turch]

Close, but no ceegar. Properly adjusted the wheel should spin with little if any noticable resistance. If fact holding the axles with your fingertips and giving the wheel a spin should result in the wheel rotating for minutes (not quite perpetually, which would be an entirely different problem, but seemingly close.). After cleaning and repacking, draw up the cones until they are almost snug against the bearings and you get a nice spin (experiment), then snug up the lock nut and re-spin (now start all over when you realize the you are over tightening the set up (the locknut will undoubtably increase tension). Fool with it until you have a nice smooth spin (In no way should you have grating, etc. If unable to acheive this, re-evaluate the bearings and races - both the cones and races for wear, asymmetrical or pitting. You may be pooched and need shop help or a wad of cash.). When reinstalling the wheel in the frame you should not feel any difference at all over spinning the wheel in your fingertips.