Hi, can anyone tell me how to tighten the cones on my rear hub. I'm not sure what make of hub it is, but looks like a bog standard sealed hub? Not much info to go on I know. Do I need to take the cassette off and do I need any special tools for the job.
Any help appreciated as I need to get it done for tomorrow.
no need to take the cassette off but you do need cone spanners. Remove the ruber boot from the axle on the disk side. There is a lock nut and a cone. Put cone spanner on cone usually a 15 and then a spanner on the lock nut usually a 17. Turn the each away from each other to open. Then adjust cone to remove the play and tighten the lock nut back against the cone. Will take a few attempts to get it right first time.
More than likely the cones on the cassette side have come loose, this happens all the time with most of the Shimano hubs (don't get me started)
If this is the case....
Loosen the disc side cones
Remove them (remember the order in which they came off)
Remove the axle
Lock the cassette side cones against each other, as tight as you can without bending the cone spanner
You might as well clean and grease everything
Stick the axle back in
Stick the disc side cones back on and adjust them, usually you would bring the inner cone (the one that touches the bearings) in until the axle is a little bit hard to turn, then bring the lock nut in against it, then lock the inner cone back out against the locknut.
Prepare to have your heart broken, you'll have to adjust and readjust a few times to get it right, especially if anything is worn.