I have my third bearing failure (rusted, falling apart, total crap) in about 18 months. One was bad enough to freeze up my freehub and break the pawls.
Anyone else dealing with this issue, and suggestions on what to do that don’t involve a $700 CeramicSpeed bearing kit?
The obvious answered: I very rarely get my bike wet, our roads are clean, I clean and lube my bike, it’s stored in my living room, and I am fully capable with a wrench.
(Bad) Luck of the draw? I have two 30 Course wheel sets with the same hubs that I use for CX and a majority of my training miles. We had a really muddy and wet CX season last fall, and I’ve only had one bearing seize in the free hub itself through all the races, bike washes, etc. I bought replacements from Wheels Mfg to just pop out and press back in as needed.
Just put some stainless in there. Endoro probably have them, otherwise any bearing shop will either have them or get them overnight.
Pack the outside of the bearing with plenty of grease.