12

When replacing the cones for a front hub with new ones, is it okay to tighten the lock nut directly against the cone nut? Or must I use some kind of spacer / washer / shim in order for some other reason than spacing?

The reason I ask is that I am replacing the cones on a front hub that was correctly spaced at 100mm. The old setup has 

Lock nut - Washer - Cone nut - Hub/Cups - Cone nut - Washer - Lock nut

The replacement cones I got match in the old ones in all ways except that they are slightly wider (i.e. take more space of the axle). So, instead of getting two more cones ($20 more dollars!), I figured I could just leave out the old washers and leave the setup like this, which would be spaced about 100mm:

Lock nut -      New Cone nut - Hub/Cups - New Cone nut      - Lock nut

So, would this be alright? Does the original washer play any other role than just making the spacing correct?

Improve this question
2
  • 3
    Having washers between the two nuts is probably more the exception than the rule.
    – Daniel R Hicks
    Commented Jul 11, 2013 at 3:29
  • Freewheel axles often needed a long spacer between the cone and the locknut. However its unusual on freewheel axles.
    – Criggie ♦
    Commented Dec 1, 2018 at 1:55

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
12

I've just rebuilt a totally stock Shimano wheel set and it had locknuts touching cones all over the place. Go for it.

Improve this answer
2
  • 1
    Can I assume you mean that the stock wheel had no washers before the rebuild?
    – PositiveK
    Commented Jul 11, 2013 at 23:51
  • 2
    That is exactly what I meant.
    – alex
    Commented Jul 12, 2013 at 2:31
8

Some axles [Maillard, Campag etc.] have a keyway along the threaded portions. An internal-tabbed washer slides on , between the cone and the locknut, to prevent locknut rotation also spinning the cone itself. It's a good system; and in that case, the tabbed washer should be used. With Shimano hubs, where the keyway-&-tab system has been abandoned, the washer serves no purpose, except as a space adjuster along the axle. So can be left in or out, as suits you.

Improve this answer
1
  • 2
    Welcome to bikes.SE! Thanks for a great first answer and hope to see you around more.
    – RoboKaren
    Commented Nov 30, 2018 at 18:57

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.