I need to replace a wheel hub. How do I keep track of all those spokes?

Question

Does anyone know the sequence for replacing spokes?

Answer 1

Far and away the best source for info in this arena: Sheldon Brown's website (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/wheelbuild.html ).

I just finished installing a new hub for my mountain bike, and found that with help from his extremely detailed step-by-step instructions, it was really no problem at all. I haven't actually ridden on it yet, but it looks pretty!! Wish me luck! :)

Answer 2

My first question would be are you sure you need to replace the hub? If your hub is not sealed you can overhaul it and save any need for sequencing spokes.

Assuming you need to rebuild your wheel after you replace the hub than do this:

1) divide your spokes into 4 equal groups
2) if it is a rear hub put cassette side down
3) take one group of spokes and put the first spoke through the upper flange of the hub - insert one spoke in every other hole on that flange
4) take you rim and suspend it between your lap and a work bench and rotate it so that the valve hole is directly opposite of you
5) insert a nipple to the hole immediately left of the valve hole
6) moving left (counterclockwise) insert a nipple in every fourth hole (i.e. skip three holes - add nipple)
7) continue till entire first group of spokes is attached to rim (note - do not tighten just screw enough so they stay on and support the weight of the hub)
8) flip it over and find the hole in the upper flange of the hub that is immediately rigth of the first spoke you installed (the one bu the valve hole in step 5)
9) go around the hub inserting a spoke in every other hole just like the other side.
10) drop a nipple through the hole on the rim immediately right of the original spoke
11) fasten the first spoke you inserted after flipping the wheel to that nipple
12) now continue clockwise around the wheel dropping a nipple through every fourth hole and lightly tightening the spokes in sequence
13) before flipping over drop the 3rd group of spokes through the upper flange so that they are opposite of the 2nd group
14) flip so wheel is vertical and force the thrid group of spoke sideways on their elbows so they don't fall out of flange when you invert the wheel
15) lay wheel down with loose spokes on top. They should all face left or opposite of the other group
16) we will use the three cross pattern where each spoke in this third group will cross over two spokes installed in the first round and under a third spoke before it is fastened to the rim
17) grab any loose spoke and pull it to the left accros two spokes and under the third and then fasten it to a nipple inserted through the first available hole
18) NOTE: you will need to bend the spokes just do so gently and don't crimp them and you'll be fine
19) continue around the rim until all loose spokes are fastened
20) put the remaining spoke through the remaining holes
21) bring the wheel to vertical and seat the spokes in the flange so they don't fall out
22) flip over and repeat steps 17 - 19
23) put the wheel on a truing stand with all the spokes attached
24) oil the spoke threads and true your wheel. This is a lesson for another day

Don't listen to those nea sayers. If you have problems you can always bring it to a mechanic later. It isn't that hard to do.

Answer 3

Wheel building is unfortunately one of the most complicated jobs for the bike mechanic. Lacing the spokes is the easy part. It the tensioning, rounding, and truing that can be time consuming and frustrating. In most cases, except in the case of high end equipment, it can be more cost effective to simply buy an entirely new wheel.

Answer 4

this all must be by making use of layout. in case you're taking a wheel meant to apply 36 spokes and only bypass away a gaggle out, it isnt designed to artwork that way. it woudl be risky at maximum suitable. the empty holes devoid of spoke stress could supply you vulnerable spots in the outfitted wheels, in case you ought to even be sure a partern to lace it flippantly. dont mess which comprise your guy or woman wheels till you recognize what you're doing. they help all your weight, and one mistake could have very risky effects. those wheels that run decreased spoke counts are designed to artwork with much less spokes. you won't be able to easily take any wheel and try this.

Answer 5

Pretty ambitious repair if you ask me.

The best way to keep track of the spokes is drop the wheel off at your local bike shop and let them take care of everything! Wheel building is best left to the professionals.

Answer 6

don't bother as you will almost certainly not get them all tightened up to where they are all the same tightness, put it in the hop , better to be safe than sorry..

Answer 7

no need they are all the same.