5.11 wheels

Cartridge Bearing Replacement

Most modern hubs use sealed cartridge bearings. Replacement is a press-fit operation.

Difficulty ★★★ advanced
Time ~30 min per bearing
Applies to Bikes with cartridge bearing hubs (most modern Road, Gravel, MTB)

Most modern hubs use sealed cartridge bearings. Replacement is a press-fit operation.

Tools

  • Bearing puller (Wheels Manufacturing or Enduro)
  • bearing press with appropriate drift sizes
  • replacement bearings (sized to your hub — measured ID x OD x width, e.g., 6902-2RS = 15 x 28 x 7 mm)

Procedure

  1. Remove the wheel and any axle/end caps

  2. Remove the freehub body

    if it's blocking access (varies by hub design).

  3. Identify the bearing size

    by reading the etching on the existing bearing's seal, or measure with calipers.

  4. Use a bearing puller

    to extract the old bearing. The puller's expanding collet grabs the inner race; tightening the puller's bolt draws the bearing out evenly.

  5. Clean the bearing seat

    in the hub shell. Inspect for wear or damage.

  6. Apply a thin smear of grease

    to the seat to ease installation and protect against corrosion.

  7. Press the new bearing in

    with a bearing press:

    • Use a drift that contacts only the outer race of the bearing — not the inner race or the seal.
    • Press straight (perpendicular to the hub).
    • Press until fully seated — the bearing should bottom out.

  8. Repeat for the opposite-side bearing

  9. Reinstall freehub and axle

Pressing on the inner race transmits force through the bearing balls — destroys the new bearing instantly.