How do you take a front hub apart!

[pembo]

I've had a bit of a grinding noise and feel coming from both of my wheels lately, given that they have had a year or mud, rain and sand they really could do with being cleaned out and re-greased.

Last week I took the rear hub apart and thoroughly cleaned and re-greased and now it is sounding/feeling much better, thinking I should be able to do the front one quickly, but this has not been the case.

I can't figure out how to undo the bolts that hold it together. In the picture below I've worked out that the red arrow requires a 17mm spanner and the blue one takes a 15mm but the problem is all spanners seem to be too wide to fit into the small gap provided at the blue arrow. Is there a special tool or knack to doing this, it's starting to wind me up now, I bet I'm going to kick myself!

[ewenm]

You need some cone spanners (every bike shop should sell them) - they are much thinner and specifically designed for that job.

[pembo]

I knew it would be something simple like that, thanks.

I was thinking about going to my LBS but everything I have bought from there could have been bought online for half the price and I'm on a bit of a budget at the moment. I don't mind so much as I see it as the cost includes the advice but I'd rather not pay a fortune for a spanner if possible.

Also the bike is on my spare wheels at the moment so I have a little time without risking further damage.

[CoolC]

If you've got 2x17mm spanners, you can crack off the retaining nut by having one on each side. Once the retaining nut is loose, the cone nut will usually come off with fingers, or you can now get a normal 15mm in to undo it. Remember you only want to take the cone off one side to keep the spacing correct.

[Justin S]

Inner Tiagra cone nut is a typical 13mm cone spanner requirement.

[pembo]

Sorted, got the tools I need, they fit a range of sizes so I should be able to get them to work.

Now I just have to find time over the weekend to get it done.

Cheers!