When most cyclists think about bike bearings, frame pivot bearings usually come to mind first. But your bike is actually packed with bearings in places you might not expect!

 Understanding where these critical components live can help you maintain your bike better and spot potential issues before they become expensive problems.

Headset Bearings: Your Steering Foundation

Your headset contains bearings that allow smooth steering and handle massive forces from jumps and rough terrain. These bearings sit at the top and bottom of your head tube, supporting your fork and handlebars. Signs of worn headset bearings include:

• Clicking or grinding when turning the handlebars
• Loose or wobbly steering
• Rough steering feel

 

Bottom Bracket Bearings: Power Transfer Central

Your bottom bracket houses the bearings that your cranks rotate on. These bearings face constant pressure from your pedalling power and need regular attention. Common symptoms of bottom bracket bearing wear:

• Creaking when pedalling
• Rough or grinding sensation when spinning the cranks
• Side to side play in the cranks

The majority of Bottom Brackets are a consumable item so when there are issues with the bearings, it is easier and more cost-effective to replace the whole bottom bracket.  There are some bottom bracket systems where the bearings are mounted directly to the frame e.g. BB30, BB90 or the BMX mid-style bottom bracket.  These bearings would be replaced as they are not encased in cups that either thread or press into the frame itself; the bearings are the bottom bracket that fit directly to the frame.

 

Wheel Hub Bearings: The Unsung Heroes

Both front and rear wheel hubs contain bearings that allow your wheels to spin freely. Hub bearings endure everything from muddy puddles to high-speed descents. Watch out for:

• Rough wheel spinning
• Play in the wheel when wiggling side to side
• Rumbling noises while pedalling

Hubs can come with either cartridge bearings or open bearings.  Traditionally, open bearings have 20 bearings in the front and 18 in the rear. You cannot fit cartridge bearings to these hubs.  Cartridge bearings hubs have on average two bearings in the front hub and four in the rear hub (2 being housed in the hub body and 2 on average being in the freehub body).

 

Jockey Wheel Bearings

The rear mech has jockey wheels (or pulley wheels/ guide and tension wheels).  These can  contain two small bearings, one per jockey wheel.  Most standard jockey wheels contain a bushed bearing.  While tiny, these bearings are crucial for smooth shifting. Replace them when:

• The jockey wheels don't spin freely
• Visible wear or damage appears
• Side to side play

The jockey wheels can be replaced completely as opposed to servicing.

 

Pedal Bearings: Often Overlooked

Pedals can come sealed or unsealed.  Unsealed pedals are the cheaper option and can be serviced but are, really, a replaceable item.  It would be more cost effective to replace your pedals than have them serviced.  Sealed pedals are the more expensive option but have the ability to be serviced by replacing their cartridge bearings or bushes.

What to look out for:

• Unsealed pedals can develop a rattle and become loose on the pedal axle. 
• Sealed pedals can do the same but you have option to strip and service these.

 

Maintenance Tips for All Bearing Locations

1. Regular cleaning - Keep bearings clean and free from dirt and grime
2. Proper lubrication - Use appropriate grease for each bearing type. For cartridge bearings other than MAX, we recommend Enduro Performance Bearing Grease; it's good value for money, great quality and due to being syringe like, very easy to apply without the mess. For open hub bearings, we recommend a good quality lithium grease or a Shimano specific hub-grease.
3. Inspection routine - Check for play, rough movement, or unusual noises
4. Timely replacement - Don't wait until bearings fail completely

 

When to Seek Professional Help

While some bearing maintenance can be DIY, certain locations require special tools and expertise. Headset and bottom bracket bearing replacement often needs professional attention, while frame bearing kits can be more accessible for home mechanics with the right tools.

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Tuesday Quiz Preview: How many different bearing locations can you identify on your bike? We'll test your knowledge tomorrow!

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