#2 Wheel Inspection

As mentioned in the first introduction post I have inspected both front and back wheels and hubs to determine their condition. 

Above is both the left and right side of the rear wheel hub. The hub appears to be in great condition and there is virtually no rust to the cones, nuts and most importantly the threads to the axle. The left image shows the freewheel removed and the threads to the freewheel which have had a quick rub over to show no rust or worn threads. The brown coating on the hub is old, worn grease and not rust that any degreaser will just cut straight through. 

However, Looking at the front wheel the condition of this one is sadly not good. 

Upon removing the wheel from the forks it took a great amount of force and a heavy application of penetrating oil to loosen the locking nuts. After removing these it appeared that the hub axle was so rusted and worn that it had ruined the threads and chewed the locking nuts. 
The inside and overall body of the hub itself seems to be in good condition but I am now left with the decision to either: 

• Replace the axle and nuts, washers, etc. 
• Buy another wheel of the same manufacture to keep original (later buying a same wheel for the rear to match)
• Buying the same wheel as the rear therefore having both matching wheels but not the original produced for the bike. 

The first option is the cheaper one as a new axle can cost anywhere between £3 to £10. However, the actual rim of the wheel is poorly pitted and possibly beyond repair therefore an entire new wheel is in thought. 

Here the axle is so worn that all to the right couldn't be removed

 Rust. Is. Bike. Cancer.  










The next post will be the start of the overhaul process which will probably be uploaded tomorrow (04/07/2015)