The Taiwan Bicycle
Manufacturing Industry Review

Wheelhub Assembly – cartridge bearings, freehub body

Glenn Reeves

This is the followup post to the exploration of the cold forge and CNC hub factory I posted about recently. Once hubshells have been forged or machined, they are painted (outsourced) and then returned to be completed: cartridge/sealed bearing and axle assembly.

wheelhub assembly

Painted hub is placed on the bearing setter.

wheelhub assembly

Bearings are there on the left. Axles on the right.

wheelhub assembly

Bearing is seated then pressed into positionwheelhub assembly

Just like that.

Then it is on to hub body assembly. . .

wheelhub assembly

wheelhub assembly

Pawls and their springs are installed by a lady who is extremely good at her job. This is a tricky operation. You would not, of course, be catching up on any reading at the same time.

So many freehub bodies without their pawls against a background of micro-component complexity. The successful bringing together of the four (3 pawls to one body) means that cyclists get to hear the soothing and healthy buzz of pawls on hubshell.

On a general point, in a conversation with the boss over general industry issues, one important issue is the commencement of a running changeover to 11speed compatible hub bodies. It seems that there is great enthusiasm in the market for this new direction. Expect to see a great deal of innovation and experimentation around this theme in the medium term.

wheelhub assembly

The workspace is chaotic, but ordered. I like the ensemble of allen wrenches, hacksaw blade, and leafy plant.

wheelhub assembly

Final touches leads to . . .

wheelhub assembly

. . . a set of completed hubs.

wheelhub assembly

Here’s a sneak look at the product of ODM collaboration. This is a BMX hub destined for a European customer.

wheelhub assembly

The result of further ODM collaboration. These are destined for the UK. The effect is achieved by a laser etching process.

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