In general we recommend to check the hubs of your Artech wheels on a frequent basis by simply checking whether the wheels rotate smoothly in the bike. In case you observe that the wheels do not run smoothly, or in case you identify any noise- or visual issues it is recommended to perform the hub maintenance procedure.

Besides, we recommend to check your hubs with an interval of 5.000 KM or annually. Furthermore, we recommend to change the bearings based on an interval of 10.000KM (this interval is based on normal weather and usage conditions, in the case of usage in rainy conditions the interval should be lowered to 5.000 KM).

The procedure to maintain the hubs and replace the bearings of the Artech hubs is as follows:

Artech front hub

• Untighten the trough axle and remove the wheel from the fork. Next, remove the disc rotor by untightening the lockring.
• Remove the end-cap on the disc side of the hub. This can be done by firmly pulling the end-cap. In case the end-cap is stuck, we recommend to rotate the end-cap slightly while pulling it.
• Next, the axle should be removed from the front hub. The axle can be pulled from the non-disc side and will slide out.
• Using a bearing pulley that is compatible with the internal diameter of the bearing of 17mm, pull the drive side bearing from the hub shell. Discard the removed bearing, it should not be re-used.
• Using the same bearing as from the previous step, pull the non-drive side bearing from the hub shell. Discard the removed bearing, it should not be re-used.
• At this stage, we recommend to clean the hub, axle and end-cap with a dry cloth. You may use a degreaser to clean the components. It’s important that all parts are clean before the new bearings are installed.
• Take a bearing from bearing kit SC2024141 and place it on top of the bearing seat at the drive side of the hub. Only use little force while placing the bearing on top of the bearing seat, too much force will damage the bearing or hub shell. Hold the wheel in the upright position.
• Take the second bearing from bearing kit SC2024141 and place it on top of the bearing seat at the non-drive side of the hub. Again keep the wheel in the same upright position, otherwise the
  bearings will potentially fall out. Take a bearing press  which is compatible with the 61803 bearings (outer width of 28mm and inner width of 17mm) and press the bearings into the hub shell. It is important to not apply too much pressure, whenever the bearing is fully seated you will instantly feel that pressing in the bearing further requires more energy. Please make sure to stop at this point.
• After installing the bearings, it is recommended to apply some grease on the outside of the bearings. Apply about 1 ML on each bearing as shown on the picture.
• Now take the axle and inspect whether the O-ring is installed and in good condition. The O-ring should be located on the axle near the integrated end-cap. In case the O-ring is worn-out or missing, replace it with a new O-ring from engagement spacer and O-ring kit (SC2024144), please follow the detailed instruction as included in this kit.
• Next, take the axle with installed O-ring and push it from the Drive Side trough the bearings. Push until the axle is fully seated and is aligned with the hub shell.
• Next, mount the end-cap on the disc side by pushing it on the axle while holding the axle in place. A clicking noise will confirm that the end-cap is correctly assembled.
• Take the disc rotor and mount it onto the centerlock spline of the hub. Next take the lockring and screw it in position by hand and finally lock it with a suitable tool while respecting the torque as stated on the lockring.
• Mount the Wheel back in the fork according to our instruction manual.

Artech rear hub

• Untighten the trough axle and remove the wheel from the frame. Next, remove the disc rotor by untightening the lockring.
• Remove the end-cap from the drive side, this can be done by pulling the body (including the cassette if mounted) from the hub. The end-cap will come loose. Now the body (including the cassette) can be removed from the axle.
• Next remove the engagement spacer, the spring, and the two rachets from the axle of the hub.
• Next, the axle should be removed from the rear hub. The axle can be pulled from the disc side and will slide out.
• Using a bearing pulley that is compatible with the internal diameter of the bearing of 17mm, pull the drive side bearing from the hub shell. Discard the removed bearing, it should not be re-used.
• Using the same bearing pulley as from the previous step, pull the non-drive side bearing from the hub shell. Discard the removed bearing, it should not be re-used.
• At this stage, we recommend to clean the hub, axle and end-cap with a dry cloth. You may use a biodegradable degreaser to clean the components. It is important that all parts are clean and dry before the new bearings are installed.
• Take a bearing from bearing kit SC2024142 and place it on top of the bearing seat at the drive side of the hub. Only use little force while placing the bearing on top of the bearing seat, too much force will damage the bearing or hub shell.
• Take the second bearing from bearing kit SC2024142 and place it on top of the bearing seat at the non-drive side of the hub. Again keep the wheel in the same upright position, otherwise the bearings will potentially fall out.
• Take a bearing press which is compatible with the 61803 bearing (outer width of 26mm and inner width of 17mm) and the 61903 bearing (outer width of 30mm and inner width of 17mm) and press the bearings into the hub shell. It is important to not apply too much pressure, whenever the bearing is fully seated you will instantly feel that pressing in the bearing further requires more force. Please make sure to stop at this point.
• After installing the bearings, it is recommended to apply some grease on the outside of the bearings. Apply about 1 ML on each bearing. You can use the engagement grease with item number SC2021263 or SC2022350.
• Next, take the axle with and push it from the disc side trough the bearings. Push until the axle is fully seated and is aligned with the hub shell.
• Now place the spring back onto the axle.
• Install the engagement spacer on the axle. Please inspect whether the engagement spacer is free from wear and does not have any cracks. In case the engagement spacer needs to be replaced, please use the kit SC2024144.
• Next take the large ratchet and mount it with the face teeth pointing into the drive side direction of the hub.
• Now take the second smaller ratchet and mount it within the spline at the back of the freehub body.
• Put the freehub body (including cassette and endcap) onto the axle. You can guide the freehub body on the axle by taking the body and focus on the bearings. The bearings should align with the axle, one could use the index finger to center the body on the axle. A clicking noise will confirm that the end-cap is correctly assembled.
• Take the disc rotor and mount it onto the centerlock spline of the hub. Next take the lockring and screw it in position by hand and finally lock it with a suitable tool while respecting the torque as stated on the lockring.
• Mount the wheel back in the frame according to our instruction manual.