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Converting my GT Mohawk hubs to sealed cartridge bearings
#26 2015-01-10 5:01am
- willaw114ag
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Re: Converting my GT Mohawk hubs to sealed cartridge bearings
Sweet dude! Since it's always the 32 spoke sealed Mohawks that pop up for sale (I always miss the 36s, they sell stupid fast) this'll work for me. I always figured there was a way to convert looseball hub shells to sealed. I'm all geeked now.
Mongoose/Fusion aluminum bars in pro size. 14" GT Zoot Scoot, Dyno Pretzel Bars and Drain Pipe 22.2mm and Dyno Slammer forks.
I need these, so get at me please.
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#27 2015-01-10 5:01am
- Bomberman
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Re: Converting my GT Mohawk hubs to sealed cartridge bearings
It's completely logical (same process for all models) even if I never think about converting them.
I'll look for converting all my "low-cost" hubs.
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#28 2015-03-02 6:14pm
- Lujackcity
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Re: Converting my GT Mohawk hubs to sealed cartridge bearings
Hey guys, I know this is an older post but I have a few questions. Is the shoulder where the sealed bearing sits critical? Could the bearing just sit on threads if you run a sleeve inside the hub? Is a sleeve critical? I have a set of Haro 14mm axles and hubs, but I want to convert them to 3/8. I'm also a cheap ass, but I have access to a lathe. So I want to turn down the 14mm axles to 3/8, and rethread them. I know this will be some work, but I also think it will be a fun challenge. Thanks for any help
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#29 2015-03-03 7:25am
- El Gecko
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Re: Converting my GT Mohawk hubs to sealed cartridge bearings
Actually, it's funny you mention the shoulders, I was going to post back again about that exact thing.
I found that the axles with threads all the way across and no shoulders actually move around inside the inner race a little bit, which is not ideal. I thought I could get away with building them like a Profile bottom bracket - bearings with a sleeve in the middle to keep them spaced right, riding on an axle. It doesn't work though - the tolerances aren't close enough, so the best thing to do is find an axle that's the right spacing with shoulders and a machined surface for the bearing races to sit on.
I've gotta rebuild mine the right way now, just as soon as I find axles that fit.
Last edited by El Gecko (2015-03-03 7:25am)
Relax.
Balance.
Focus.
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#30 2015-03-28 6:56am
- Airborne Vic
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Re: Converting my GT Mohawk hubs to sealed cartridge bearings
Can I do the dame to my high flange Mohawks. Will the same bearings your described work on my hubs?
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#31 2015-03-28 12:26pm
- DemonGT
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Re: Converting my GT Mohawk hubs to sealed cartridge bearings
my LBS used to have a bunch of NOS loose ball mohawk hubs, should have grabbed them.
WTB: 1992 Yellow splatter GT Performer, 1992/1994 PFTs, 1992 Dyno Slammer
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#32 2015-03-28 10:45pm
- saskbmx
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Re: Converting my GT Mohawk hubs to sealed cartridge bearings
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#33 2015-03-29 7:53am
- funpig
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Re: Converting my GT Mohawk hubs to sealed cartridge bearings
Airborne Vic wrote:
Can I do the dame to my high flange Mohawks. Will the same bearings your described work on my hubs?
You would need to measure the id of where the bearing rest in the hub, but I don't see why you would have any problems with converting them.
we are the funpigs and we have fun!!!!!!
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#34 2015-03-31 4:23pm
Re: Converting my GT Mohawk hubs to sealed cartridge bearings
Just scored some 36h for the oddy t1000 rims I have.
looks like they'll need a rebuild & this will save me loads of hassle, great info & will post up if I find suitable axles
**..........WARNING..... thearm420 (Jeff German) takes your money & sends you f**k all & cries when you treat him bad **
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#35 2015-07-02 10:42am
- DemonGT
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Re: Converting my GT Mohawk hubs to sealed cartridge bearings
has anyone tried this with the sealed mech superlace hubs?
WTB: 1992 Yellow splatter GT Performer, 1992/1994 PFTs, 1992 Dyno Slammer
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#36 2015-07-03 11:07am
- stonie
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Re: Converting my GT Mohawk hubs to sealed cartridge bearings
GT Mohawk 36h Silver
Gnarly is when it's beyond radical, it's balls out danger, & or perfection, & or skill or all of that combined. Nobody can shred like that guy, he's gnarly. \m/ ( º . º ) \m/
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#37 2015-07-03 11:10am
- stonie
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Re: Converting my GT Mohawk hubs to sealed cartridge bearings
I have a slight problem with this sealed bearing urgrade thread.
Look at how much more aluminum is surrounding the cartridge bearing,
on the stock sealed bearing hub.
Probably good reason why there is so much meat around the bearing on stock hubshells.
All the converted hubs have little supporting the cartridge bearing, as not designed for such bearing.
Last edited by stonie (2015-07-03 11:10am)
Gnarly is when it's beyond radical, it's balls out danger, & or perfection, & or skill or all of that combined. Nobody can shred like that guy, he's gnarly. \m/ ( º . º ) \m/
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#38 2015-07-03 11:34am
- eric12
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Re: Converting my GT Mohawk hubs to sealed cartridge bearings
stonie wrote:
I have a slight problem with this sealed bearing urgrade thread.
Look at how much more aluminum is surrounding the cartridge bearing,
on the stock sealed bearing hub.
Probably good reason why there is so much meat around the bearing on stock hubshells.
All the converted hubs have little supporting the cartridge bearing, as not designed for such bearing.
Good point, but i think it depends on the type of riding you do if it will be an issue or not. Still a good thread.
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#39 2015-07-03 11:44am
- stonie
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Re: Converting my GT Mohawk hubs to sealed cartridge bearings
eric12 wrote:
stonie wrote:
I have a slight problem with this sealed bearing urgrade thread.
Look at how much more aluminum is surrounding the cartridge bearing,
on the stock sealed bearing hub.
Probably good reason why there is so much meat around the bearing on stock hubshells.
All the converted hubs have little supporting the cartridge bearing, as not designed for such bearing.Good point, but i think it depends on the type of riding you do if it will be an issue or not. Still a good thread.
Oh, I'm not saying the thread is bad or anything.
Just adding more info to the thread, that's it!!
Just would suck if someone put all that time & effort into it but not
realizing the limitations of the application.
Probably wouldn't want to jump with those converted hubs.
Look at how little material is surrounding the freewheel side bearing.
Basically only have aluminum freewheel threads supporting the bearing, not much there
Gnarly is when it's beyond radical, it's balls out danger, & or perfection, & or skill or all of that combined. Nobody can shred like that guy, he's gnarly. \m/ ( º . º ) \m/
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#40 2015-07-03 11:56am
- adamdawson
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Re: Converting my GT Mohawk hubs to sealed cartridge bearings
if it works with a regular unsealed setup, making it a sealed setup doesnt change anything. wont make it any stronger or weaker than what it was
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#41 2015-07-03 1:15pm
- stonie
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Re: Converting my GT Mohawk hubs to sealed cartridge bearings
adamdawson wrote:
if it works with a regular unsealed setup, making it a sealed setup doesnt change anything. wont make it any stronger or weaker than what it was
The original steel cup is installed further into the hubshell, which is thicker aluminum.
The farther outward the thinner the aluminum becomes
Check some of those pictures, their cartridge bearing is hanging out
Gnarly is when it's beyond radical, it's balls out danger, & or perfection, & or skill or all of that combined. Nobody can shred like that guy, he's gnarly. \m/ ( º . º ) \m/
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#42 2015-07-22 10:15am
- DemonGT
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Re: Converting my GT Mohawk hubs to sealed cartridge bearings
how are you guys getting the loose ball races out of the hub shells?
WTB: 1992 Yellow splatter GT Performer, 1992/1994 PFTs, 1992 Dyno Slammer
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#43 2015-07-22 10:39am
- stonie
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Re: Converting my GT Mohawk hubs to sealed cartridge bearings
DemonGT wrote:
how are you guys getting the loose ball races out of the hub shells?
If you put the hubshell in the freeze, sometime, just sometimes it will pop out
with a few good wacks of hammer/punch.
Most times a dremel will be required, as per my past experiences.
I have abandoned ever trying this again, as for the reasons I mentioned previously.
Too much time and effort, not to mention new axles and bearing cost.
Gnarly is when it's beyond radical, it's balls out danger, & or perfection, & or skill or all of that combined. Nobody can shred like that guy, he's gnarly. \m/ ( º . º ) \m/
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#44 2015-07-22 1:25pm
- El Gecko
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Re: Converting my GT Mohawk hubs to sealed cartridge bearings
I used a hammer and a fairly thick punch. It's certainly not easy. I destroyed one of them on the way out, although it was partially destroyed to begin with.
Relax.
Balance.
Focus.
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#45 2015-07-22 7:00pm
- funpig
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Re: Converting my GT Mohawk hubs to sealed cartridge bearings
just like popping out a bottom bracket for me
we are the funpigs and we have fun!!!!!!
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#46 2015-09-19 4:16pm
- DemonGT
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Re: Converting my GT Mohawk hubs to sealed cartridge bearings
has anyone been brave enough to try this on unsealed superlace?
WTB: 1992 Yellow splatter GT Performer, 1992/1994 PFTs, 1992 Dyno Slammer
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#47 2016-01-12 8:30am
- elfdoublecross
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Re: Converting my GT Mohawk hubs to sealed cartridge bearings
These started as unsealed black hubs in rough shape. I stripped them down, removed the anodizing, polished them up. I followed the conversion instructions in this forum with a few changes. They spin great.
Hubs were given to me for free, so between axles, bearings, shims, lock collars, and nuts I'm in for just over $60. Better than paying well over $150 for a NOS pair.
Finished product. I know it's not an accurate representation of actual sealed bearing GT hubs but I think they're awesome.
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#48 2016-01-12 8:33am
- James Vigil
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Re: Converting my GT Mohawk hubs to sealed cartridge bearings
elfdoublecross wrote:
These started as unsealed black hubs in rough shape. I stripped them down, removed the anodizing, polished them up. I followed the conversion instructions in this forum with a few changes. They spin great.
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t190 … 151650.jpg
Hubs were given to me for free, so between axles, bearings, shims, lock collars, and nuts I'm in for just over $60. Better than paying well over $150 for a NOS pair.
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t190 … 11049.jpeg
Finished product. I know it's not an accurate representation of actual sealed bearing GT hubs but I think they're awesome.
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t190 … 094529.jpg
Nice did you get a new axle kit from here?
The pile of shit has a thousand eyes.
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#49 2016-01-12 8:38am
- El Gecko
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Re: Converting my GT Mohawk hubs to sealed cartridge bearings
elfdoublecross wrote:
These started as unsealed black hubs in rough shape. I stripped them down, removed the anodizing, polished them up. I followed the conversion instructions in this forum with a few changes. They spin great.
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t190 … 151650.jpg
Hubs were given to me for free, so between axles, bearings, shims, lock collars, and nuts I'm in for just over $60. Better than paying well over $150 for a NOS pair.
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t190 … 11049.jpeg
Finished product. I know it's not an accurate representation of actual sealed bearing GT hubs but I think they're awesome.
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t190 … 094529.jpg
Nice job! Was the inner bearing race tight enough on the axles? I tried it with 10mm threaded axles too and there was still a bit too much play for my liking. I still need to find a set of axles with shoulders and a machined bearing surface to tighten up the tolerances.
Relax.
Balance.
Focus.
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#50 2016-01-12 8:46am
- elfdoublecross
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Re: Converting my GT Mohawk hubs to sealed cartridge bearings
James Vigil wrote:
elfdoublecross wrote:
These started as unsealed black hubs in rough shape. I stripped them down, removed the anodizing, polished them up. I followed the conversion instructions in this forum with a few changes. They spin great.
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t190 … 151650.jpg
Hubs were given to me for free, so between axles, bearings, shims, lock collars, and nuts I'm in for just over $60. Better than paying well over $150 for a NOS pair.
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t190 … 11049.jpeg
Finished product. I know it's not an accurate representation of actual sealed bearing GT hubs but I think they're awesome.
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t190 … 094529.jpgNice did you get a new axle kit from here?
No. Ordered most parts from eBay and here. Wheelsmith 26tpi axles from eBay, TNT lock collars from eBay, Ace Hardware steel spacer tube cut to size, generic bearings from eBay, Shadow Conspiracy axle nuts from here. It's a hodge podge of parts really.
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