Between my wife and I, we have several road/gravel wheel sets with DT Swiss hubs (two 350 centerlock, one 240 (old) rim, two 240 EXP centerlock). One of the EXP rear hubs needs the bearings replaced and I’m trying to weigh the pros and cons of whether I should just invest in the tools to do it myself. I live in a relative bike shop desert with two good shops located about 1 hour away in opposite directions. In general, I like learning how to work on my own bikes and have a good workshop space in the garage.
Is anyone who is familiar with the process able to walk me through the basic tools I will need? I have a bench vice and a Park Tool HHP-3 headset/BB press but I’m suspecting I’ll need a different bearing press and some drifts for this? I believe I will also need the DT Swiss EXP tool? The process seems relatively straightforward but am curious to hear some first-hand opinions.
I would be inclined to get all the tools from DT (or maybe used), but I haven’t priced the over-axle bearing drifts to see if they are available cheaper elsewhere. The only thing I’ve found helpful is a really heavy bench vise. Getting the threaded rings out usually requires two people turning the wheel with the removal tool secured in a large vise.
Some quick googling found Enduro offers a DT Swiss service kit ( Enduro Bicycle Products, Tools - BRT-013 -DT Swiss Hub Serviceools – endurobearings.com ). Sounds like a good option compared to the DT tools at 2x the price. I’ve only used the DT tools. One item missing is the axle plug that protects the end of the axle for pounding out bearings. I use a plastic dead blow hammer and haven’t damaged an axle so far.
I haven’t found DT hubs to need bearing replacement particularly frequently. Sometimes DT bearings seem to last forever (20k road miles), other times just ‘normal’ (a year of MTB use).
I can’t remember the specifics of the DT Swiss hubs discussed, but I’m sure this was covered in the “Ask a Wrench” section of geek warning recently (7th August). Some 3D printed drifts and tools for removing the end caps were mentioned, as well as some methods for improvising.
I will be re-listening when I get the chance to remind myself if they offer a method of pulling caps from DT Swiss hubs without a vice. I’m about to take a wheel to the (luckily for me, convenient) shop to ask them to do this for me, as can’t remove the DT Swiss hub end caps without a vice without causing damage. Would love to know if anyone has any tips on this!
I replaced the bearings on a DT rear hub yesterday, here is a breakdown of the tools I used.
End cap removal - pair of Knipex pliers wrench. I do have a 3d printed end cap remover from BSC Tools but find the Knipex pliers work perfectly and leave no marks on the end caps.
Bearing removal and Installation - Wheels Manufacturing hub bearing press essential kit (the rod and handles), their hub bearing press kit, and a 3d printed part I use as an over axle part.
I used the Wheels kit and my 3d printed part to press out the axle and the bearing from the hub, pushing out one side first, then flipping the axle around to press out the other bearing.
On hubs and freehub where I cant use the axle to push out the bearing, I use a set of Nobel (now Abbey Bike Tools) bearing extractors to pull the bearings out.
Bearings are pressed back into the hub/freehub with the Wheels tools. Depending on the hub type, I’ve a couple of additional 3d printed over axle drifts to make that part easier.
There is some significant investment in the tools above but I’m replacing bearings all the time and the ability to press or pull out bearings is what I’m after.
You can certainly achieve the same end result with cheaper Aliexpress tools, DIY tools and a hammer, but I work on some nice bikes and am in a fortunate position where I can afford to buy them and consider them an investment for me/my business.
There is definitely a threaded article or two on these tools, I’d recommend reading them as a first step before you purchase anything.