At 11:28 AM -0400 9/29/07, Eric Elman wrote:
>I've recently purchased a late model, large flange NOS Maxi-car rear
>hub and when turning the axle there is some roughness, i.e. she is
>not smooth as one would expect. The seller, whose integrity is NOT
>in question at all, has told me that while he would provide a full
>refund if desired, has also added that this is typical due to being
>NOS and of early 90's vintage (sitting for years) and that after a
>short amount of use, the grease which has hardened just a bit will
>loosen up and the hub will be as smooth as expected.
>
>I'm not sure what to do and am looking to the list to see if others
>have had any similar experiences and if using the hub will very
>likely be fine.
>
>Thanks in advance for your helpful advise.
>
>Eric Elman
>Somers, CT USA
Some late Maxi-Cars were adjusted too tightly at the factory, as Dirk Feeken suggested. Loosen them a tad, as described in the BQ article, and they'll spin smoothly. Like most hubs, they get smoother with age, especially since the double labyrinth seals mean you won't get contamination.
Jan Heine
Editor
Bicycle Quarterly
140 Lakeside Ave #C
Seattle WA 98122
http://www.bikequarterly.com