I'm trying to repair a rear axel on a old raliegh folder I was gifted.The cup on the freewheel side seems to be missing .Is it replaceable?I had a look on google but I'm a bit confused!Its a screw on type
just seen these for sale?
On the bike the cone is ok one side but missing the other-I wonder if these would push in
You're absolutely right - the cup is the part that should be inside the hub, for the bearing balls to rotate around.
Generally speaking, the cup is not a serviceable/replaceable part, though I can't be certain Raleigh didn't do something weird/atypical and have this functionality.
If this wheel had a coaster brake or a internal hub from Sturmey Archer, then it may be worth repairing. Otherwise consider a replacement hub with all the right measurements and rebuilt the rim onto a new hub.
You MIGHT get away with the existing spokes if the flange on the new hub is similar enough. Also, this might be a chance to update the wheel to a cassette instead of a freewheel, but that's also a lot of knockon upgrades like shifters and rear deraillur, maybe chain, etc.
You can buy the whole axle kit, which includes the cones and washers. A quick search in google for "axle and cone set" yielded several results from several reliable vendors. What I saw was in the $10-15 range. You'll need to sort through the specs to get the one you need.
As far as cone size...you may (or may not) run into compatibility with regard to the cone curvature and the current bearings. When I looked at one of the kits, it did not specify the size of bearing to be used...or at least I didn't find it.
Some of the kits appeared to come with the bearings, but then you may run into compatibility problems from the other direction, meaning the cup is the wrong size for the bearing.
I would say try to find a kit that includes bearings AND tells you what size they are. Measure the current bearings with a pair of calipers, and try to get a match. I expect with enough digging and sorting, you'll find what you need.
If you can't find a perfect match, and you are guessing about bearing size, I would use the bearing size that you currently have. That way you know they match the cups. I would suggest replace them with new ones of identical size. The only thing I thing you'll be risking is premature wear on the cones, but you might consider getting a second opinion on this. I'm not an expert.
Lastly, get in there an get a good look at the cups. If there is pitting or unevenness this is both good and bad. Bad because it can't be fixed, but good because it means you shouldn't spend too much time or money on it. The hub will never spin as buttery smooth as we want it to. When you tighten the cones, they'll either be too loose and there will be play, or they'll be too tight, and the hub will be crunchy.
If the bike is for occasional use, or just to see if you'll like riding it, go for it. If it is something that you hope will be a workhorse, and have longevity, replacing the hub or the wheel may be a better option.
