Quick Start
Follow these steps to get your new hubset installed and ready for riding.
- Check the Bike: Ensure frame and fork dropouts are parallel. Use a reputable bicycle tool if in doubt, as non-parallel dropouts can damage the hub.
- Install Rotors: Follow the rotor manufacturer's instructions. For Centerlock, use lockrings with a large inner hole diameter for clearance.
- Install Cassette: Recommend cassettes with grouped cogs. Follow the cassette manufacturer's instructions.
- Check Preload: Chris King hubs are pre-adjusted. Mount the wheel securely, hold the rim, and check for lateral motion. If loose or binding, adjust bearing preload as per the Maintenance Section.
Break In Period: During the first 60 hours of use, some settling may occur. Check for lateral play or binding by gently moving the rim back and forth. Readjust clamp if necessary. Above-average drag may be noticed as seals break in, which will diminish over time.
Maintenance Schedule
Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity of your Chris King hubs.
Break In Period (First 60 Hours)
Monitor for lateral play or binding and readjust clamp if necessary. Check for play on every ride. Noticeable drag is normal as seals break in.
12 Months (Normal/Dry Conditions) / 6 Months (Wet/Muddy Conditions)
Rear Hub: Perform basic maintenance including cleaning and reapplication of lubricant. Check bearings for free and smooth rotation. If issues persist, a Professional Mechanic Service may be required, involving the RingDrive engagement mechanism. Contact an authorized Chris King dealer or purchase a Hub Service Tool Kit.
30 Months or 20k Miles
Front & Rear Hub: Perform a Professional Mechanic Service using the Chris King Universal Hub Tool.
Wet / Muddy Conditions
Riding in wet or muddy conditions requires more frequent service. This may involve removing the Axle and Driveshell to clean and dry the hub interior. Chris King hubs are designed to operate with some water intrusion, but high-pressure washing, rain, or submersion can lead to lubricant contamination. Service more frequently when these situations occur.
Tools & Lubes
Item | Preload Adjustment | Quick Service | Mechanic Service |
---|---|---|---|
Aircraft - Simple Green Degreaser (NO CITRUS DEGREASER!) | ✔️ | ||
Isopropynol Alcohol | ✔️ | ||
Chris King Bearing Grease | ✔️ | ||
Lint Free Cleaning rag | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
Chris King Ring Drive 2.0 Lube | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
Torx T10 | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Toothbrush | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
Small Flat Blade Screwdriver | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
Chris King Hub Tool | ✔️ | ||
Metal Pick | ✔️ | ||
Park FR 1.3 Cassette Tool | ✔️ |
Caution: DO NOT USE CITRUS DEGREASER.
Front Hub: Preload Adjustment
Chris King hubs feature adjustable bearing preload for optimal performance. Loose adjustment can lead to performance loss and damage.
- Estimated Time: 5-10 Minutes
- Required Tool: Torx T10
Procedure:
- Loosen the T10 Clamp Screw on the Adjustment Clamp counter-clockwise.
- If needed, insert the T10 Torx Key into the helper hole on the Adjustment Clamp to use as a lever for adjustment.
- Rotate the Adjustment Clamp clockwise until it stops and all lateral play at the rim is eliminated. Do not overtighten.
- Check for bearing play or binding, and readjust the Adjustment Clamp if necessary.
- Once the Adjustment Clamp is in position, tighten the T10 screw to 1.13 Nm (10 inch-pounds).
Diagram Description (Page 6): The diagram shows a front hub attached to a bicycle fork. It illustrates three steps: 1. Loosening the clamp screw (T10) counter-clockwise. 2. Rotating the adjustment clamp clockwise to eliminate play. 3. Tightening the clamp screw (T10) clockwise to 1.1Nm.
Front Hub: Bearing Check
Estimated Time: 5-10 Minutes
- Required Tools: Torx T10, Small Flat Blade Screwdriver
Procedure:
- Loosen the T10 Clamp Screw on the Adjustment Clamp.
- Loosen the Adjustment Clamp counter-clockwise. Use the T10 Torx Key in the helper hole as a lever if needed, potentially easier with the hub in a fork.
- Remove the disc rotor lockring and disc rotor from the non-driveside.
- Remove the non-driveside Axle End Cap using a small flat head screwdriver inserted into the split, then gently twist to pop it off.
- Remove the Adjustment Clamp by rotating it counter-clockwise.
- Slide the Axle out of the hub from the Non-Driveside, exposing the bearings.
- On both sides of the hub, press the inner bearing race inward with your finger and spin to inspect their condition.
- Bearings should feel smooth with no excessive lateral play. Grittiness, significant play, or inability to move indicates a need for Professional Mechanic Service.
Diagram Description (Page 8 - Diagram B): This diagram illustrates the front hub components: HELPER HOLE, NON DRIVE SIDE AXLE END CAP, AXLE, ADJUSTMENT CLAMP, CLAMP SCREW, HUBSHELL, and ROTOR. It shows the process of loosening the clamp and removing the axle.
Diagram Description (Page 9 - Diagram C): This diagram shows a close-up of a bearing within the hubshell. A finger is pressing on the inner race and spinning it to check for smoothness and play, labeled as BEARING.
Reassembly: Reassemble the front hub in the reverse order of disassembly. Adjust bearing preload per the Bearing Preload instructions.
Rear Hub: Preload Adjustment
Chris King hubs feature adjustable bearing preload for optimal performance. Loose adjustment can lead to performance loss and damage.
- Estimated Time: 5-10 Minutes
- Required Tool: Torx T10
Procedure:
- Secure the wheel into the bike.
- On the NON drive side, loosen the T10 screw on the Adjustment Clamp.
- If needed, insert the T10 Torx Key into the helper hole on the Adjustment Clamp to use as a lever for adjustment.
- Rotate the Adjustment Clamp clockwise until it stops and all lateral play at the rim is eliminated. Do not overtighten.
- Check for bearing play or binding, and readjust the Adjustment Clamp if necessary.
- Once the Adjustment Clamp is in position, tighten the T10 screw to 1.13 Nm (10 inch-pounds).
Diagram Description (Page 11): The diagram shows a rear hub assembly. It illustrates two steps: 1. Tightening the adjustment clamp clockwise until it stops/is snug. 2. Tightening the clamp screw (T10) clockwise to 1.1Nm.
Rear Hub: Quick Service
Normal preventative maintenance of the RingDrive is simple and can be performed with basic tools. This typically involves cleaning and reapplication of lubricant.
- Estimated Time: 20-30 Minutes
- Required Tools: Torx T10, Lint Free Cleaning rag, Toothbrush, Chris King Ring Drive 2.0 Lube, Small Flat Blade Screwdriver
Procedure:
- Secure the hub/wheel into the bike.
- On the NON drive side, loosen the T10 screw on the Adjustment Clamp.
- Insert the T10 Torx Key into the helper hole on the Adjustment Clamp (opposite the clamp screw) and use it as a lever to loosen the Adjustment Clamp counter-clockwise.
- Remove the wheel from the bike or truing stand.
- Remove the cassette from the hub (optional).
- Remove the non-driveside Axle End Cap by inserting a small flat head screwdriver into the split and gently twisting to pop it off.
- Unscrew the Adjustment Clamp counter-clockwise and remove it.
- Remove the Driveshell and Axle assembly by holding the hubshell or wheel in one hand and pushing on the non-drive side Axle with the other hand.
- Using a toothbrush, pull the bristles across the helix in an outward direction to remove small particles from the spline grooves.
- Wipe inside the hub with a lint-free rag.
- Clean the helical splines on the Driveshell with the toothbrush, brushing outwards to remove debris and old lube. Wipe with a lint-free rag.
- Hubshell Bearing Check: On both the drive side and non-drive side, press the inner bearing race inward and spin to inspect their condition. Bearings should feel smooth with no excessive lateral play. Grittiness, significant play, or inability to move indicates a need for Professional Mechanic Service.
- Lubrication: Shake the Ring Drive Lube bottle thoroughly. Lubricate the Drive Ring helical splines and the Driveshell helical splines with RingDrive Lube 2.0. Apply enough lube to coat all splines. Open a gap between the Drive and Driven rings and apply lube in the gap so all teeth are coated. A maximum of 40 drops (2ml) should be used on the entire system. Use only Chris King RingDrive Lube 2.0, as other lubricants may be too sticky and cause engagement problems or premature wear.
- Reassembly: Reinstall the Driveshell and Axle assembly. Test RingDrive engagement by spinning in both directions. If there is no engagement or a delay, remove and reinsert the assembly.
- Reinstall the Adjustment Clamp (clockwise rotation) and Axle End Cap (it snaps on with finger pressure).
- Secure the wheel into the bike.
- On the NON drive side, loosen the T10 screw on the Adjustment Clamp.
- If needed, insert the T10 Torx Key into the helper hole on the Adjustment Clamp to use as a lever for adjustment.
- Rotate the Adjustment Clamp clockwise until it stops and all lateral play at the rim is eliminated. Do not overtighten.
- Check for bearing play or binding, and readjust the Adjustment Clamp if necessary.
- Once the Adjustment Clamp is in position, tighten the T10 screw to 1.13 Nm (10 inch-pounds).
Diagram Description (Page 13): Shows the rear hub with the wheel secured. Illustrates loosening the clamp screw (T10) counter-clockwise and loosening the adjustment clamp counter-clockwise.
Diagram Description (Page 14): Shows the hubshell with the driveshell and axle assembly being pushed out from the non-drive side. Labels indicate steps: 1. REMOVE NON DRIVE AXLE END CAP & ADJUSTMENT CLAMP. 2. PUSH AXLE. The driveshell and axle assembly is shown moving out.
Diagram Description (Page 15): Illustrates cleaning the internal splines of the hubshell and the driveshell splines using a toothbrush. Arrows indicate outward brushing motion.
Diagram Description (Page 16): Shows a finger pressing on the inner bearing race of the hubshell and spinning it to check for smooth operation and play.
Diagram Description (Page 17): A close-up view of the driveshell's helical splines and bearing area, indicating where to apply RingDrive Lube 2.0 (10 DROPS in two labeled areas).
Diagram Description (Page 18): Shows the driveshell with an arrow pointing to the helical splines, indicating the LUBE AREA where 10 DROPS of RingDrive Lube 2.0 should be applied. A note states a maximum of 40 drops (2ml) for the whole system.
Diagram Description (Page 19): Illustrates reassembling the driveshell and axle assembly into the hubshell. Step 1: HAND TWIST & PUSH UNTIL A POP SOUND. Step 2: REINSTALL ADJUSTMENT CLAMP & END CAP.
Diagram Description (Page 20): Similar to Page 11, shows the rear hub assembly. Illustrates two steps: 1. TIGHTEN ADJUSTMENT CLAMP CLOCKWISE STOPS / SNUG. 2. TIGHTEN CLAMP SCREW CLOCKWISE 1.1Nm T10.
Specifications
General
MODEL: | R45D DISC REAR HUB |
AXLE: | 142mm SPACING, 12mm THRU AXLE |
RECOMMENDED LUBRICANT: | RINGDRIVE 2.0 |
RECOMMENDED BEARING GREASE: | CHRIS KING SILVER |
ADJUSTMENT CLAMP BOLT: | T10 |
Wheel Build Information
Chris King hubs are designed for 13, 14, or 15 gauge spokes. Disc brake wheels require at least a 2-cross lacing pattern. Torque from the cassette and braking action necessitates crossed spokes. Radial lacing is outside the intended use and voids the warranty. Chris King Precision Components is not responsible for damage, consequential damages, or labor costs due to radial lacing.
Proper wheel building technique, training, and specialized tools are essential. Spoke tension should be uniform and not exceed 120kgf (1200N). Hubs come pre-adjusted from the factory, but minor adjustment may be needed after wheel build.
Front Hub Specs for Wheel Building:
- Axle Width: 100mm
- Flange Diameter DS & NDS: 57.4mm
- Center to Flange DS: 30.6mm
- Center to Flange NDS: 22.2mm
Rear Hub Specs for Wheel Building:
- Axle Width: 142mm
- Flange Diameter DS & NDS: 57.4mm
- Center to Flange DS: 18.7mm
- Center to Flange NDS: 33.0mm
Exploded Diagrams
Rear Hub (R45D GEN4 REAR)
Please refer to the maintenance section for specific disassembly and service instructions.
Parts List:
- Axle End Cap
- Adjustment clamp and screw
- Bearing Assembly
- Inner Seal
- Hubshell
- Spring retainer
- Spring
- Drive Ring
- Driven Ring
- Inner Seal
- Bearing Assembly
- Axle 142mm with two o-rings
- Driveshell and O-Ring (Shown as XDr, but also available as HG and MS)
- Inner seal
- Bearing Assembly
- Spacer
- O-Ring
- Bearing Assembly
- Endcap (Available as MS, HG and XD type)
- Axle End Cap
For spare parts, please call or email Chris King.
Diagram Description (Page 22): This diagram is an exploded view of the R45D GEN4 Rear Hub, showing all components numbered 1 through 20, with a detailed list of each part provided.
Front Hub (R45D GEN4 FRONT)
Please refer to the maintenance section for specific disassembly and service instructions.
Parts List:
- Axle End Cap
- Adjustment clamp and screw
- Drive-side Bearing Assembly
- Inner Seal
- Hubshell
- Inner Seal
- Disc-side Bearing Assembly
- Axle 100mm and o-rings
- Axle End Cap
For spare parts, please call or email Chris King.
Diagram Description (Page 23): This diagram is an exploded view of the R45D GEN4 Front Hub, showing all components numbered 1 through 9, with a detailed list of each part provided.
Warranty
Hubs, Headsets, and Bottom Brackets, including bearings, are warranted for the lifetime of the original purchaser.
Other products have different warranty periods:
- Cielo Frames and Stems: 5 years
- Accessories: 1 year
- Soft Goods: 90 days
- Wheels: Hubs are warranted for the life of the original purchaser. Other wheel components not manufactured by King Cycle (e.g., rims, spokes, nipples) are not warranted.
This Limited Warranty does NOT cover:
- Damage or failure from misuse, abuse, alteration, neglect, crash, impact, accidents, failure to perform routine maintenance, improper installation, or use other than intended.
- Normal wear and tear.
- Products with altered or removed serial numbers.
Any Chris King product found defective in materials or workmanship will be repaired or replaced at the discretion of Chris King Precision Components.
To make a warranty claim: Return the Chris King product (without other equipment like cassettes) with a copy of the original receipt showing the purchase date, postage prepaid, to Chris King Precision Components. If a defect is found, Chris King Precision Components will, at their option, repair or replace the product. They are not liable for indirect, special, punitive, or consequential damages. The warranty does not cover products with altered or removed serial numbers.
This express limited warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, implied or expressed. Implied warranties are limited to the duration of this express warranty. Some jurisdictions may provide additional rights or not allow limitations on certain warranties or damages.
Any clause declared invalid shall be severable and not affect the validity of the remaining clauses.
You are strongly encouraged to register your Chris King product on the website within thirty (30) days of purchase to assist with warranty claims.