05/02/2016
Keeping Your Shimano Alfine 700 Hub in Top Shape
The Shimano Alfine 700, also known as the Inter-11, is a sophisticated internal gear hub that offers a wide gear range and a clean aesthetic. To ensure its longevity and optimal performance, regular maintenance is key. This guide will walk you through two crucial maintenance tasks: performing a routine oil change and undertaking a more thorough deep clean. While the Alfine 500 (8-speed) also benefits from maintenance, this guide specifically focuses on the Alfine 700 (11-speed) and its unique oil bath lubrication system.
Routine Oil Change: Simple & Effective
Shimano recommends an oil change for your Alfine hub every 5,000 kms or approximately every 12 months, whichever comes first. This straightforward process will help keep the internal workings lubricated and prevent premature wear. You'll need a few specific items:
What You'll Need for an Oil Change:
- A container for disposing of used oil.
- Paper towels or rags.
- A syringe with at least a 25 ml capacity.
- A 3 mm Allen key.
- Two bleed tubes with nipples (often included in a maintenance kit).
- 50 ml of genuine Shimano Alfine system oil (Part Number Y-13098481). The Shimano oil maintenance kit is Part Number TL-S703, but it notably does not include the oil itself.
| Item | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Syringe (25ml+) | Draining and refilling oil | Ensures precise measurement. |
| 3mm Allen Key | Opening and closing the oil port | Standard tool for Alfine hubs. |
| Bleed Tubes | Connecting syringe to oil port | Use one for clean oil, one for used. |
| Alfine Oil (Y-13098481) | Lubrication and cleaning | Use only genuine Shimano oil. |
Step-by-Step Oil Change Procedure:
- Preparations:
Position your bike so the Alfine hub is upright. A bike stand is ideal, or you can carefully turn the bike upside down. Ensure the oil port is facing upwards. Clean the area around the oil port bolt to prevent contamination. Remember, you'll be reusing this bolt, so keep track of it and its O-ring.
- Drain Old Oil:
Unscrew the oil port bolt and attach one of the bleed tubes. While Shimano recommends securing it with 1-3 Nm of torque using a wrench, hand-tight is usually sufficient. Connect the syringe to the bleed tube, ensuring the piston is fully inserted. Rotate the wheel so the oil port faces downwards. Allow about 5 minutes for the old oil to drain into the port. Slowly retract the syringe piston to draw out the used oil. You can gently move the piston back and forth to extract as much oil as possible. Once drained, rotate the wheel back so the oil port faces upwards, remove the syringe, and dispose of the used oil responsibly.
Tip: Take your time during this step to ensure maximum oil removal.
- Cleaning Flush:
Fill the syringe with 25 ml of fresh Alfine oil. Secure the syringe to the hub with a clean bleed tube. Slowly inject the 25 ml of new oil into the hub. This initial flush helps to clean out any residual contaminants. After injecting the oil, reinsert the oil port bolt and tighten it with the 3 mm Allen key (1-3 Nm). Now, pedal your bike (while it's in the stand or upside down) and shift through all the gears for about a minute. This circulates the fresh oil, cleaning the internal components.
- Final Oil Fill:
Repeat Step 2 to drain the oil again. This second drain removes the oil that was used for the cleaning flush. Once drained, refill the hub with another 25 ml of fresh Alfine oil, just as you did in Step 3 (but without the pedalling). You are now left with 25 ml of fresh oil inside your clean Alfine hub.
Important Considerations: During the oil change, take the opportunity to inspect the hub and rims for any signs of stress or cracks. Crucially, ensure no hub oil comes into contact with your disc brake rotor, as this can severely impair braking performance.
Deep Clean: For Optimal Performance
While the oil change is excellent for routine maintenance, it won't effectively remove the fine metal particles that can accumulate inside the hub, especially during the initial break-in period. For a thorough clean, a partial disassembly is required. This process involves removing the hub internals from the hub shell.
Deep Clean Disassembly Steps:
The full disassembly of the Alfine hub internals themselves is complex and generally not recommended for home mechanics unless you have specific experience and tools. However, cleaning the hub shell and the external components is achievable. Here’s how to carefully remove the hub internals:
- Remove Wheel from Bike:
Begin by removing the wheel from your bicycle.
- Disc Rotor Removal (Non-Drive Side):
On the non-drive side, remove the disc brake rotor (C). It's best to do this early to prevent contamination. Clean the rotor while it's off if necessary.
- Drive Side Components:
Switch to the drive side. Remove the cassette joint (1) by turning the small plastic lever counter-clockwise until the two yellow dots align, then lift it off. Gently pry off the driver cap (2) with a flathead screwdriver, noting its orientation. Carefully remove the snap ring (3) using a flathead screwdriver – this can be a bit fiddly. Once the snap ring is out, the sprocket (4) should be loose and can be lifted off. Pay attention to the sprocket's orientation, especially if it can be flipped to adjust the chain line.
- Non-Drive Side Components:
Move to the non-drive side. Unscrew the lock nut (D) and remove the cone (E) using appropriate cone spanners (15mm and 17mm). Note their orientation. You'll need to hold the cone still while undoing the lock nut.
- Drive Side Dustcap Removal:
Return to the drive side and position the wheel horizontally. Unscrew the right-hand dustcap (6) by turning it clockwise. Be extremely careful with this part as it's the main seal; damaging it can compromise the hub's integrity. You might be able to remove it by hand, or the Shimano TL-AF10 tool can assist. Note its orientation.
- Extract Hub Internals:
With the dustcap removed, the top of the hub internals (F) will be visible. The internals are now only held in place by gravity. Gently lift the hub internals straight up and out of the hub shell. Be prepared for oil to drip; have a clean surface ready to place the internals on.
Cleaning the Shell and Components:
Allow the hub internals to drain for a while. Clean the inside of the hub shell with a clean cloth. Avoid using water or detergents on the hub internals and shell. However, the cassette joint is an exception; rinsing it thoroughly with water and working the gear lever back and forth is acceptable, as it's located outside the hub's seals.
Reassembly: A Delicate Process
Carefully reassemble the Alfine hub in reverse order of disassembly. Pay close attention to the orientation of each part, especially the dust caps and cones.
- Reinsert Internals:
Gently guide the hub internals back into the shell, wiggling them slightly to align with the internal grooves.
- Drive Side Dustcap:
Attach the right-hand dustcap (6) by screwing it counter-clockwise. Do not overtighten; hand-tight is usually sufficient to avoid damaging the threads and seal.
- Non-Drive Side Cone and Locknut:
On the non-drive side, refit the cone (E) and lock nut (D), ensuring correct orientation. Properly adjusting the cone and lock nut is critical to avoid binding the bearings. A good method is to feel for slight play in the hub by moving the rim up and down. Adjust the cone until there's almost imperceptible play when the lock nut is nipped.
- Sprocket and Snap Ring:
Reinstall the chain guard and the right-hand dustcap 'b'. Fit the sprocket (4), ensuring it's in the correct orientation. Snap on the snap ring (3), using two screwdrivers to help guide it into place. Ensure it's seated correctly.
- Driver Cap and Cassette Joint:
Click the driver cap (2) into place, noting its orientation. Attach the cassette joint (1), aligning the yellow dots and securing the lever clockwise.
- Disc Rotor Assembly:
On the non-drive side, attach the disc brake rotor (C), rotor spacer (B), and rotor installation ring (A). Tighten the installation ring to the manufacturer's recommended torque.
- Mount Wheel and Connect Cable:
Install the wheel back into the bicycle frame and tighten the fastening bolts securely (around 40 Nm is recommended, avoid grease on these bolts). Finally, connect the gear cable to the cassette joint.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: How often should I change the oil in my Alfine 700 hub?
A: Shimano recommends an oil change every 5,000 kms or approximately every 12 months, whichever comes first.
- Q: Can I use any type of oil for my Alfine hub?
A: No, it is crucial to use only genuine Shimano Alfine system oil (Y-13098481) to ensure proper lubrication and prevent damage.
- Q: What happens if I get oil on my disc brake rotor?
A: Oil contamination will significantly reduce the braking performance of your disc brakes. Clean the rotor immediately with a disc brake cleaner.
- Q: Is it difficult to reassemble the Alfine hub?
A: Reassembly requires care and attention to detail, especially with the seals and bearing adjustment. Follow the steps carefully, and if unsure, consult a professional mechanic.
By following these maintenance procedures, you can ensure your Shimano Alfine 700 hub continues to provide smooth, reliable shifting for many miles to come. Regular care is the best way to protect your investment and enjoy your cycling experience to the fullest.
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