Replace Seat Stay On Cube AMS 150: A DIY Guide

Hey there, fellow mountain bike enthusiasts! Ever found yourself in a situation where you've torn apart your derailleur and need to replace a seat stay? If you own a 2013 Cube AMS 150 Super HPC Race carbon bike, you're in the right place. This guide will walk you through the process of exchanging your seat stays, ensuring you're back on the trails in no time. Let's dive in!

Understanding the Task: Replacing Seat Stays

Okay, let's talk seat stays. For those who might not be super familiar, seat stays are the frame tubes that connect the rear axle area to the seat tube. On a full-suspension bike like the Cube AMS 150, these are crucial for the bike's suspension system. When a derailleur gets torn apart – ouch! – it can sometimes damage the seat stay, making a replacement necessary.

Now, replacing a seat stay might seem daunting, especially on a carbon bike, but don't worry, guys! With the right tools and a bit of patience, you can totally handle this. The Cube AMS 150 Super HPC Race is a fantastic bike, and keeping it in top shape is key to enjoying those rides. This guide is tailored to help you navigate the process smoothly, ensuring your bike performs as it should. We'll break it down into manageable steps, so you'll be wrenching like a pro in no time. Remember, safety first! Always work in a clean, well-lit area, and if you're ever unsure about a step, it's best to consult a professional bike mechanic.

Tools You'll Need

Before we get our hands dirty, let's gather the necessary tools. Having the right equipment makes the job significantly easier and prevents potential damage to your bike. Here’s a list of what you’ll likely need:

• Hex Wrenches (Allen Keys): These are crucial as most bolts on your bike, especially around the suspension pivots, use hex heads. A set of varying sizes is a must-have.
• Torque Wrench: This is super important, especially for a carbon frame. Overtightening bolts can lead to cracks or damage, while under-tightening can cause components to come loose. A torque wrench ensures you're tightening bolts to the manufacturer's specified torque.
• Grease: Fresh grease is your friend! Applying grease to bolts and bearing surfaces prevents corrosion and makes future maintenance easier.
• Bearing Press (Optional): Depending on how your seat stays are attached, you might need a bearing press to remove and install bearings. If you're not comfortable using one, your local bike shop can help.
• Soft Mallet or Rubber Hammer: Gentle persuasion is sometimes needed to remove stubborn parts. A soft mallet helps without damaging the components.
• Clean Rags: For wiping away excess grease and keeping your workspace clean.
• Work Stand (Recommended): Having your bike securely mounted in a work stand makes the job much easier and safer.
• Camera or Phone: Taking photos as you disassemble parts is a pro tip! It helps you remember how everything goes back together.

Having these tools on hand will make the process smoother and more efficient. Remember, precision is key when working on a high-performance bike like the Cube AMS 150. Using the right tools and taking your time will ensure a successful seat stay replacement.

Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing the Seat Stay

Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of replacing those seat stays. Remember, taking your time and paying attention to detail is crucial. If you get stuck, don't hesitate to retrace your steps or consult a professional. Ready? Let’s do this!

Step 1: Preparation and Assessment

First things first, get your bike prepped. Place it securely in your work stand if you have one. This will free up your hands and make the job much easier. Now, take a good look at the damaged seat stay and the surrounding area. Identify all the bolts and pivot points involved. This initial assessment will give you a clear picture of what you need to do.

Next, grab your camera or phone and take some photos of the seat stay and its connections. This is super helpful for reassembly. Trust me, when you're putting everything back together, you'll appreciate having those visual references. Pay close attention to the orientation of any washers, spacers, or small parts. These little things can make a big difference in how your bike performs.

Step 2: Loosening and Removing Bolts

Now, it's time to loosen the bolts. Grab your hex wrenches and identify the correct size for each bolt. Start by loosening the bolts that connect the seat stay to the frame and the rear triangle. Don’t remove them completely just yet. Loosening them first helps relieve any tension and prevents binding. Remember, righty-tighty, lefty-loosey!

Once you've loosened all the bolts, you can start removing them completely. Keep track of each bolt and any accompanying washers or spacers. A great tip is to use a magnetic parts tray or a piece of cardboard with labeled holes to keep everything organized. This will save you a lot of headaches during reassembly. If any bolts are particularly stubborn, try applying a penetrating oil and letting it sit for a few minutes before trying again.

Step 3: Removing the Old Seat Stay

With the bolts removed, it's time to take off the old seat stay. This might involve some gentle wiggling and maneuvering. If the seat stay is stuck, don't force it! Check for any hidden bolts or connections you might have missed. A soft mallet can be helpful here. Gently tap the seat stay to help loosen it. Be careful not to damage the frame or other components.

If your seat stay has bearings, they might come out with the stay or remain in the frame. If they stay in the frame, you might need a bearing press to remove them. If you're not familiar with using a bearing press, it's best to take your frame to a local bike shop. They'll have the tools and expertise to remove the bearings safely.

Step 4: Preparing the New Seat Stay

Before installing the new seat stay, let’s get it prepped. If your new seat stay came with new bearings, great! If not, you'll need to transfer the bearings from the old seat stay to the new one. Again, a bearing press can be invaluable here. Make sure the bearings are clean and in good condition. If they're gritty or worn, it's best to replace them.

Next, apply a generous amount of grease to the bearing surfaces and the bolt threads. This will prevent corrosion and make future maintenance easier. Grease is your friend! It ensures smooth operation and prevents annoying creaks and noises. It is very important to use the correct grease for carbon frames, check this on your manufacturer's specifications. Make sure the new seat stay is the correct replacement for your bike model. Double-check the part number and compatibility before proceeding.

Step 5: Installing the New Seat Stay

Now, let's install the new seat stay. Carefully align it with the frame and the rear triangle. This is where those photos you took earlier come in handy! Make sure everything lines up correctly before inserting the bolts. If you removed bearings, use the bearing press to install them in the new seat stay.

Insert the bolts and tighten them by hand initially. This helps ensure everything is aligned correctly. Once all the bolts are in place, grab your torque wrench. This is crucial, especially for a carbon frame. Tighten the bolts to the manufacturer's specified torque. Overtightening can damage the frame, while undertightening can cause components to come loose. Tighten the bolts in a star pattern, like you would with car wheels. This ensures even pressure distribution.

Step 6: Final Checks and Adjustments

With the new seat stay installed, it's time for final checks. Double-check that all the bolts are tightened to the correct torque. Give the seat stay a wiggle to make sure it's secure. Check for any play or movement. If you notice anything unusual, retrace your steps and make sure everything is installed correctly.

Next, inspect the derailleur alignment. Since you had a derailleur issue initially, it's crucial to ensure it's aligned properly with the new seat stay. You might need to adjust the derailleur hanger or the derailleur itself. If you're not comfortable with this, take your bike to a local bike shop. A properly aligned derailleur is essential for smooth shifting.

Finally, take your bike for a short test ride in a safe area. Listen for any unusual noises and feel for any play or movement in the suspension. If everything feels good, you're ready to hit the trails! If you notice any issues, address them promptly to prevent further damage.

Tips and Tricks for a Smooth Seat Stay Replacement

Alright, guys, before you go, let's go over some tips and tricks that can make your seat stay replacement even smoother. These little nuggets of wisdom can save you time, frustration, and potential headaches.

• Organization is Key: As we mentioned earlier, keeping your workspace organized is crucial. Use a magnetic parts tray or a piece of cardboard with labeled holes to keep track of bolts, washers, and small parts. This will prevent you from losing anything and make reassembly much easier.
• Take Photos: Seriously, take lots of photos! Before you remove anything, snap a picture. This visual reference will be invaluable when you're putting everything back together. Pay attention to the orientation of parts and the order in which they were installed.
• Use a Torque Wrench: This is non-negotiable, especially for a carbon frame. Overtightening bolts can lead to cracks or damage, while undertightening can cause components to come loose. A torque wrench ensures you're tightening bolts to the manufacturer's specified torque.
• Grease Everything: Apply a generous amount of grease to bolt threads and bearing surfaces. This prevents corrosion and makes future maintenance easier. Grease also helps prevent annoying creaks and noises.
• Don't Force Anything: If something doesn't want to come apart, don't force it! Check for hidden bolts or connections. A soft mallet can be helpful, but be gentle. Forcing things can lead to damage.
• Consult a Professional: If you're unsure about any step, don't hesitate to consult a professional bike mechanic. They have the expertise and tools to handle complex repairs. It's better to be safe than sorry.
• Patience is a Virtue: Replacing a seat stay can be time-consuming, especially if it's your first time. Take your time, be patient, and don't rush. Rushing can lead to mistakes.

Final Thoughts

Replacing a seat stay on your 2013 Cube AMS 150 Super HPC Race carbon bike might seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools, a bit of patience, and this guide, you can totally do it! Remember to take your time, stay organized, and don't hesitate to seek professional help if needed. Getting your bike back in top shape is super rewarding, and you'll be shredding those trails again in no time. Happy riding, guys!