My bicycle wheel hubs have tarnished cups. Are they still all right?

Question

There are no cracks. The reason they are like this is because these wheels were found on an abandoned bicycle that had been left in the rain for a long time. They probably hadn't been repacked for years beforehand either - the grease was dry and crusty.

Answer 1

I would replace if there's any pitting or damage to the bearing races

Answer 2

Any cracks in the bearing races? If not,OK for a while. Don't overtighten the first set of nuts. If the wheel feels "clicky" when you roll it round by hand, the nuts are too tight.

Answer 3

If there is no pitting or cracking, you should be OK.

Answer 4

They are likely cheap hubs in the 1st place. Discoloration isn't a problem. The bearing not being that great is because:

1.  they weren't very good to begin with.

2. in the weather with dried up grease the races are probably pitted.

If you re-packed them and have new bearings the hubs can last a long time.