Hub Service Help Needed!

[katezila]

Ok, this may be absolutely silly of me but I've never serviced a hub or any ball bearings on a bike before. Bear with me, please. (ooooh unintentional pun!)
I'm working on a Schwinn '73 Collegiate and I can't figure out how you get the bearings and the casing out of the front hub. I've already pulled out and cleaned the cones (i think they're the cones?) and axle but how do I get those silly bearings out?

 

[deorman]

Gently pry out the dust cap, or if that makes you nervous, get a magnetic parts picker (looks like a ballpoint sized telescoping antenna) from an auto parts store. If the bearings are caged, cap removal is mandatory.

 

[JLarkin]

Hold a magnet close to that dustcap. If those ball bearings are loose balls, they could fall and roll anywhere. BTDT.

 

[katezila]

Thanks deorman! Worked like a charm. I figured thats what you had to do. The hub's re-greased and lovely clean.

 

[Markm]

Sweet!!