Free Hub Change

[Skipper]

I've dismantled my rear wheel, since the free hub looks to be worn, but this is as far as i can get. Can anyone advise on how to remove the free hub, and what tools I need to do it? I hope that I do not have to replace the whole axle, since I'm not willing to fiddle about with spokes. I think the two notches inside do the trick, but what tools are needed, and how hard will it be?

 

[Tim Hall]

The two notches are if you want to take the whole thing apart, which in your case is unlikely. Many free hubs are removed by putting a 10mm or 12mm allen key into the body and unscrewing. What make is it?

 

[Custom24]

A hex/Allen key. What size, and which side you access the bolt inside from, will depend on the make of hub. Might be 10, 11 or 12mm. I don't think the notches you can see are relevant. YouTube it.

 

[Skipper]

I think it's a Shimano, but can't be sure. I've read up about the 10mm allen key, but nothing was obvious inside, it looked pretty smooth. I'll check again tonight. Is it possible that it doesn't come apart for the amateurs like me, and only for the pros?

 

[Tim Hall]

All my Shimano ones have succumbed to the Big Allen Key approach. Yes, it looks smooth, but you'll be pleasantly surprised.

 

[ianrauk]

You got to get the Allen key tight in there. You make have to use the longer end of the key and use a small bit of pipe or pliers as extra leverage.

 

[Shut Up Legs]

From my very limited freehub experience (I've replaced one, and serviced them a few times), the Shimano freehubs have a hollow fixing bolt (#17 in this PDF: http://techdocs.shimano.com/media/t.../FH/EV-FH-M760-2265_v1_m56577569830608936.pdf) holding them to the rear hub, and the bolt will take a hex allen key or a star allen key, but the latter works better if it's just the right size. I have a socket wrench set that includes a star allen attachment of just the right size, so I've been using this.

 

[compo]

You say the hub "looks to be worn". Is your cassette slipping over the splines, or are you losing drive when you pedal? Also have you identified which freehub you need to replace it. The number may well not be on the freehub at all, and contrary to what some say not all Shimano freehubs are interchangeable, so check the wheelhub to see if the type is printed there.

 

[02GF74]

big allen key - 10 mm for shimano, if not then it may be 12 mm

the bolt holding the freehub to the hub has right hand thread (from freehub side) but the allen key may fit from the other side e.g. Bontrager hub - so would need t o be turned anticlockwise.

The freehub can be on very tightm so tight that it is possible to snap the hub when trying to undo the freehub - no need to ask how I know that.