Freehub body removal issues

[Mezza86]

So ive tried removing my freehub body from my old bike(Carrera) im rebuilding to make regreasing/replacing the bearings easier, but when i put my 10mm allen key inside its simply not biting to anything, yet i can see the shape inside for an allen key. It just goes straight through the wheel where the axle would be. Where am I going wrong? Ive watched endless 'how to' YT vids on it and they all suggest 10mm allen keys.. any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Cycleops]

The Allen key bolt is often an odd size on these free hubs, try an 11mm.

 

[Mezza86]

The Allen key bolt is often an odd size on these free hubs, try an 11mm.

Ah, great. Typical! Thank you, ill have to get an 11mm one now. My set only goes to 10 haha

 

[Cycleops]

Sorry I should have mentioned that it could also be 12mm

 

[raleighnut]

Yep 10mm sounds a bit small to me too

 

[Moodyman]

Actually, they could be anything from 10mm to 14mm.

Shimano usually 10mm and Formula, which come on lower spec bikes, usually 11mm.

 

[Sharky]

Can you try with a combination of Allen keys. Say a 4mm + an 8mm to make a 12mm. Try a little force to see if you get traction, but don't force it. At least you will know what size Allen key you need to buy.

 

[Mezza86]

Can you try with a combination of Allen keys. Say a 4mm + an 8mm to make a 12mm. Try a little force to see if you get traction, but don't force it. At least you will know what size Allen key you need to buy.

Thats exactly what I was thinking of doing, very good idea lol

 

[Mezza86]

Actually, they could be anything from 10mm to 14mm.

Shimano usually 10mm and Formula, which come on lower spec bikes, usually 11mm.

With only being an amateur at fixing my bike i just went with what the majority of the videos were telling me, all of which said 10mm. So i figured if it wasnt a sealed bearing freehub, then it'd be a 10mm allen key. But good to know there is now different sizes.

 

[Mezza86]

Sorry I should have mentioned that it could also be 12mm

I'll try Sharky's suggestion and use 2 allen keys and see what happens.

 

[Moodyman]

If the key you have is almost there, you could try making up the gap by using aluminium foil around it. It might make it snug enough to remove.

 

[Cycleops]

.......or use a small flat head screwdriver.

 

[Mezza86]

If the key you have is almost there, you could try making up the gap by using aluminium foil around it. It might make it snug enough to remove.

Thanks guys ill see what works, ill drop updates if possible

 

[fossyant]

And it might undo from the non-drive side like MrsF's hybrid. Had to order a 12mm hex key

 

[Mezza86]

And it might undo from the non-drive side like MrsF's hybrid. Had to order a 12mm hex key

Ye I tried the non drive side too as i know some do undo that way but no luck. I'll see if i can get a bigger one tomorrow at Halfords while im collecting a part I ordered.