freewheel issue?

[jack smith]

hi, ive got a specialized allez sport and the rear wheel seems abit odd to me, it no longer clicks when the cassete is turned and ive also noticed iv i push the bike backwards the pedals will rotate or if the bike is put on the stand and the pedals rotated the opposite direction the rear wheel will turn also in the opposite direction ( not much but it does happen) ive also noticed when turning the pedals the correct way then stopping the pedals or turnign them the opposite way while the wheel is spinning it will slow the wheel down gradually, is this normal? if not what can be done?

 

[solidthegreat]

Sounds like the free hub needs replacing to me. Relatively easy job if you have the correct hex keys, chain whip and cassette tool. Just check you tube.

 

[jack smith]

ive taken the whole thing apart but cant get the actual thing off, most places say it used a 10mm hex screw to unscrew but it dosent? the hole is far too big, tried everything up to 12 but still far too big, tried just to put it back together but now the bearings dont seem to be running smooth ...-.- is this just cause i used teflon spray instead of proper grease? do you need to use actual thick grease to make it smooth?

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

What is the make and model printed on the hub? For cheaper Spesh wheels it might be impossible to find replacement freehub for it. Generally you do not put grease in freehubs.

 

[accountantpete]

ive taken the whole thing apart but cant get the actual thing off, most places say it used a 10mm hex screw to unscrew but it dosent? the hole is far too big, tried everything up to 12 but still far too big, tried just to put it back together but now the bearings dont seem to be running smooth ...-.- is this just cause i used teflon spray instead of proper grease? do you need to use actual thick grease to make it smooth?

If you have loose or caged bearings then you have simply over-tightend the cones (known as the preload). If sealed bearings then again you have over-tightened the preload.

The original problem was caused by the pawls - they are probably the non-serviceable type and have simply got a bit of muck in them or the cold has hardened the grease. The faults you list are nothing to worry too much about - the main problem arises when the springs in the pawls go and you get no drive.

I would take this as an early warning and look to get a new wheel with Shimano hub as these last longer and are serviceable.

 

[young Ed]

yep sounds like your free hub body is slowly dying can you take off your cassette and take a photo of where yo have bee trying with the allen keys?
Cheers Ed
P.S in regards to new wheels as above if you tell us your wheel or tire size we may be able to help you find a good wheel because they are not all the same

 

[jack smith]

just going to put it back together and then buy a new wheelset when i can afford it, the wheels are called axis as are the hubs, when putting it back together the bearings dont seem to be running smooth, is this cause i removed all the thick grease and replaced it with pfte spray? do you need grease to make them smooth? thanks!

 

[young Ed]

yeah you need lithium grease of some description or another and plenty of it
ptfe spray has a tendency to gum things up and should not be used for bearings
Cheers Ed

 

[jack smith]

just covered the bearings in gun grease i had and its smoother than ever before cheers

 

[young Ed]

no worries mate what grease did you use?
make sure you adjust it correctly got a sweet spot where there's no play and no extra resistance in turning it
Cheers Ed
P.S good idea to strip it clean it and replace any worn or broken/damaged parts and then reassemble with new grease and all yearly

 

[lpretro1]

Removes by inserting allen key from non-drive side - may well be a 13mm one. Sometimes on too tight to get them off.

 

[jack smith]

ive had a good look inside there dosent appear to be any slots for an allen key at all it seems perfectly round, its back together now and running smooth so im going to be looking for a new wheelset, something with deeper rims, if any of you have any suggestions for a cheap as chips deepish rim wheelset let me know!

 

[young Ed]

what bike is it?
why are you replacing wheel set? is it just for the deeper rims?
Cheers Ed

 

[uclown2002]

what bike is it?
why are you replacing wheel set? is it just for the deeper rims?
Cheers Ed

You might want to start reading post #1

 

[young Ed]

You might want to start reading post #1

i see a messed up free wheel and he doesn't seem to be able to get it off
Cheers Ed