Noisy freehub after cassette change?

[yashicamat]

I changed the cassette today on my LHT (a HG50 cassette on an XT hub). There are three things that are concerning me a little bit, in increasing order of concern;

1) The freehub is a lot noisier (the clicking noise) than I recall it being, although I've not ridden the bike for a few weeks

2) The cassette has a little bit of play in it (the lockring is tight), maybe 1mm of play on the biggest sprocket (it's as if the freehub is a tiny bit loose?) - it doesn't seem to have any effect on the performance when I did a quick 2 mile test ride (smooth shifting etc.)

3) Backpedalling (yes, yet another freehub related issue!) seems to be a lot stiffer than it was. When off the bike, if you flicked the pedals backwards the drivetrain would do at least a few rotations before stopping. Now it stops within half a rotation, suggesting there's a lot of friction somewhere.

Does anyone have any thoughts? I can't see how just changing the cassette could have had this effect?

I'm going to Germany on the bike in under a week, so I'm rather hoping I can rectify whatever the problem is soon!

Thanks.

Rob.

 

[lukesdad]

Sounds like a worn Freehub how many miles has it done ?

 

[accountantpete]

The freehub clicking is simply the pawls riding over the ratchet in the freehub - nothing to worry about. I take mine apart and apply grease to quieten them or you could try dribbling some oil into the freehub at the end nearest the wheel without taking it apart. That will also help in problem 3.

If the big sprocket moves closer to the next sprocket then either you have forgotten to put a spacer on somewhere or the freehub body has worn. If the cassette as a whole moves then the bushing inside the freehub has gone or is going - you can still use it but presumably will need a new hub eventually.

 

[yashicamat]

Cheers for the replies. I'd be inclined to agree about the worn freehub bit, *except* it's only started after the cassette change. That's what is really puzzling me. It's as if I've somehow managed to accidentally adjust something when putting it back together, but I really can't think what. The whole cassette moves, but only very slightly, as if it's not a snug fit on the freehub (except it is and the freehub is the bit that's moving, but that's the best way I can describe the movement).

The hub has done about 1500 miles, of which about 1000 are loaded touring - it's an XT hub so I would have thought it should be up to many many more miles than that!

 

[accountantpete]

I don't know these hubs but basically the freehub is held in place either by a nut attaching it to the hub body or the compression of the axle. If either of those has become loose you would get the symptoms you have.

Try googling Shimano tech docs for the hub you have and they should give an indication of what you should be looking to tighten.

 

[yashicamat]

Small update: I did a direct comparison with my road bike hub (also Shimano and only 300 miles old) - there is a little play on that too, so it would seem that it is normal (I'd estimate I'll get another 1000 to 1500 miles out of the freehub on my tourer based on the wear). I've squirted some white grease into the freehub and it's quietened it down a bit now too. I think I'll just keep an eye on it, but it seems that a little play in the freehub is normal!

Thanks again for the advice, folks.