Why would a cassette develop play?

[RecordAceFromNew]

It is possible that the hollow 10mm hex bolt holding the freehub body onto the hub is simply loose, trying tightening it (to 26 ft-lbs) if so. The dismantling getting to the bolt will have to be done if the freehub needs replacement anyway.

 

[Will1985]

Have you tried to tightening the cones?

 

[Sheffield_Tiger]

Yes to both the above..the freehub body has been removed and refitted, berings and surfaces cleaned, re-greased and all re-installed

I guss it's just time for me to lament "they don't make em like they used to" and conveniently forget the amount of things that used to randomly fall apart on my "good old fashioned well made" bikes

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

I guss it's just time for me to lament "they don't make em like they used to" and conveniently forget the amount of things that used to randomly fall apart on my "good old fashioned well made" bikes

Funny enough it crossed my mind the other day that 30 years ago you would normally see cars pulled up by the side of the road with the bonnet up and someone's head in it every other day, if not daily. Hardly surprising really when the road was full of Hillman Imps, Ladas and Reliant Robins... (don helmet and hide under stairs awaiting incoming projectiles from CCers who owned such things).

So which bit is still loose?

 

[Angelfishsolo]

I ended up having to replace my rear wheel. £45 got me a Mach wheel with an (as far as I can tell) unbranded hub. No more cassette play problems.