Bicycle Mechanics - Rear hub is spinning in both directions

I'm borrowing my co-workers 1999 f4000 Cannondale hardtail and it's beautiful and a ton of fun to ride.

The problem I immediately noticed was that when I pedal forward the rear hub doesn't seem to catch and I go nowhere. I'm guessing it's a simple fix but I don't know.

I've had this problem before on another mtb but I can't remember how to fix it. I think I just brought it into the shop and was never told how. The bikes almost never been riden. It's strange to find anything wrong with it.

The pawls inside the free hub are probably worn. The free hub is easily replaced, if that's the problem.

However, you do say it hasn't been ridden much. That might indicate there is too much grease in the free hub and it doesn't allow the pawls to engage; especially if it's starting to get cool up there in Alberta.

An LBS should be able to sort it out for you again.

Originally posted by L J Horton
The pawls inside the free hub are probably worn. The free hub is easily replaced, if that's the problem.

However, you do say it hasn't been ridden much. That might indicate there is too much grease in the free hub and it doesn't allow the pawls to engage; especially if it's starting to get cool up there in Alberta.

An LBS should be able to sort it out for you again.

Well, chances are that the pawls are not shot - that takes a lot of use and abuse. More likely, the spring that holds the pawls out are shot or MAYBE, MAYBE if you are lucky, there is old oil and goo in the freehub/freewheel that is preventing the pawls from swinging out.

I agree with LJ Horton that if there is grease in the pawls, that would cause a problem. DON"T grease pawls. You can grease the bearings, but grease is just too heavy for pawls. Use oil instead. I have tried lightly greasing the pawl gear teeth, but even that has it's drawbacks. I say play it safe and use oil rather than grease INSIDE the freehub/freewheel.

Give the bike back to the owner right away, thank him profusely, and tell him the bike rides great. Then get 'yer butt home and don't answer the phone until you check caller ID first. If it is him, don't answer
:D

Thanks for the info.

The owner, the company truck mechanic, wanted me to check on anything that might be wrong with the thing so I'll probably get it fixed on his credit card. I only wish I could fix my own bike on his card too.:)

I'll get my bike serviced and send you the bill. Just put it on his credit card too.:D