Bicycle Mechanics - cassette wobbles when freewheeling

Is it normal for the rear cassette to wobble slightly when freewheeling? I also hear a slight squeeking noise, once per rotation.

If it is a freewheel, yes, it is normal. If it is a freehub, it is not normal.

The squeeking may be the spoke protector hitting something; the derailure, for example.

If it is a slight wobble. Anything more than the smallest amount of play and you may notice skipping when pedalling hard.

Firebolt;

I thought it weird also when first I noticed the wobbling many moons ago, however it’s quite normal to see side-to-side wobble while coasting. This condition is due to a lack of precision (by design) in freewheel/Freehub-body bearings and isn’t a problem.

It is however a problem if it occurs while peddling! This issue indicates one of the following:

1. The spoke guard is mounted off-center (correctable).
2. The freewheel is cross-threaded (bad news, hub is trashed)
3. If on a Freehub, the bolt that holds the Freehub body to the hub shell is loose (Service this immediately! Wheel lockup could occur.)

Squeaking Noise?

Freewheel: you might want to try a remove; solvent flush/lube sequence first if that doesn’t silence the mechanism… then: A recent monthly (out of Pittsburgh, PA) had an excellent service article on freewheels. If you’re interested in doing your own work, please let me know and I’ll foreword particulars.

Freehub: time for a hub overhaul, remove Freehub body (remove axel; and see if a 10mm Allen wrench fits into the free hub body… turn counterclockwise.) Shimano Dura-Ace or pre 1985 requires a special tool (might want to let the shop do it) Then go through the same solvent flush/lube sequence.

Funny how so many tomes on Bicycle Mechanics DO NOT consider freewheels to be a FSU (field serviceable unit). Although most do mention to remove; flush with solvent (allow to thoroughly dry!) then lubricate with (oil; chain lube; but never grease). One company actually makes a tool that expedites the clean/lube sequence (the Freehub Buddy by Morningstar Tool)

http://www.cykling.de/bigshop/index.html?itemmt-fhb1.html

BTW: Freewheels intrigued me as a child, they appeared to be magical. Although some of the mystical quality as faded, to me they remain one of the “coolest” components on the bike. I will be sad when the chain/gear system is retired and replaced with a less service intensive alternate system. A life without right leg tattoos…

Thank you all.

But faith,

The freewheel is soooo cheap to replace it isn't worth the time to service. So most techs don't and simply call it a replacement part. Same thing happens with cars and computers. If it is quicker and cheaper to just replace why bother fixing? :)
At least that is what I have been told. And of course I am not refering to good hubs like kc, hadley etc. I am speaking about shimano which are cheap and readily available.

There's the ol' throw away society mentality again. Sheesh! :rolleyes:

i have an acs fat claws on my gt performer and my freewheel does the same thing(moving side to side while neutral coasting) and when i pedal there sometimes is a popping sound coming from the freewheel and i can feel it through my crank arms, is this a problem?

i have an acs fat claws on my gt performer and my freewheel does the same thing(moving side to side while neutral coasting) and when i pedal there sometimes is a popping sound coming from the freewheel and i can feel it through my crank arms, is this a problem?
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