Bicycle Mechanics - How do I install new cassette??

I am looking at buying a new wheel that has a RM-40 hub I also want to replace the 7 speed cassette..... So how do I install the new cassette onto the hub, is it driven onto the splines or what:confused: :confused:

Well, boyfriend, it isn't hard to install a new cassette, but it takes some specialized tools. You'll need a chain whip, a lockring remover and a large (12 inch) adjustable wrench. There are other tool combinations that are possible, but these are the simplest. A good lockring remover will cost about $12.00 US, and a chainwhip maybe $20.00.

First you remove the old cassette by immobilizing the cassette with the chainwhip, installing the lockring remover and turning it counter clockwise with the wrench.

Once the lockring is removed, the cassette then just slips off of the freehub body.

Slip the new cassette onto the freehub body. There will be one smaller spline, so that the cassette only installs one way. Put the lockring back into place and torque it down tight (about twenty ft/lbs of torque).

You will want to install a new chain too, as worn chains on spanky new cassettes tend to skip.

I'm sure that Park Tool (http://www.parktool.com) will have illustrated instructions on how to do the job. But, here's the best bet: buy the new cassette at your local bike shop. The mechanic will probably install it for free. It might help if you wink at him. At least, it works for me. ;)

You will need a couple of special tools. It's pretty easy, it's just that nobody but a bike mechanic would have these- a chain whip and freewheel remover. Go here (http://www.parktool.com/tool_indexes/catindex_fr.shtml) for a look at these tools...

Wow- a troll with mechanical abilities!

BTW- it's pretty easy to build your own chain whip with an old chain and a short piece of broom handle, etc. Look at the pics and you can figure it out.

Originally posted by A.troll
The mechanic will probably install it for free. It might help if you wink at him. At least, it works for me. ;)
Wow, all this talk about winking at mechanics and their whips and chains, and I thought bicycling was a family activity! :lol:

John

Here is what I use.
Homemade chain tool. I just used 3 wood screws to hold the chain to a old 2x4 I had cut in half some time ago.

Park Cassette tool

And a 1 inch wrench.

I've done about 30 swaps of cassettes with it, and it works great.

Originally posted by Ti-Carbo
Here is what I use.
Homemade chain tool. I just used 3 wood screws to hold the chain to a old 2x4 I had cut in half some time ago.

Park Cassette tool

And a 1 inch wrench.

I've done about 30 swaps of cassettes with it, and it works great.
That is a pretty nice chain whip, good thing my wife, is not around when I viewed that chainwhip, or she would freak out on me, having the Park chain whip :D :D

I was thinking about doing the same thing. I had to buy a new rear wheel and need to transfer the cassette to it.

I'm wondering if it's worth it to buy a new cassette too, since occasionally the chain skips off one of the cogs. I suppose now would be the time to do it.

Okay. I got the cassette off and I've got it pretty well cleaned up with mineral spirits. There was some gunk in the back and along the splines.

Question: should I grease the splines before fitting it on the new hub? (It doesn't look like it needs it and I don't want to create more gunk that will have to be cleaned.)

Originally posted by caloso
Okay.

Question: should I grease the splines before fitting it on the new hub? (It doesn't look like it needs it and I don't want to create more gunk that will have to be cleaned.) NOPE!

Thanks, Pokey. I didn't think so.

My brother in law fashioned a chainwhip for me that is actually nicer than those you would purchase. I love the wooden one though, so simple, yet I never would have thought of it.