Bicycle Mechanics - freewheel removal trouble

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Adiankur
12-08-06, 04:07 PM
Well, I have a shimano freewheel, with 12 splines, attached to a wheel. I attempted to use the FR-1 tool, but its too big. Im wondering if that means this would be one of those goofy older models that there is no tool for. anyone know for sure about these things? its off of a mid 70's ross 10 speed. I wanted to remove the freewheel so I could clean the race and cap, as all of the other bearing races and caps were filled with muck. They were in good shape, but had coagulated grease, and looked as if they really needed a good going over. thanks for your time.

Sheldon Brown
12-08-06, 04:44 PM
Well, I have a shimano freewheel, with 12 splines, attached to a wheel. I attempted to use the FR-1 tool, but its too big. Im wondering if that means this would be one of those goofy older models that there is no tool for. anyone know for sure about these things? its off of a mid 70's ross 10 speed. I wanted to remove the freewheel so I could clean the race and cap, as all of the other bearing races and caps were filled with muck. They were in good shape, but had coagulated grease, and looked as if they really needed a good going over. thanks for your time.
Current Shimano freewheel tools are 23.5 mm diameter. The old "boss" style 12-splined tool was 20 mm diameter. We sell the tools but it is probably not worth buying the old type unless you plan to do a lot of work on older bikes.

My advice is to take the wheel in to a local bike shop and ask them to remove the freewheel for you. This should cost less than buying the tool you'll likely never need again. Alternately, repack the hub without removing the freewheel. This is slightly more difficult, but not impossible.

Sheldon "Tool-aholic" Brown

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DannoXYZ
12-08-06, 05:55 PM
yeah, it's not that hard to repack the bearings with the freewheel in place. You just remove the locknut & cones completely from the axle on the left side. Then pull out the axle and you have access to the bearings on the right side.

Adiankur
12-08-06, 07:22 PM
yeah, I already pulled it out, but Im worried about making sure I get the other side clean. Ill ask at the bike shop, and see what they say.

When I go in to buy something, Ill ask them about removal. :)