Bicycle Mechanics - A Question About Freehubs

I think I blew the freehub on my MTB and need to replace it but how do I know what kind it is? I know there's a bunch of different freehub bodies out there. My rear hub has a sticker on it that says "Shimano S8 Parallax". This is an 8-speed hub with, I think, a Shimano HG cassette. I've seen a couple of "Shimano" 8-speed freehubs on e-bay that I'm interested in but don't know if they'll fit. I've tried all of the "big" bike shops here and they all said that they don't stock freehub bodies and all tried to sell me complete rear hubs. My rear wheel assembly is in perfect shape and all I need is a freehub body. Any ideas are appreciated. thanks all.......

Try- www.twowheeltransit.com One of my favoite LBS(s), Steve (owner) should have 'em, or Call Spoke 'n Sport 509-838-8842, ( I used to wrench there and I know they stock 'em).

Ride Soon
Pat

Don't stock freehub bodies? What a load of crap! I've got a few floating about in the back, but I don't commonly get asked for them.

Yeah, I know, the LBS here are POS. That's why I mail order most of my stuff. Anyway, are freehubs universal as far as mounting on the wheel hub? Like, can I use any Shimano 8-spd hub body if the hub itself is a Shimano? I just found out from a LBS here that my rear hub is an "entry level" unit so possibly I may change the entire hub if I can't find a hub body. And, hey guys, thanks for the input......much appreciated.

I just checked the rear hub and on the label it has the following: "Shimano S8 Parallax FH-MC18". Anybody know what kind of freehub body will fit?

Any Shimano freehub from the last six+ years will fit any Shimano freehub from the last six+ years. You can put an xt freewheel on an acera hub.

Originally posted by Rev.Chuck
Any Shimano freehub from the last six+ years will fit any Shimano freehub from the last six+ years. You can put an xt freewheel on an acera hub.

Aren't the "Silent Clutch" freehub bodies an exception?

True, but I think there are only about twelve of those left in the US. I have only seen one other than the one on my trials bike.

Thanks for the responses. I found a LBS here that will order me a freehub body for $25. I know, I know, it's a rip off but at least when I go to pick it up, and it's the wrong one, I don't have to buy it. I found out that my hub is a ALIVIO grade of Shimano....somewhere between a Yugo and a Pinto. It's okay but the LBS told me to upgrade to at least an XT hub because of my weight (190 lbs....not fat, just tall). The freehub body I have now seems to have certain places that the pawls don't bite. Like the pedals will turn about 60-degrees before they catch again. Probably missing a tooth or two on the body shell. I will install the new "body" to get me going again and upgrade later. Would like to put in a Chris King hub but $$$$$ won't permit it.