Bicycle Mechanics - freehub argh

ok, I just trued up my rear rim and gave it some new quarter inch bearings. When I cleaned out the rear hub, I squirted some degreaser crap in there. Now the rear hub sounds really crunchy but it still engages just fine. I took the cog off because I'm running it singlespeed and rocked the freehub back and fourth and you can feel it being all crunchy. Is there a solution to this problem?

Replace freehub?

Take it off and use some other lube?

Thanks for any help,

John

bump

I think when you degreased you freed up some gunk in the freehub that's causing your crunching and grinding. I'd take it off, agitate it in degreaser or solvent (my choice would be mineral spirits), let it dry overnight and then drip motor oil into it as you spin it, you'll hear it get quieter and smoother as the fresh oil works its way inside. Works for me, anyway-

I have a trek 6700 with bontrager rims, how do I get this damn thing off?

I already tried allen keys, I'll post pics of it.

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h217/trekbikedude/P1010095.jpg

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h217/trekbikedude/P1010096.jpg

I know I have to take the axle out, but where do I go from there?

This thing sounds bad.

If you look into the freehub with the axle removed, you'll see a big allen key hole/fitting (10mm). You're looking at the end of a tubular bolt that holds the cassette on. Unscrew it in a manly fashion (it will be kung-fu tight) and the cassette comes off.

Commit to having gears and you'll figure out how to work on them.

If you look into the freehub with the axle removed, you'll see a big allen key hole/fitting (10mm). You're looking at the end of a tubular bolt that holds the cassette on. Unscrew it in a manly fashion (it will be kung-fu tight) and the cassette comes off.

I have a Bontrager Race Disc wheelset (stock on a Gary Fisher Cake) and my freehub body required an 11mm hex wrench (Allen) size. I could easily find 10mm and 12mm, but no 11mm. I went to hardware, automotive and industrial shops with zero luck. Then I pulled out a calculator and found that 7/16" = 11.112mm and easily purchased a 7/16 hex wrench. And it worked.

A replacement freehub body cost ~$30 and only available through Trek/Fisher LBSs. I could not find them online. And, they throw in an 11mm adapter (which fits on a 8mm hex wrench) with the freehub body. The LBS wrench said they freehub bodies are made by DT Swiss.

The freehub body was on fairly tight, but a 1/2 drive socket with 15" breaker bar made it easy. I doubt you can remove it with a hex wrench that fits in the palm of your hand.

Also, once you clean it up and allow the innards to dry, I've used Phil Wood Tenacious Oil in freehubs with great results.

Thanks Mudpie, I missed the part about it being a Bontrager hub. 11mm?

I do have gears on my jamis dragon pro, thank you.

Thanks Mudpie, I missed the part about it being a Bontrager hub. 11mm?

Yeah I know, odd size... All others seem to be 10mm, but not this beast.

I'm not sure if all Bontrager models require 11mm. I guess that's why Bontrager provides the 11mm hex adapter with the freehub body.

BTW, I'm about 10 miles down the 101 from you.

I got it off using a 3/8ths ratchet extender, put some polylube and motor oil down in there and it's all quiet now.