Bicycle Mechanics - Bent axle, or something else?

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WilliamK1974
09-05-09, 08:18 PM
Earlier, I posted a thread about making some lateral adjustments to my rear wheel. Thanks to instructions and help from Forum posters, the wheel is more true than it has been in a long time. But I've noticed something else that doesn't seem right.

While the rear wheel is elevated and spun, it looks like the freewheel is wobbling a bit. It appears to be a regular rather than random wobble.

I felt some play in the bearings, and removed the wheel to tighten the cups and cones a bit. I tightened them just enough to eliminate the play, but the wobble is still there. I'd been sensing a clunk when I pedaled, but was unable to find the source. Now, I wonder if this is it.

So, is this a symptom of a bent axle, or is something else going on?

Thank you,
-Bill

operator
09-05-09, 08:29 PM
Its a symptom of nothing. Go ride your bike.
Panthers007
09-05-09, 08:35 PM
You are likely seeing an optical trick from the ramping used on the cogs to facilitate smooth shifting from one cog to another. This can look like the assembly is wobbling side-to-side. So:

"Its a symptom of nothing. Go ride your bike."

WilliamK1974
09-05-09, 08:47 PM
Ok, if you say so lol. It's just hard not to be paranoid about things on a 20 year old bike when you're learning how to maintain it beyond keeping the tires aired up.