Bicycle Mechanics - Rear sprocket ratcheting noise...normal?

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green427
04-24-11, 05:04 PM
After getting my new cochlear implants and hearing a lot more than I want, one of the sounds that really bothers me comes from the rear wheel of my wife's Schwinn comfort bike. The ratcheting inside the rear sprocket is so loud, a lot louder than any of my other bikes.

The bike mechanic that listened to it said it was normal, some are louder than others, but this is really loud. Would opening it up and adding more grease make it quieter?

BHOFM
04-24-11, 05:49 PM
I have had two Shimano, they where the same model and
one was noisier than the other. I think grease might quiet
it down but will shorten the life because they are not sealed
and prone to dust.

Tell her to keep pedaling.....
Jeff Wills
04-24-11, 06:13 PM
After getting my new cochlear implants and hearing a lot more than I want, one of the sounds that really bothers me comes from the rear wheel of my wife's Schwinn comfort bike. The ratcheting inside the rear sprocket is so loud, a lot louder than any of my other bikes.

The bike mechanic that listened to it said it was normal, some are louder than others, but this is really loud. Would opening it up and adding more grease make it quieter?

New ears, huh? Congratulations!

In my experience, different hubs make different amounts of noise, Without knowing which hub we're dealing with it's had to say, but as long as it makes a ratcheting noise it's probably OK. If it goes quiet unexpectedly you could be heading for trouble. On the other hand, if it goes quiet and quits driving the bike forward, well, there's your sign.

If the bike's new, I'd let it break in. Many hubs get quieter with use. If you really want to quiet it down, overhauling the hub and running heavy oil through the freewheel mechanism can make for a very quiet rear hub. This involves a complete rebuild, though- if it's not needed then I wouldn't mess with the hub.

green427
04-25-11, 08:33 PM
Thanks, guys. Yeah, the bike is relatively new. Wife put a whopping 15 miles on it in the last two years LOL.

It only bothers me when I can hear it riding alongside her. I have the perfect solution...turn my digital ears off...voila!!!
Dan Burkhart
04-25-11, 08:37 PM
Just be grateful it's not a Hugi hub.:lol: