Bicycle Mechanics - traditional freewheel sprocket removal

I have seen the answer to my question here before but I cannot seem to locate it now. I want to replace one of the sprockets in an older Suntour freewheel. I know that I need to remove the small sprocket but I cannot remember if it is left or right hand threading. Thanks.

You know the answer if you take a moment to think about it.

If the 10 seconds are up ---- All sprockets have to have right hand threads. Otherwise they'd unscrew when you pedaled.

See I told you you knew.

For folks who've been around, there's an exception. Decades Regina, Everest, and maybe others had the 2 low gear sprockets thread on from the back up to a shoulder. These had LH threads for the same reason the others had RH.

Thanks. Yes, I suppose that's right- no pun intended.

you will need 2 chainwhips, one to hold one of the larger cogs, they fit on splines,
and the second one to unscrew the couple smallest cogs that hold the splined ones in place ..

I wish you luck in finding a new cog in the size you need for long discontinued sun tour stuff.

I've got a box of Suntour freewheel bits .... small chance I'd have what you need. Or maybe you already have it.

For folks who've been around, there's an exception. Decades Regina, Everest, and maybe others had the 2 low gear sprockets thread on from the back up to a shoulder. These had LH threads for the same reason the others had RH.

I used to trip over crates of NOS Regina Oro freewheels way back when. I bet they're still at the warehouse (which is still in business). Yeah, I'm older than dirt.

I have a nearly full Suntour board and boxes of extra cogs... all save for those elusive 12's but should have some of those coming.

Let us know what you need.

You know the answer if you take a moment to think about it.

If the 10 seconds are up ---- All sprockets have to have right hand threads. Otherwise they'd unscrew when you pedaled.

See I told you you knew.

For folks who've been around, there's an exception. Decades Regina, Everest, and maybe others had the 2 low gear sprockets thread on from the back up to a shoulder. These had LH threads for the same reason the others had RH.

Ounce you have the right freewheel tool attched properly and your sure your turning the right way don't be affraid to tork the swerer down a little bit and crank put as much force as you can on it I have had older suntours that took several hundred lbs tork to take off and a couple that just would not come off . Causing me to junk some fairly nice wheels otherwise.

Ounce you have the right freewheel tool attched properly and your sure your turning the right way don't be affraid to tork the swerer down a little bit and crank put as much force as you can on it I have had older suntours that took several hundred lbs tork to take off and a couple that just would not come off . Causing me to junk some fairly nice wheels otherwise.

I think the OP was asking about removing cogs from the cluster, not removing the cluster from the wheel.

Pulled an oldie one yesterday and darn near busted a gut doing it.
Best to install the tool and dog it down with the Q.R. or axle nut, then hold the tool in a large vice and turn the wheel....if you can.


Ounce you have the right freewheel tool attched properly and your sure your turning the right way don't be affraid to tork the swerer down a little bit and crank put as much force as you can on it I have had older suntours that took several hundred lbs tork to take off and a couple that just would not come off . Causing me to junk some fairly nice wheels otherwise.

I think the OP was asking about removing cogs from the cluster, not removing the cluster from the wheel.

I agree. It seems pretty clear

I want to replace one of the sprockets in an older Suntour freewheel. I know that I need to remove the small sprocket but I cannot remember if it is left or right hand threading.

However it seems to have gotten converted in a freewheel removal question. It doesn't matter since the OP got the answer he needed already.

Thanks for all the replies. As some of you correctly determined I was trying to unscrew sprockets from the freewheel body and not trying to remove the freewheel from the hub. In any event, I was completely unsuccessful. I even broke a rivet on one of my chain whips despite soaking the threads with lubricant for days. I tried everything I could think of to get leverage- I tried to loosen it with the freewheel on and off the wheel- I even fastened it down to a block of wood with drywall screws in between the teeth. It is not that big of a deal- I just wanted to be able to exchange a cogs on this otherwise servicable freewheel. Any other tricks???

Thanks for all the replies. As some of you correctly determined I was trying to unscrew sprockets from the freewheel body and not trying to remove the freewheel from the hub. In any event, I was completely unsuccessful. I even broke a rivet on one of my chain whips despite soaking the threads with lubricant for days. I tried everything I could think of to get leverage- I tried to loosen it with the freewheel on and off the wheel- I even fastened it down to a block of wood with drywall screws in between the teeth. It is not that big of a deal- I just wanted to be able to exchange a cogs on this otherwise serviceable freewheel. Any other tricks???

Breaking chainwhips was rather common back in the day. Freewheel cogs get screwed down tight on a fine pitch thread.

Try finding a chain whip made with an older, cheaper, 7-speed chain. These have protruding rivets (rather than flush like 8-speed and above chains) and may survive the pull. Also, a good freewheel vise in a large bench vise keeps the whole shebang stable.