Re-Cycle

Took in a old trek MTB last night that needed a few spokes replaced and some other work. Naturally they were on the drive side so I went to take off the freewheel but it will NOT budge. I even put the Park tool in the vise and turned the wheel for more leverage but I'm afraid I'll break more spokes. Is my only choice using a air impact gun? Don't know if it matters but its a 7 speed.

Thanks so much.

DonPenguino

Try tightening it a little first. Put it in the vise and pull decently hard in the "wrong" direction, then try to unscrew it again. Also, penetrating oil is your friend. Put some around the base of the threads and sit the wheel on the freewheel for a night. If all else fails you can destroy the freewheel to get it off.

DieselDan

A propane tourch perhaps?

jonsam

Here is my solution. I have a long (4ft) section of aluminum box tubing. I take a large adjustable wrench and put that on the spline tool. I then fit the box tubing over the wrench as a lever arm, hold onto the wheel and twist off the freewheel. So far it has worked better for me than the vise technique.

MichaelW

Are you sure it is a screw-on freewheel and not a freehub?

top506

Had the same problem last night. Took two of us on opposite sides of the wheel to get it moving.
First freewheel I couldn't get off by myself.
Top

Re-Cycle

Thanks for the replies. Definitly a F/W. Took a overnight soaking of solvent and another round of 'driving the bus'


*Note* Driving the bus refers to placing your F/W tool in the vice grip and rotating the wheel for more leverage.