Rear Cassette shot?
 

A couple months back i replaced my chain on my 2003 Specialized rockhopper. Yesterday i went for a ride along an new oil pipeline and when i got back i cleaned and lubed everything on the bike. When i was riding it around the yard today i experienced chain suck, only i wasn't pedaling (maybe just a quarter turn backwards) which i only think could be the cassette bearings since there seems to be grit and noise coming from there. I also noticed it was getting caught up as a tried to lube it. So, is my cassette done for?:o

For reference it is a Shimano HG-50 i think.

Chain suck on a new chain is often due to a stiff link, usually the where the chain was joined.

It is also caused by a variety of other factors, one of which is dirty chain/chainrings.

http://www.google.ca/search?client=o...utf-8&oe=utf-8

The cassette doesn't have any bearings - it's just a collection of sprocket wheels. The bearings would be in the freehub that's attached to your hub. It may need replacing, but it's more likely that there's just some grit in there that can be cleaned out through more lubrication.

See
http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=45
for details on servicing the freehub

local bike shop said the cassette had play, my hub bearings had grit, and freehub was wearing down, i knew most of this already but he just emphasized it. Anyway it will cost about the same to replace the whole wheel than just the hub. the only thing to do is to add oil till the whole thing breaks down. I want a new wheel. the current one is an Alex DM-20, 26", machined sidewalls, black. Not super duper.

Thanks for the replys.