mangled Shimano freehub/freewheel....which is it?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Costa Mesa, CA.... next up Argentina 2011, and finally Portland 2012
Posts: 50
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
mangled Shimano freehub/freewheel....which is it?
Seems I've got myself into a raw deal with an eBay purchase. I made believe I was getting a good deal on an '82 Miyata 1200. I'd anticipated changing out most of the components.... eventually. But it seems not to be even road worthy out of the create. Here's the latest discovery:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/83319125@N00/5117084426/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/8331912...n/photostream/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/8331912...n/photostream/
I discovered something was awry when I spun the rear wheel and could see the chain bobbing as the cogs wobbled while coasting. You can wiggle the freehub/freewheel (I really can't tell which it is) in and out and around by about a mm. It's loose but doesn't come off. And you can see damage to the slots, which look like someone tried to remove it and tore it up in the process.
It's a 6 spd Shimano 600 HG. I can't tell if it's a freehub or freewheel. How do you remove it?
sigh,
-Michael
https://www.flickr.com/photos/83319125@N00/5117084426/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/8331912...n/photostream/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/8331912...n/photostream/
I discovered something was awry when I spun the rear wheel and could see the chain bobbing as the cogs wobbled while coasting. You can wiggle the freehub/freewheel (I really can't tell which it is) in and out and around by about a mm. It's loose but doesn't come off. And you can see damage to the slots, which look like someone tried to remove it and tore it up in the process.
It's a 6 spd Shimano 600 HG. I can't tell if it's a freehub or freewheel. How do you remove it?
sigh,
-Michael
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: NYC
Posts: 2,124
Bikes: All 70s and 80s, only steel.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Freehub and cassette, looks like. You sure it's HG and not UG (Ultra-glide)? If indeed it's a freehub/cassette, the cogs are locked down by the outermost cog. It is normal, right-threaded. You need two very strong chain whips; one holds the other cassettes in place, and the other applies counter-clockwise torque to the outer cog. In order to get a tight and old UG cassette off a wheel, I needed two other guys with two Parktools chainwhips, a piece of wood to rest the rim of the wheel on, and I stepped onto the handle of the chainwhip wrapped around the outer cog. Once loose, it came off easily. You could also try and do it on the bike, perhaps upside-down. Use the regular chain on an inner cog with someone applying normal force to the pedal, and you apply the chainwhip in the opposite direction.
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 8,688
Mentioned: 46 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1074 Post(s)
Liked 295 Times
in
222 Posts
(My guess is that) It's a freehub. I've had bikes with the early cassettes, and none of them had sockets for a 2 prong freewheel puller. But you're not really telling what the problem is.
Keep in mind that freewheels as well as cassettes do their important work while being stationary to the wheel. Some wobbling while coasting isn't going to hurt a bit. Excessive wobbling might eventually lead to trouble, but it's not something I've encountered personally.
Keep in mind that freewheels as well as cassettes do their important work while being stationary to the wheel. Some wobbling while coasting isn't going to hurt a bit. Excessive wobbling might eventually lead to trouble, but it's not something I've encountered personally.
#4
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Costa Mesa, CA.... next up Argentina 2011, and finally Portland 2012
Posts: 50
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
It definitely says HG, at least on the face of the freehub. And it looks like there's two slots for removal (that are shredded) as in the pics. I've only wrenched freewheels thus far, so I keep trying to relate to that method. Sounds like a pain to remove with the chainwhips, and I only have one.
The problem I'm trying to describe is how the whole cassette is loose and you can wiggle it. You can pull and push it slightly, and there's wiggle room all around. Maybe it's not messed up, but I'm trying to understand what's wrong, so I'd like to remove it.
The problem I'm trying to describe is how the whole cassette is loose and you can wiggle it. You can pull and push it slightly, and there's wiggle room all around. Maybe it's not messed up, but I'm trying to understand what's wrong, so I'd like to remove it.
Last edited by depleted; 10-26-10 at 02:10 AM. Reason: stuff
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 8,688
Mentioned: 46 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1074 Post(s)
Liked 295 Times
in
222 Posts
Do note that this will only get the sprockets off, which is unlikely to sort out your problem.
(not that excess wiggle is a good thing either...)
Slightly sloppy assembly probably. Bearing play in freewheels/freehubs is set by shimming. Use a few too many/too thick and you get bearing play while coasting. Some is common, maybe you have a tad more than usual. Rarely an issue IRL.
If you're hell-bent on fixing it - don't remove it. Fixing this means taking the freewheel apart, and you don't need to remove it from the wheel for that. In fact having it stuck solidly to the wheel will probably make that operation easier. Find a tool that engages the holes in the ring with the text on it and have a go. Drift punch works, but makes a mess. Can't remember offhand the thread direction. Be aware that it will spill a large number of small balls when it comes apart.
Once you've identified where the shims go, remove one. then put balls and pawls back and reassemble.
Last edited by dabac; 10-26-10 at 03:41 AM. Reason: Naturally Sheldon Brown had a page about it. https://sheldonbrown.com/freewheels.html. Ring unscrews clockwise.
#6
Senior Member
It definitely says HG, at least on the face of the freehub. And it looks like there's two slots for removal (that are shredded) as in the pics. I've only wrenched freewheels thus far, so I keep trying to relate to that method. Sounds like a pain to remove with the chainwhips, and I only have one.
The problem I'm trying to describe is how the whole cassette is loose and you can wiggle it. You can pull and push it slightly, and there's wiggle room all around. Maybe it's not messed up, but I'm trying to understand what's wrong, so I'd like to remove it.
The problem I'm trying to describe is how the whole cassette is loose and you can wiggle it. You can pull and push it slightly, and there's wiggle room all around. Maybe it's not messed up, but I'm trying to understand what's wrong, so I'd like to remove it.
HyperGlide have straight teeth with cut-out ramps on the sides:
Looks like someone tried to remove the freewheel with a Suntour 2-prong tool instead of the Shimano 2-prong tool (they are different diameter). They also may not have put the QR back on to hold the tool in place. The slipping tool broke the freewheel body. Your best bet is to destructively remove the freewheel. Use a punch to drive off the end-cap of the freewheel in a clockwise direction:
Once the cap is off, you can remove the outer-body with the cogs (along with a billion small bearings). Then remove the inner body with channel-lock pliers or pipe-wrench in countre-clockwise direction (or clamp it in a vise and spin the wheel). Then grease and adjust the axle and just slap on a newer Hyperglide freewheel. The 7-spd versions really work well, especially considering the $15 price:
https://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41zdbd7SZhL._SS500_.jpg
The splined remover also makes slipping and damaging the freehweel much less likely.
Last edited by DannoXYZ; 10-26-10 at 04:10 AM.
#7
Super Moderator
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Ffld Cnty Connecticut
Posts: 21,843
Bikes: Old Steelies I made, Old Cannondales
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1173 Post(s)
Liked 927 Times
in
612 Posts
Danno is correct. It's a freewheel as shown by the 2 removal slots. Using chain whips will remove the cogs, but the body will still be there ... not what you want.
The only question is if you really need to remove it. Some "wobble" is normal with freewheels ... no big deal. A bit of looseness is also no big deal. Do you have a real need to remove it ? If so, get the correct tool and use the correct method of using the QR skewer to keep the tool in place so it won't slip off like it did last time.
If you decide to leave it on, you can dripple a teaspoon of light oil (10w-30) into the bearings. Spin it slowly backwards and dribble the oil between the fixed body & the moving cogs.
The only question is if you really need to remove it. Some "wobble" is normal with freewheels ... no big deal. A bit of looseness is also no big deal. Do you have a real need to remove it ? If so, get the correct tool and use the correct method of using the QR skewer to keep the tool in place so it won't slip off like it did last time.
If you decide to leave it on, you can dripple a teaspoon of light oil (10w-30) into the bearings. Spin it slowly backwards and dribble the oil between the fixed body & the moving cogs.
__________________
Bikes: Old steel race bikes, old Cannondale race bikes, less old Cannondale race bike, crappy old mtn bike.
FYI: https://www.bikeforums.net/forum-sugg...ad-please.html
Bikes: Old steel race bikes, old Cannondale race bikes, less old Cannondale race bike, crappy old mtn bike.
FYI: https://www.bikeforums.net/forum-sugg...ad-please.html
Last edited by Homebrew01; 10-26-10 at 04:41 AM.
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: England
Posts: 12,948
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 19 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
7 Posts
The obove advice will relube a freewheel. If it is full of crud you need to flush it out with a solvent first. I use WD40.
It is easier to flush out when removed.
You dont need a chainwhip to remove a freewheel. The easiest method is to hold a appropriate freewheel removal tool upright in a bench vice and rotate the wheel.
It is easier to flush out when removed.
You dont need a chainwhip to remove a freewheel. The easiest method is to hold a appropriate freewheel removal tool upright in a bench vice and rotate the wheel.
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 33,656
Bikes: '96 Litespeed Catalyst, '05 Litespeed Firenze, '06 Litespeed Tuscany, '20 Surly Midnight Special, All are 3x10. It is hilly around here!
Mentioned: 39 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2026 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1,096 Times
in
742 Posts
#11
Guest
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Grid Reference, SK
Posts: 3,768
Bikes: I never learned to ride a bike. It is my deepest shame.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
6 Posts
Funny how many thought it was a freehub. It's freewheel, and if you can't fix it in place you will have to go to drastic measures to get it off there. THe two-prong freewheel removal system is one of the worst things you will ever have to work on on any bicycle. I would rather disassemble and rebuild a hundred STI levers before I try to remove one two-prong freewhweel.
Although, it is usually possible to disassemble and rebuild freewheels (starting with the punch as shown in DannoXYZ's post), but you have to be prepared to chase hundreds of tiny ball-bearings around your workbench for an hour.
Although, it is usually possible to disassemble and rebuild freewheels (starting with the punch as shown in DannoXYZ's post), but you have to be prepared to chase hundreds of tiny ball-bearings around your workbench for an hour.
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Beaufort, South Carolina, USA and surrounding islands.
Posts: 8,521
Bikes: Cannondale R500, Motobecane Messenger
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
The wobble is normal and necessary. Go ride your damn bike.
#13
Senior Member
Oh yeah, check the freewheel by spinning it in the forward direction that the chain would. Once the pawls engage, is there any more motion? Of not, there's nothing to worry about. Maybe drip some heavy-oil through and that's it.
#14
bike whisperer
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Melbourne, Oz
Posts: 9,545
Bikes: https://weightweenies.starbike.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=152015&p=1404231
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1526 Post(s)
Liked 718 Times
in
510 Posts
Easiest way to tell a Shimano freehub is the bulge inside the right flange where the 10mm allen sleeve holds the cassette body onto the hub. Fatter MTB hubs can conceal it, but AFAIK they didn't really come along until freewheels were old hat anyway.
#15
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Costa Mesa, CA.... next up Argentina 2011, and finally Portland 2012
Posts: 50
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I don't have another freewheel that wobbles around on its hub, to the point of shaking the chain up and down when engaged forward. But I defer to such words of wisdom.
Actually, I've got some wheels en route from a friend and I can toss this whole mess into the parts bin.
Actually, I've got some wheels en route from a friend and I can toss this whole mess into the parts bin.
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 8,688
Mentioned: 46 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1074 Post(s)
Liked 295 Times
in
222 Posts
If it's that bad, go for a replacement or have a go at servicing it. If the other option is "immediately into the parts bin" it's not like you have anything to lose any more.
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 173
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
You definitely have a Shimano MF-6161 6-speed UniGlide freewheel (the lettering on the cap says "Shimano 600 EH"). The tips of the teeth are twisted. You have the one on the left:
HyperGlide have straight teeth with cut-out ramps on the sides:
Looks like someone tried to remove the freewheel with a Suntour 2-prong tool instead of the Shimano 2-prong tool (they are different diameter). They also may not have put the QR back on to hold the tool in place. The slipping tool broke the freewheel body. Your best bet is to destructively remove the freewheel. Use a punch to drive off the end-cap of the freewheel in a clockwise direction:
Once the cap is off, you can remove the outer-body with the cogs (along with a billion small bearings). Then remove the inner body with channel-lock pliers or pipe-wrench in countre-clockwise direction (or clamp it in a vise and spin the wheel). Then grease and adjust the axle and just slap on a newer Hyperglide freewheel. The 7-spd versions really work well, especially considering the $15 price:
https://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41zdbd7SZhL._SS500_.jpg
The splined remover also makes slipping and damaging the freehweel much less likely.
HyperGlide have straight teeth with cut-out ramps on the sides:
Looks like someone tried to remove the freewheel with a Suntour 2-prong tool instead of the Shimano 2-prong tool (they are different diameter). They also may not have put the QR back on to hold the tool in place. The slipping tool broke the freewheel body. Your best bet is to destructively remove the freewheel. Use a punch to drive off the end-cap of the freewheel in a clockwise direction:
Once the cap is off, you can remove the outer-body with the cogs (along with a billion small bearings). Then remove the inner body with channel-lock pliers or pipe-wrench in countre-clockwise direction (or clamp it in a vise and spin the wheel). Then grease and adjust the axle and just slap on a newer Hyperglide freewheel. The 7-spd versions really work well, especially considering the $15 price:
https://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41zdbd7SZhL._SS500_.jpg
The splined remover also makes slipping and damaging the freehweel much less likely.