ibis_ti

I have an older dt hugi hub that I want to upgrade to the 36 tooth star ratchets. When I took apart the freehub it only had one spring(pushing out from the hub) the other side had a washer.

It looks like the newer design uses 2 opposing springs. If any one has overhauled an older version with the single spring did you put in an additional spring and take out the washer?

I just left it with the single spring for now and it seems to engage just fine. It'll be hard to get another spring so I might just leave it unless someone suggests otherwise.

Thx.

Steve530

I suggest you contact DT Swiss. They can tell you if that hub should have two springs, if the 36 step ratchets are available for that hub, and where you can buy parts. The contact info is on this webpage. I emailed them about grease for 240s hubs and got a prompt and helpful reply.

ibis_ti

Just to follow up. The excellent customer service at DT Swiss sent me a pair of springs and they popped right in.

Here is the exploded view of the older hub for reference, I replaced the washer(#10) with a spring:

Steve530

I'm glad they sent you the springs. Their customer service is really good. I called them about the special grease last year because I couldn't find anyone who had it for sale. Apparently there was some sort of problem with the supply. They pointed me to a supplier that had the grease in a kit with the star ratchets and also advised me to use any good light grease if I didn't need to replace the star ratchets. Eventually, I found the grease. It is expensive, but works well.

Did they tell you if the 32 step star ratchets would fit your hub?

ibis_ti

I already had the 36 tooth ratchets when I contacted them. They do fit.

Steve530

Sorry for the late reply. I rode a half century on 7/2, and I returned all I could think about was food, beer, a shower and a nap.

Glad they fit. The online sources say the 36 step ratchets are for 2000 and newer hubs.

I serviced my hubs before the ride and noticed a little wear on the ratchets. I may replace them next year. How do you like the 36 step ratchets? Are they noticeable louder?

ibis_ti

Not noticeably louder, but the pitch is higher. They are hollow so it probably resonates a bit more. I feel like the drag is a little bit higher due to the extra teeth. You could add more/thicker grease to quiet it down but there will be more drag or use lighter lubricant with a louder noise. It's not as loud as Chris King hubs. There are some Youtube videos with it before and after.

It saves 10grams and the engagement is twice as fast, but overall a minor upgrade in performance.

Mountain bikers / trial riders seem to benefit from the faster engagement.