Originally Posted by
FBinNY
Step one remove the freewheel, which you'll have to do anyway to rebuild the wheel. Then bring the wheel into the LBS for service and/or a quote on a rebuild. Meanwhile soak the freewheel in mineral spirits, kerosene, or if working outside, gasoline (with due care), for 24+ hours, agitating it a bi from time to time. Remove and shake it out and while holding the center spin the outside to work the freewheel mechanism. Spin and/or shake it dry then allow more time for the last of the solvent to evaporate. Now apply some thick oil 30wt or more into the gap between the inner and outer section and spin it slowly to draw it in and spread it within. Keep adding oil to one side until it weeps out the other then set on some rags or scrap paper to drain.
remount on your wheel and you should be good for the next five years.
Aha! Ok, that's essentially what I did before, though I didn't clean it or take it apart first; just kept firing WD40 into it 'til it came out the other side & spinning the wheel, repeating the process several times over the course of a couple days.
Cool enough - I think you all have solved my problem. Many thanks!