When coasting a freewheel will make the normal ratcheting sound. However, a bad freewheel will have a click or clunk noise when pedaling. It's quite annoying. Most lower grade freewheels are throw away parts when they go bad. Do you know what make your's is? You can spend about $100 and get a White Industries and have one damn good freewheel, or you can spend about $20 and still get a decent freewheel.