The freewheel? Did it drag when you spun the rear wheel backwards? Dribble some 10w40 into the crack between the lockring and body anyway - it needs it from time to time, as I'm sure you know. One would probably notice sticking pawls from the difference in sound alone, I would think. What kind of freewheel, Maillard? I don't recall those being especially quiet. I once cured sticking pawls on a Suntour Perfect by soaking it for a week in kerosene, then for a week in fresh motor oil. I have ridden that freewheel for several months, and it seems to be doing fine. YMMV.