Originally Posted by
ennchicago
I am trying to remove my 7-speed freewheel to clean it thoroughly.
What are you trying to achieve?
Shining, immaculate sprockets?
Q-tip cleaned driveside flange?
All the important activity happens INSIDE the freewheel, which you won't get to by removing it from the wheel.
Freewheels can be disassembled and cleaned, but are usually simply replaced as a unit.
If needed, you can get pretty much the same results by flushing the freewheel.
Flushing a f/w is easier done, if messier, with the f/w left in place, as spinning it a little makes it easier to work the solvent through.