Originally Posted by
gerundium
I bought a cheap gear puller and that got it off. How it is possible i don't know since the bearings were replaced a couple months ago but the metal parts of the freehub bearings that slide over the axle had corroded. Leaving clear rings of corrosion on the axle (superficial, could be removed with some rubbing of a cloth). This probably caused enough expansion to clamp the freehub down on the axle. It took some force with the gear puller to get it off.
Ah yes, the spacer that if is left out, the wheel locks up completely when you tighten the QR. (Ask me how I know
)
The probably thought they were doing good completely degreasing your parts when they replaced your bearings.
Ticking could also be spoke or rim. Something rim joints will tick too if it's an Al rim.