Originally Posted by
Andrew R Stewart
Sounds like on reassembly the axle spacers were not replaced in the OEM order or position. This should be a simple fix, revisit the assembly as already mentioned.
As to the FW's becoming grindy and loosing ratchet engagement the usual cause is grit/grime/rust preventing the tiny ratchet pawls from freely moving back and forth. If this bike saw wet weather and/or winter use after a couple of years (2020 to 2022) this exposure could be enough to cause this problem.
No location info offered so I can't say if road salt (winter riding) or sea salt (puddles on boardwalks/beach front trails) contributed. If so then it would quicken up the rusting of the freewheel's internals.
Most bike bits are made with the bike needs as the goal. Most hardware store washers don't have the OD, ID and thickness that bike specific ones have. If used as axle spacers a too big around (the OD) washer might rub on the inside of the freewheel, although most single speed freewheels have a large enough ID to clear big spacer washers. Multi speed freewheels often don't have that clearance space. Andy
I reassembled every part in the order I removed them. I did not lose any parts in the process.
Do you think the guys at the LBS lost spacer(s) or washer(s) when the bike was taken to them for servicing? If that was the case, how do I know what parts are lost? And what is the OEM order of assembling parts? I do not know anyone who owns the same make and model of bike to go and check.