Open freehub roadbike
07-30-22, 02:12 AM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 140
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 99 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 9 Times
in
7 Posts
Open freehub roadbike
How do I remove / open this freehub?, its making grinding noise when pressed down and turned. I see it has 2 notches inside but I dont have a tool for this.
Or if it cannor be opened, do I clean it with some degreaser? And how would I put new grease inside if I cannot open it?
Or if it cannor be opened, do I clean it with some degreaser? And how would I put new grease inside if I cannot open it?
Last edited by utoner34; 07-30-22 at 02:47 AM.
07-30-22, 09:16 AM
#2
more daylight today!
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 12,216
Bikes: Tarmac Disc Comp Di2 - 2020
Mentioned: 43 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5005 Post(s)
Liked 3,513 Times
in
2,438 Posts
If it doesn't just pull straight off the hub, then I'll suppose you have to find a tool to fit those notches.
You don't.
Freewheels and free hubs only work when you are coasting and for the brief moment it takes to engage the pawls when you are beginning to pedal.
Unless by chance you ride in mud up to the hubs, I'm betting once you get in there you'll find everything reasonably clean. Though the oil or very light lube might be black with aluminum oxide or something.
If you do clean it all out, just use a light lube on the pawls and the internals in general to protect from corrosion and maybe put some very light grease on the bearings... but not much.
Maybe some better information will come along soon, but being a weekend many others are out riding.
Or if it cannor be opened, do I clean it with some degreaser? And how would I put new grease inside if I cannot open it?
Freewheels and free hubs only work when you are coasting and for the brief moment it takes to engage the pawls when you are beginning to pedal.
Unless by chance you ride in mud up to the hubs, I'm betting once you get in there you'll find everything reasonably clean. Though the oil or very light lube might be black with aluminum oxide or something.
If you do clean it all out, just use a light lube on the pawls and the internals in general to protect from corrosion and maybe put some very light grease on the bearings... but not much.
Maybe some better information will come along soon, but being a weekend many others are out riding.
Last edited by Iride01; 07-30-22 at 09:20 AM.
07-30-22, 09:44 AM
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Nor-Cal
Posts: 3,767
Bikes: lots
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1954 Post(s)
Liked 2,925 Times
in
1,488 Posts
Definitely NOT the 2 notches. You managed to post 7 photos but haven't mentioned the brand of hub. It looks pretty Shimano-ish so I'd be thinking a 10 or 11or 12mm allen to remove.
07-30-22, 09:51 AM
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Southern California
Posts: 2,161
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 101 Post(s)
Liked 101 Times
in
79 Posts
The removal of the freehub is brand specific, but check out this from Park Tool:
https://www.parktool.com/en-us/blog/...reehub-service
The site also discusses cleaning and lubing the freehub body.
https://www.parktool.com/en-us/blog/...reehub-service
The site also discusses cleaning and lubing the freehub body.
07-31-22, 11:06 AM
#6
Senior Member
Originally Posted by cxwrench
Definitely NOT the 2 notches. You managed to post 7 photos but haven't mentioned the brand of hub. It looks pretty Shimano-ish so I'd be thinking a 10 or 11or 12mm allen to remove.
The second photo by the OP doesn’t seem to indicate that there’s any hexagonal flats for an Allen wrench of any size to engage. Removing the notched piece will (should ?) expose the outer bearing race. The outer (splined) component of the freehub can be removed BUT the inboard bearings if not caged, will go every which way 
. Perhaps this is a “knock off” freehub that was never intended to be removed without complete disassembly.
08-01-22, 12:37 AM
#7
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 140
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 99 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 9 Times
in
7 Posts
Actually it was an allen key after all. It looked like inner is rounded so I assumed allen key was noy used but when inserted it would still fit into place and I managed to open it.
08-01-22, 08:01 AM
#8
Senior Member
Originally Posted by utoner34
Actually it was an allen key after all. It looked like inner is rounded so I assumed allen key was noy used but when inserted it would still fit into place and I managed to open it.
I guess appearances can be deceiving 
. Glad that you were able to get it off without taking it apart!
