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how to remove Freehub circle

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Old 04-21-26 | 03:53 PM
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how to remove Freehub circle

I am overhauling a Campy freehub body that uses a 17mm axle. I want to replace both of the cartridge bearings. The outermost bearing is out, was easy to remove. The other bearing is held in place with a circlip. Unfortunately it doesn't have holes for removal.
Trying to figure out how to remove it. Any advice ?
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Old 04-21-26 | 04:02 PM
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https://www.mcmaster.com/products/ci...ining-rings~~/
these are not easy to remove, and i've seen them used on campy parts before... most likely a 2 turn version... the trick is having a pick to get behind the end, once it's located... then keeping the end you started at from once again finding it's way back into the groove....
try this on a tiny piston wrist pin in a weed eater engine some time.
i recommended a new Short block, mostly
the hub you're dealing with will be worlds easier to sort out, i'd hope.

it may also be a plain spring wire type... the first step is finding the gap between the two ends of those... once again, a pick set is called for...that funny shaped one with the angles in it is your savior.... usually... the 90* one works sometimes too... and the straight awl pick can come in handy to find the ends, or get behind the partially removed ring...

and, there's a possibility that Campy Re-invented the wheel again... or hub, in this case... sigh.

Last edited by maddog34; 04-21-26 at 04:14 PM.
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Old 04-22-26 | 11:13 AM
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I want to replace both of the cartridge bearings
Good luck getting them out. Maddog34 is right that picks may be your only option. But you could bugger it up getting that bearing out.

I'm wondering if Campy designed it that way for a reason, they usually do. My guess is they didn't want it removed by the consumer. I'd call Campy and see what they say. Is the bearing making noise or not turning properly? If it isn't and you just want to replace/repack them 'just because', then, well, ok but then that that t​​ells me that Campy probably designed these right if the bearings are still performing.

Maddog34 is right about Campy zigging when everyone else is zagging. They sometimes do goofy things with design. My Delta Brakes are a classic example of Maddog34 saying, "and, there's a possibility that Campy Re-invented the wheel again... or hub, in this case... sigh."
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Old 04-22-26 | 12:19 PM
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I drilled a tiny hole in the cassette body and compressed the circlip with a pin.
Bearing drops right out after the circlip is removed.

Measure twice, drill once.
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Old 04-22-26 | 12:41 PM
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Old 04-25-26 | 08:38 AM
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Thanks Mackers,

I did the hole technique and it worked great.
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