freehub troubles
 

Hey folks. I'm starting to think that the freehub body on my wheel is beginning to give up the ghost. Seemingly at random, I'll hear a -CLUNK- coming from the rear of the bike and it feels like the freehub fails to engage for a split second. I'm guessing one of the pawls is worn out or something? I can't really think of anything else it could be.

This has happened maybe 5 or 6 times thus far, but it happened twice on the 60 mile ride I did today, so I'm starting to get nervous. It hasn't caused me any trouble, but I would hate to be stranded when I'm 30 miles from home.

The hub is an 8 speed Shimano 600, the model just before 600 became Ultegra I believe (it has the 3 green and blue blocks on the label). Can I just get any old Shimano 8 or 9 speed freehub body and slap it on there or is there going to be compatibility issues?

You might just need to clean and regrease the pawls and bearings. Disassemble the rear hub and freehub body and check it out. Don't use a thick grease on the pawls. Try white lithium grease. I have brought back a lot of freehub bodies and freewheels by rebuilding in this way.

Cool. 2 questions: Do I need any special tools to take the freehub apart and will the green Park grease work ok?

You're not going to take the freehub apart. Take it off the hub and then lube it like crazy to flush out the contaminants then reinstall.

Alternatively you can get a new freehub if that fails.

If I don't take it apart how do I get the grease in there, should I use Phil oil instead?

edit: I just answered my own question on the parktool site. should have done that before making this thread.