Not sure what part to replace...
 

Hi all,

I recently acquired a beater. Everything seems to be working, albeit a "tad" rusty, but works. Only issue is the back wheel. There was a ring on the freewheel side that was all bent and making the wheel tilt and rub the frame. I don't know where the ring came from so I don't know what parts to replace or what tools to buy.

I have attached some pictures of the area and the ring in question. Please ask me questions if I haven't provided enough info. I just want this to be rideable right now, not pristine.

Thanks!

The picture is really fuzzy but it looks kinda like a roller bearing spacer ring, which has no place on a bicycle.

What happens when you put it together without the ring?

I'll try to take a better picture. With out the ring, the axle just flops around inside the hub. I did notice that there are no bearings in there at all (they go on the non freewheel side of the hub right). It seems whoever owned this busted those bearings, I could be totally wrong though.

Anyway, I'll shoot a new pic of the ring. Thanks!

Better pick of the ring, again, this came from the freewheel side.

No need. It is a ball bearing spacer. You need ball bearings on both sides. About 9 3/16" (maybe) balls on each side. But if the cones and races are totally fubar, there's no point. Best take this one to a real mechanic for an opinion (and parts if it can be saved).

Wouldn't a new skewer and bearings fix this issue? Or could the hub also be damaged?

first of all, id pull the axle and whatever parts are in there out and see what you have and what you don't. both bearing cones, enough ball bearings for both sides? id have to agree and think that just rebuilding the rear wheel with the missing bearings, and you outta replace them all at once, new bearing dust shields and perhaps new bearing cone races for the axle. make sure to examin hubs bearing surfaces and any other parts you plan to use again for damage or excessive wear. hope that helps.

That looks like one of the LOWEST end Freewheels off an Xmart type bike.
Most likely, it's ruined internally and can't be saved.

Look closely at the bearing races to see if it's missing "chunks"! That's quite common on these.

I assume the nut in the picture is the locknut. I am guessing that the previous owner managed to lose the axle nut along the way and loosened the locknut and used it to hold the wheel. I would pull the freewheel (looks like Shimano splines) and disassemble the hub, as those above recommended, to see what, if anything, can be salvaged.

The freewheel spins just fine, it appears to be the skewer or hub thats a messed up. What are the races?

I'm gonna take it all apart when I get the correct tools. Freewheel tool, cone wrenchs, etc.

Here is a pic of the inside of the hub from the freewheel (couldn't get the freewheel off, don't have the right tool) side, looks like the hub has been destroyed. Whats the easiest route here? New wheel?

New wheel is the easiest but most likely most expensive.

First you need to get terminology straight, you don't have a skewer, you have an axle. A skewer goes through the axle.

It is hard to say how bad the damage might be without disassembly. You should be able to pull the axle with the freewheel in place and see how it and the cones and bearings look. If all that is in decent shape, look at the non-drive-side cup to see if it is damaged. If it is OK either get a freewheel puller or have your LBS remove it for you (shouldn't cost much and you really don't need the puller to reinstall). Then get some new bearings and grease and put it back together. Park Tool web site has lost of info on how to do this (you will need a cone wrench of the right size).

Good luck and, even if you decide to just replace the wheel, it is a good exercise to at least disassemble so you get an idea what goes into a hub. They really aren't very complicated.

how hard is it to replace the hub? i know that would mean removing the spokes correct?

You'd need to remove all the spokes and relace the rim to a new hub. This is probably a bit more than you would want to get into at this point. As I said earlier, work on getting the axle out and see what it all looks like. You have nothing to lose at this point but a little time.

ok, i'm now extremely confused. what is the long threaded rod called? is that an axle? the bearing cup is on the hub no? there should be bearing cups on either end of the hub? both drive and non-drive?

i have the threaded rod out already. confused...

Try this

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/gloss_cn-z.html#cone

and here

http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=105

Ok, thanks for that dedhed. The picture on Sheldon Brown's site was very helpful.

I have attached a picture of what axle parts are left. I think I may tackle changing the hub, could be fun. The bike was free, so if I break it, no biggie.

Most likely the rim is also very low end.
A new hub would possibly/probably require different length spokes, so the cost gets really excessive vs buying a new pre-built wheel.

What I would do, is look for a low cost donor bike/wheel off craigslist or similar.
IF you have friction shifters, you may be able to shoehorn a 7 speed in between the dropouts.

Everything in the picture looks salvageable except the one washer that is toast. If you have all the bearings and they are reasonably smooth, I'd clean what you have and put it back together (you can pick up a replacement washer at your LBS but it isn't critical). It will only cost you some grease and will be a good learning experience. It will either turn really rough and you can keep it for a backup or it will ride OK and you're good to go. Either way, you will know how a hub goes together and you will have more confidence when you tackle the front hub (you were planning to service the front hub, weren't you?).

Thanks guys. But what about the hub? I'll try to get the freewheel off so you can see what I see. There should be a bearing cup underneath where the freewheel is correct? If so, that thing is toast as well. Thanks again!

It might not be. I've cleaned out the drive side cup without pulling the freewheel. Bamboo skewer and paper towel work fine. Getting the bearings back in is a pain but can be done. Or, have your LBS pull the freewheel for you (shouldn't cost much) or buy a freewheel puller (they are cheap). Again, I'm not guaranteeing you a workable wheel when your done but if it were me, I'd give it a try just to see if I could get it working. Then again, I have no problem shopping for bikes in dumpsters.

Well, I picked up a wheel and freewheel from my LBS for pretty cheaply. Bargain bin stuff, just slapping a tube and tire on there and good to go (I hope). I'm going to keep the old wheel for a while just for a learning tool, I'll also service the front hub. Thanks for all the help guys!