Freewheel Removal Challenge
 

I found an old Fuji road bike on the street recently. I'd like to remove the freewheel but I don't even know if the tool exists anymore to remove it. There are 24 splines inside the freewheel where the tool should go. Park's website doesn't list any tools to do the job.

Even though there's only 5 cogs on the freewheel there are some threads where a sixth cog could have been. I removed the axle but no parts from the freewheel itself.

Is there a way to remove the freewheel without the tool? I'm perfectly fine with destroying the freewheel to get it off.

Thanks.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3631/...5cedf9.jpg?v=0

http://www.flickr.com/photos/43353635@N00/3464704542/

Try your local LBS(s), esp the older shops, and see if they have either the Bicycle Research CT-3 or VAR Normandy freewheel remover tool and/or have them take it off. Paying the few dollars for removal will save you time and possible self-inflicted injuries.

Can do a search to find how to destruction removal of the freewheel or read Sheldon's article:
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/freewheels.html#disassembly

Heh. The 73 Varsity I picked up this weekend appears to the same, or similar, splines. If you can live with the cogs that are on there, just spray a bunch o' spray lube (I used some teflon stuff) on the joint between the spinning and stationary bits and just work it in. Worked pretty good for the Schwinn.

There is a way to remove a freewheel by destroying it. Check the Gospel according to Sheldon Brown. I think he described that method.

You need this tool:
http://www.biketoolsetc.com/index.cg..._id=VR-RL40500

Out Of Stock. Best to go to a bike-shop that works on a lot of different bikes. Not just the 'Bling!' ones. They should have the tool.

In my case I just sprayed teflon lube into the freewheel. No, I never got it off, but now it works.

That's a Maillard freewheel. I have a removal tool to fit that, (Bicycle Research I think) but I think I've only had to use it about twice in the last four years or so. Any LBS that works on vintage bikes should have a removal tool for it.
The tool is still available from UBS.

Dan is right, which means this is not the original wheel. Or at least the freewheel has been changed, but probably the whole wheel. I have the tool, too, in case you want to borrow it.

Go to a bike shop and they'll take it off for you otherwise you buy the socket a at a bike shop and put the socket in a vise and turn the wheel and the freewheel comes off.