toegrogg

Hi there - I've searched for this topic and read that Shimano freehubs are generally interchangeable. My question is if this is still the case with XT 770/775 freehubs. Specifically, I want to swap the freehubs on an XT 770 and XTR 965 hub.

Also, do I understand correctly that this requires a 10mm hex key after pulling the axle out? No other specialized tools?

Thanks in advance!

Gonzo Bob

techdocs.shimano.com is a good place to look up info like this for current parts.

Here are the exploded views of the two hubs. Note that there is even a "interchangeability" table in the parts lists of the FH-M770.

https://techdocs.shimano.com/media/te...9830646670.pdf

https://techdocs.shimano.com/media/te...9830608944.pdf

Looks like they are swappable. Yes, once the axle is out, you need a 10mm allen key to remove the freehub fixing bolt and that should be it.

greyghost_6

Well, yes to answer your question. But you will need a cone wrench and a 17mm wrench to re adjust the bearings on both hubs, and unless you are familiar with hub bearing adjusting this can be the most difficult part but a great learning experience. I have not done what you are attempting but have done freehub swaps on on many many other compatable hubs such as LX and older LX Parallax. Good luck!

toegrogg

Thanks for the link, Gonzo, it's helpful.

So... The new generation of XT has an oversized axle with locknuts that come apart with a 5mm allen key and a 17mm cone wrench. Cool design change, we'll see if it stands the test of time...

Anyways, the interesting bit is that because the axle is oversized, the freehub requires a 14mm allen key to remove (according to other shimano docs). 14mm? Where the heck am I going to get that!?!

Thanks for the tip greyghost, the adjustable and serviceable bearings are a big part of the reason that I stick with shimano hubs.

Gonzo Bob

I don't know if oversized axle freehubs are compatible with normal 10mm axle freehubs. Seems to me like they couldn't be as the fixing bolt for oversized has got to be larger for the axle to go thru. And a larger fixing bolt might require a different freehub.

toegrogg

Yup, I think you're correct - A closer look at the techdocs shows that the number of splines on the freehub body / hub shell interface is different as well. Ah well, it was worth a shot.

Thanks for the input folks...

badmother

Could you maybe find a bolt with a 14mm six sided head? Then epoxy or weld a nut to the other end of the bolt (or maybe two nuts seized against eachother) as a place to atach the allen key. If difficult maybe grind down two sides of the threaded end of the bolt for allen key or maybe shifting spanner (since this method would require a small and therefor short and weak allen key) attachment.

I did this twice (the 10mm type) and it was not at all stuck so if you are lucky..

Mine came loose after some time of use after this so make sure the new one is properly secured.

toegrogg

Good tip on fabricating a tool, thanks...

For the record, in case anyone is looking for this in the future, the new generation of shimano's XT / XTR freehub bodies (770/775/970/975) cannot be swapped with the previous generation (760/765/960/965) as the spline interface with the hub shell is different.