My rear hub is making popping noises and has occasionally sounded like metal grinding or something of that nature. The wheel still spins freely without a lot of noise. Yet when I am pedaling there is constant noise, when I put a lot of pressure on the pedals I get that medal grinding noise. I noticed that I can see some of the splines on the freehub body between the wheel and the cassette. I didn't think this was normal but then again I've never really paid attention to it. Is this normal for some of the splines to be showing? My shifting hasn't really been off that would make me think the cassette has moved but maybe it has moved only slightly somehow. Also, what would it entitle for an LBS to check out the hub? Would they have to tear apart the wheel, check out the hub, then rebuild it? By the way, all of these noises are for sure in the rear hub area of my bike so don't tell me to check my pedals/bb/handlebars

What kind of hub?
They can remove the frrehub or service the hub without taking the wheel apart.

Rev. Chuck is right. Take it in to your local shop for a check-up and diagnosis - it could be as simple as a loose cassette lock ring or as bad as...

The last time I had the Rice Krispies sound in a hub, I opened it up to find that 3 of the ball bearings had snapped in half. Simple fix, no more snap, crackle, pop.

It is a speedcific rear hub. I rode today and I didnt hear it. Of course it was raining so I was rushing to get back home and wasn't listening for it. I might have to see tomorrow if the sound is still there then take it in for a check up. The hub has probably around 1000 miles or so, it should hardly be having any problems.