Freehub Issue
 

I have a new Shimano Dura-Ace, FH-7800 free hub with less than 1k miles that is giving me problems. After coasting during a ride and I began to pedal again to keep or increase pace, something seems to “slip” before I get to full load. I don’t experience the problem when the hub is under load, but just as the cassette begins to move forward. A riding friend suggested it may be that the yawls inside the hub are not engaging correctly. Does this make sense to anyone? Do I need to lube the hub or return it to my LBS?

If it's new - take it back to the store. Let them sort it out. I keep hearing about DA parts and components not working right.

Do you mean "pawls"?

I'm sure he did. But I like 'yawls' better.

:lol:

OOOOps...Yawl busted me. Sorry about that. I did mean pawl as you correctly ascertained!!!:twitchy:

Any chance that what you are experiencing is just the bike going faster than you are pedaling in the selected gear? If you pedal too slowly, the hub won't "catch" because you aren't rotating the pedals as fast as the freehub is rotating.

If the pawls really aren't catching properly and the hub is that new, have it warrantied. Dura Ace has a 3 year warranty period.

+the warranty route.

Here's a diagram of your wheel if it helps visualize potential problems:Shimano FH-7800.

If you aren't sure what pawls look like then see pic 2, 6 and 7 on this page for a good look (click on the pics for bigger ones) - those have 6 pawls on the hub, your wheels have 3 pawls on the freehub Good pics of freehub and pawls

Thanks to everyone that contributed to this thread. The comic relief of some of you was appreciated as was the technical contributions of e2py and HillRider (In response to your query HillRider, there is a slip of the pedals and a snapping sound just as the pedals come under load from the cassette.)
I refuse to go my LBS with a problem without first researching the forums because I like to intelligently communicate my problem to them and I like have an idea of what I can expect from them in response. Thanks again everyone.
;)

an excellent freehub lubricant
 

Without knowing the history of the FH it is hard to say why it is giving you trouble. Shimano's lubes tend not to be the best for to prevent water contamination. Was it exposed to rains ??

The mechanism used on the wh-7800 is very similar to that used on the Neuvation wheels. Neuvation has very little or no problems because they lube their FH's at the factory with the lubricant especially made for the light action found in freehubs that is produced by morningstartools.com.
I'd recommend pulling the wheel, remove the FH, clean it completely and then lube it with the FH "soup" produced there, the stuff gets rave reviews.

Happier trails, PM'star

Thanks Pm’star…No the hub has not been exposed to rain...yet!:) Although the hub has less than 1k miles on it…it might simply need to be cleaned and lubed. I’ll have the LBS access and address the problem, although it seems like an easy enough job...I might try doing it myself. Thanks for the insight into Morningstar’s “Soup” I’ll be sure to ask my LBS about it. ;)
Thanks again for your response.