Wobbly freewheel..
06-10-10 | 02:29 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2
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From: Wales UK
Bikes: Carrera kraken
Wobbly freewheel..
My freewheel is wobbling on my wheel and im wondering isit knackered? My friend said my bearings have gone on my wheel so does anyone reckon that might be the problem? Any comments would be appreciated.
New wheel £40.. Freewheel £40.. Lot of money that
New wheel £40.. Freewheel £40.. Lot of money that
06-10-10 | 02:31 PM
#2
Listen to me
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,787
Likes: 0
From: Lexus Texas
Freewheels dance.
Your "buddy" should mind his own.
There is nothing wrong with your bike.
See Sheldon B.'s website for verification.
Enjoy
Your "buddy" should mind his own.
There is nothing wrong with your bike.
See Sheldon B.'s website for verification.
Enjoy
Last edited by powers2b; 06-10-10 at 02:32 PM. Reason: Because I am the GOD of my posts
06-10-10 | 03:38 PM
#3
Real Men Ride Ordinaries
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,723
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I've even heard it's a feature, that the slight wiggle actually helps shifting. I'm not convinced the person was completely genuine, but it sounds somewhat reasonable.
06-10-10 | 03:55 PM
#4
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: New Rochelle, NY
Bikes: too many bikes from 1967 10s (5x2)Frejus to a Sumitomo Ti/Chorus aluminum 10s (10x2), plus one non-susp mtn bike I use as my commuter
It neither helps nor hurts shifting and is perfectly normal. It's the result of not perfectly alignment between the threads on hub and freewheel inner body, and the freewheel bearings causing the stationary outer body to oscillate slightly as the hub spins.
BTW- the same freewheel may run perfectly true on one hub and wobble on another. When we used to set up competition race bikes we used to switch things around trial and wrror until we found the least wobbly combinations.
BTW- the same freewheel may run perfectly true on one hub and wobble on another. When we used to set up competition race bikes we used to switch things around trial and wrror until we found the least wobbly combinations.
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FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
06-10-10 | 03:59 PM
#5
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Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Behind you, in the bushes.
It would help to know the brand/model and if it is actually a thread on freewheel and hub or a freehub/cassette style system.
As for a wiggle in the freewheel being a feature to help shifting.... I don't buy it. This "feature" reminds me of the sqeaking/creaking feature my wifes bike occasionally gets due to lack of maintenance. I just tell her that's the sound bikes make when they are running well....squeak, squeak, sqeak.
As for a wiggle in the freewheel being a feature to help shifting.... I don't buy it. This "feature" reminds me of the sqeaking/creaking feature my wifes bike occasionally gets due to lack of maintenance. I just tell her that's the sound bikes make when they are running well....squeak, squeak, sqeak.
06-10-10 | 04:04 PM
#6
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,518
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From: San Jose, California
Bikes: 2001 Tommasini Sintesi w/ Campagnolo Daytona 10 Speed
It neither helps nor hurts shifting and is perfectly normal. It's the result of not perfectly alignment between the threads on hub and freewheel inner body, and the freewheel bearings causing the stationary outer body to oscillate slightly as the hub spins.
BTW- the same freewheel may run perfectly true on one hub and wobble on another. When we used to set up competition race bikes we used to switch things around trial and wrror until we found the least wobbly combinations.
BTW- the same freewheel may run perfectly true on one hub and wobble on another. When we used to set up competition race bikes we used to switch things around trial and wrror until we found the least wobbly combinations.
Occurs with most generics and even entry level Campy and Shimano freewheel style hubs...
It's caused by imperfect machining of the inner cup race seats in one of the following three ways:
1. Left side machined one way off center - right side machined off the opposite way. Result is that the hub wobbles making it appear the freewheel is wobbling.
2. Left side machined one way off center - right side machined off the same way. Result is that the hub will rise and fall with each rotation of the wheel. Freewheel appears to do the same.
3. One side is machined on center - the other side is machined off center. Result is that one side of the hub will rise and fall. If it's the drive side as is usually the case - freewheel will appear to wobble.
If the freewheel is truly the source of the wobble - not the hub - and has noticeable play - freewheel is probably on it' last legs or needs an overhaul and adjustment.
=8-)
__________________
5000+ wheels built since 1984...
Disclaimer:
1. I do not claim to be an expert in bicycle mechanics despite my experience.
2. I like anyone will comment in other areas.
3. I do not own the preexisting concepts of DISH and ERD.
4. I will provide information as I always have to others that I believe will help them protect themselves from unscrupulous mechanics.
5. My all time favorite book is:
Kahane, Howard. Logic and Contemporary Rhetoric: The Use of Reason in Everyday Life
5000+ wheels built since 1984...
Disclaimer:
1. I do not claim to be an expert in bicycle mechanics despite my experience.
2. I like anyone will comment in other areas.
3. I do not own the preexisting concepts of DISH and ERD.
4. I will provide information as I always have to others that I believe will help them protect themselves from unscrupulous mechanics.
5. My all time favorite book is:
Kahane, Howard. Logic and Contemporary Rhetoric: The Use of Reason in Everyday Life
06-10-10 | 04:18 PM
#7
Listen to me
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Lexus Texas
06-10-10 | 04:45 PM
#8
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,518
Likes: 40
From: San Jose, California
Bikes: 2001 Tommasini Sintesi w/ Campagnolo Daytona 10 Speed
https://www.sheldonbrown.com/freewheels.html
Nothing there contradicted or conflicted with what I said regarding a freewheel with noticeable play...
Your statement seems out of place...unless you want to clarify...
=8-)
Nothing there contradicted or conflicted with what I said regarding a freewheel with noticeable play...
Your statement seems out of place...unless you want to clarify...
=8-)
__________________
5000+ wheels built since 1984...
Disclaimer:
1. I do not claim to be an expert in bicycle mechanics despite my experience.
2. I like anyone will comment in other areas.
3. I do not own the preexisting concepts of DISH and ERD.
4. I will provide information as I always have to others that I believe will help them protect themselves from unscrupulous mechanics.
5. My all time favorite book is:
Kahane, Howard. Logic and Contemporary Rhetoric: The Use of Reason in Everyday Life
5000+ wheels built since 1984...
Disclaimer:
1. I do not claim to be an expert in bicycle mechanics despite my experience.
2. I like anyone will comment in other areas.
3. I do not own the preexisting concepts of DISH and ERD.
4. I will provide information as I always have to others that I believe will help them protect themselves from unscrupulous mechanics.
5. My all time favorite book is:
Kahane, Howard. Logic and Contemporary Rhetoric: The Use of Reason in Everyday Life
06-10-10 | 05:01 PM
#9
Some guy with a bike
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 276
Likes: 0
From: California
I had this problem on my bike last year, before I had tools to call my own. Just before it started, I had the hub overhauled. It was wobbly enough to actually cause the chain to nearly skip when under enough load, usually up hills or in higher gears. And it would disappear for a while if I coasted. Anyway, I took it to another shop, and they weren't sure what was causing it, but they replaced the freewheel and chain, and it hasn't happened since. Replacing the freewheel will definitely fix it, but if it's not causing any real problems like mine did, I wouldn't worry about it.
06-12-10 | 11:21 AM
#11
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,559
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From: The 'Wack, BC, Canada
Bikes: Norco (2), Miyata, Canondale, Soma, Redline
Freewheels all do that funky dance and they all wobble around a very small amount if you grab the cogs and rattle them. There is some bearing play that lets them do this. The true test of if the freewheel is shot or not is how smoothly it rotates when you turn it backwards. If you feel a lot of grittiness or roughness then the bearings inside the freewheel are worn or rusted. Sometimes the gritiness can be flushed away and reoiled and it'll feel smooth. But only if you caught the issue early before it got too bad.
