Freewheel issue
12-24-11 | 10:42 AM
#1
Thread Starter
In the right lane
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 9,556
Likes: 8
From: Des Moines
Bikes: 1974 Huffy 3 speed
Freewheel issue
Never experienced this before. Just took a new build out for a spin.
Then noticed that the 5 speed freewheel doesn't always move the wheel itself.
To me sounds like I need a new freewheel. Most freewheels I've ever used are so gummed up this is not a problem.
Perhaps I could just add some thick oil to the pawls?
Then noticed that the 5 speed freewheel doesn't always move the wheel itself.
To me sounds like I need a new freewheel. Most freewheels I've ever used are so gummed up this is not a problem.
Perhaps I could just add some thick oil to the pawls?
12-24-11 | 10:51 AM
#2
Old fart
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 26,361
Likes: 5,271
From: Appleton WI
Bikes: Several, mostly not name brands.
Flush the freewheel out with some light solvent, let it dry out (or blow it dry if you have compressed air available) and then run some light oil into the body.
12-25-11 | 06:45 PM
#3
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 39,897
Likes: 3,865
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
+1, Freewheels respond amazingly well to flush and relube. The only thing to add, is to remove it so you don't make a mess. Also immersion and a long soak in solvent (mineral spirits or naphtha), will help loosed dried grease and dirt so that it rinses out with some gentle agitation. Then drain or dry as John suggests, and work some oil in through the upper gap while the freewheel is lying flat on a paper towel.
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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
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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.
12-25-11 | 08:25 PM
#5
"Purgatory Central"
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,757
Likes: 4
From: beautiful "Cypress Gardens" florida
I think what he means is the pawls are sometimes not engaging the ratchet drum. Prolly gummed up so much they dont engage. Like 'john thopson and 'FB' said, flush and relube the freewheel. Immerse it in a bucket of mineral spirits for a few days to loosen and disolve the old deposits, let it drip dry or help it with compressed air, then let some clean oil seep into it. Its what I did on mine and worked perfect.
12-25-11 | 08:51 PM
#6
Senior Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,200
Likes: 122
From: Southern California
I've flushed freewheels with WD-40 to remove the old lubricant and crud, and does a decent job, but not as good as a full immersion. To lube, I've used a thicker/stickier oil, Phil Wood's Tenacious Oil. You could buy freewheel grease injector, if that is your thing: https://www.bikepartsplace.com/discou...injector-tool/
