Wobbling freewheel?
 

I've got a sachs seven speen freewheel (pretty old but in relatively good shape) that wobbles a little on the axle when it's freewheeling. I was cleaning the bike and spun the back tire and noticed that the chain and cranks were moving ever-so-slightly. I looked closer and realized that, although everything spins fine when the freewheel is moving with the wheel (when you're pedaling), the freewheel moves up and down (maybe less that a millimeter) when the wheel spins freely. So my question is, is this a problem and is there a way to fix it? I'd rather not replace it, cause they don't seem to easy to find, and I've heard that Sachs are supposed to be pretty good. Thanks.

-Will

My stock Shimano (I think M475) one does that too. It doesnt affect shifting or coasting at all so I'm just going to leave it be.

The good news is they are adjustible. The bad news is it is a tedious process. I have done it several times myself, but if you can find a shop that will do it(old guys not new guys) then have them. If you have the guts to try it, it will generally go like this.

With the wheel off the bike, place it in a horizontal position, firmly on the bench. Preferrably, take a pin spanner of appropriate size and turn the lockring that centers around the axle. If that is not available, or the lockring is not movable, resort to a pin punch and light hammer. Do not use large hits, taps should suffice. If it does not respond right away, tap it the other way a few times then back.
Once inside there will be a lot of small ball bearings, so it is not advisable to allow the body to lift off the core unless you are going to overhaul( a long process). The bearing tension is adjusted by a layer of shimstock rings between the core and the lockring. I prefer to have another dismantled unit in stock to steal shims from, since they come in various thicknesses.
Locate the thinnest of the stack and remove it. Reinstall the lockring and tighten moderately(not jammed down but good and tight). Does it spin freely without play? Too tight? The solution lies in repeating that step as many times as is needed.
When you achieve satisfactory results, tighten it down tightly and reinstall the wheel. Enjoy.

It's not a problem unless the chain is jumping gears when you backpedal.

Most, if not all, freehweels and freehubs float a bit during coasting on the bearings.

Thanks for the info. So I don't have to worry about it getting worse if I don't fix it? It doesn't cause any problems, and sense it sounds like a pain to fix, I'll just leave it if it isn't going to mess anything up.

-Will

Leave it be. The worse that can happen is it will fail and you will have to replace it. There's really no fixing a freewheel unless you are a glutton for punishment. It certainly would be cheaper to replace one than pay someone to work on it.

Sweet, Thanks.

-Will