I have some questions but only a couple for now.Im working on a woman's 37 year old schwinn le tour III.If I buy a new free wheel how do I know it fits before I buy it. If a free wheel comes off with a particular tool can only a free wheel that is of that tool be reinstalled. Thanks

There are probably a dozen fairly common different freewheel remover tools, but the one for your schwinn is likely a one of the very common ones. Post a closeup pic of it the old freewheel, with the wheel removed from the bike, and we'll be able to tell you which one to get. Also know that the freewheel will be much easier to remove if you have a bench vise in which to clamp the freewheel tool.

Once removed, you can install any "English threaded" freewheel (the most common kind) on your old hub; no tool is needed for installation, only removal. To install, just grease the threads, spin it on, and the first time you ride it, the force of pedaling tightens it up.

Hi. There are other standards out there for freewheel threading, but you'd have to really go out of your way to find one. Any new freewheel you buy in the US is going to be standard threading for the US.

You just want to look for a freewheel (not free hub cassette) of the same number of speeds (except for 5-speed and Ultra 6 -- see link). Aside from 6/Ultra 6, other freewheels up to 8 speed are going to be interchangeable. I'm going to guess you have a 5 speed freewheel.

The only deal with the removal tool is that if you buy a tool, it would be nice to buy a freewheel with the same tool standard. Your ability to remove the freewheel (with the right tool) is the only issue--it does not affect interchangeability on the wheel.

You don't need a tool to install a freewheel. You just lube the threads on the hub and spin it on. JUST DONT CROSS THREAD IT!!!! The first time you ride it, it will feel like it's slipping as it tightens down. After a few cranks, you're good to go.

See here for more info: Traditional Thread-on Freewheels

EDIT: By the way, you may want to watch that the freewheel you buy has the same range of speeds (tooth counts) as the freewheel you remove. This will obviate the need to change the length of the chain.

For example, the 1978 Le Tour III came with a 14-28 (highest gear 14 teeth, lowest gear 28 teeth).

EDIT 2: OTOH, you'll learn a lot more if you install a new chain or have to change the length.

If you figure on removing a freewheel just this once, or it's an obscure tool type(unlikely) I just have the shop remove it and pay the $5 they charge.

Said by the guy with 4 different freewheel tools.

Do you need to replace the freewheel? Most of the time, old freewheels will work fine if you place the wheel flat and drip oil into the freewheel while turning it.

If you suspect the old freewheel teeth are worn out, wait to see how it works while riding. Often old bikes were not ridden enough to wear out. If the old freewheel is black and greasy, well, they all look that way after awhile, unless you're really obsessive about cleaning.

Ha! I've got 6

Take it to a shop to find the right tool. There are at least two different "2-notch" tools that are more or less indistinguishable visually.

As already mentioned, there are many different freewheel tools available. You must use the right one and use it correctly. Over the years, these have all found their way into my tool box and I have had need to use every one...



Best advice I can offer is, simply, to get a shop to remove the freewheel, using the correct tool. Then buy the identical tool for yourself, unless you plan to never take the FW off yourself. One warning, if that is a fair way to say this - try to avoid prong pullers, be they fitted with two or even four prongss. When you get your new freewheel, seek one that uses a splined pattern. They are less likely to slip or shatter...

Another tip for notch pullers I haven't seen here yet is this: Before you try unscrewing the FW put the QR skewer back on over the puller and make it almost snug. This helps keep the tool's prongs from slipping out of the notches.

I use a large adjustable wrench on the tool, then whack the free end of the wrench with a rubber-coated dead-weight mallet. It may take several whacks. Works like a charm.

Thanks for the help.I ride the twin brother of this bike.I would like to change the free wheel to help me climb in the hills.Im also going to buy new wheels for the project bike.And when my wife finds out I have a lower gear than her,she will want one.So I will be changing out free wheels on both bikes.I bought the tool yesterday.