How do I open this cassette?
#3
Edumacator




Joined: Jan 2018
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From: Goose Creek, SC
Bikes: More than the people who ride them...oy.
…as it is a freewheel it comes off as a unit.
1. Remove QR skewer
2. place tool in the notches completely
3. put skewer back on and tighten until the springs compress against the tool
4. place wrench/adjustable wrench on flats and pray it turns counterclockwise easily. If not, Kroil from the back!
Last edited by jdawginsc; 03-11-25 at 10:37 PM.
#4
Senior Member


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From: Phoenix, AZ
Bikes: 1964(?) Frejus Tour de France, 1967(?) Dawes Double Blue, 1979 Trek 710, 1982 Claud Butler Dalesman, 1983 Schwinn Paramount Elite, 1984 Miyata 1000, 2014 Brompton, maybe a couple more
That appears to be the technological predecessor of a cassette, commonly called a freewheel. Removing it is conceptually simple, you just need a Park FR-2 freewheel remover or equivalent and a large bench vise or equivalent, plus a lot of brute strength and a little bit of technique.
Actually disassembling it and reassembling it is more challenging. This one does not appear to be in a condition where it would need to be disassembled, but if it is actually broken then it is probably a lot cheaper to replace it than fix it.
Actually disassembling it and reassembling it is more challenging. This one does not appear to be in a condition where it would need to be disassembled, but if it is actually broken then it is probably a lot cheaper to replace it than fix it.
#6
Senior Member

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From: Oakland, CA
Bikes: '82 Univega Competizione, '72 Motobecane Grand Record, '83 Mercian KOM Touring, '85 Univega Alpina Uno, '76 Eisentraut Limited
Youtube is great for stuff like this. Just look up "disassemble freewheel" and you'll have a lot of hits. You can also search for a creator called "RJ the Bike Guy," who has a series of instructional videos on many basic bike maintenance topics.
Manufacturers from that era had proprietary methods, so your Suntour will come apart differently from Shimanos (and different Suntour models as well), so just be sure to research before deciding to tackle it.
Manufacturers from that era had proprietary methods, so your Suntour will come apart differently from Shimanos (and different Suntour models as well), so just be sure to research before deciding to tackle it.
Last edited by noobinsf; 03-11-25 at 10:58 PM.
#7
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From: Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada - burrrrr!
Bikes: 1958 Rabeneick 120D, 1968 Legnano Gran Premio, 196? Torpado Professional, 2000 Marinoni Piuma
Insert the freewheel tool and secure it just less than finger tight. Now, put the wheel in a vice, snug the vice up to freewheel tool and, using both hand, break the freewheel threaded fit loose. Just a wee bit loose. Remove the wheel from the vice and loosen the skewer a bit. Now, with the tool still installed, unthread it. Best of luck...


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#9
Bikes are okay, I guess.



Joined: Jan 2015
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From: Richmond, Virginia
Bikes: Waterford Paramount Touring, Raleigh Sports 3-speeds in M23 & L23, Schwinn Cimarron oddball build, Marin Palisades Trail dropbar conversion, Nishiki Cresta GT, Jeunet mixte
That is a SunTour Winner freewheel and there's a tool for the disassembly, in addition to the one you already know about for removal. I have one of these but this net photo is handier than me having to get off my butt and go into the cold garage to take pic for you. Good luck!
#10
Old fart



Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Appleton WI
Bikes: Several, mostly not name brands.
That's not a cassette; it's a SunTour "New Winner" freewheel. To remove it from the hub, you need the proper two-prong remover tool to fit the wide notches in the freewheel body. The other, narrower notches are to adjust the bearings, for which you need a special tool. Chances are, that will be unnecessary; if it is necessary, let a bike shop or Pastor Bob deal with it.


#11
Extraordinary Magnitude


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From: Waukesha WI
Bikes: 1978 Trek TX700; 1978/79 Trek 736; 1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1984 Schwinn Voyageur SP; 1985 Trek 620; 1985 Trek 720; 1986 Trek 400 Elance; 1987 Schwinn High Sierra; 1990 Miyata 1000LT
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Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
#13
Freewheel Medic



Joined: Oct 2005
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From: An Island on the Coast of GA!
Bikes: Snazzy* Schwinns, Classy Cannondales & a Super Pro Aero Lotus (* Ed.)
IMO, dripping oil is only a temporary solution. Something was causing it not to freewheel. It could be corrosion, contaminated grease, a broken bearing or pawl, or a combination of these causes. You may have caused a temporary fix only to run into trouble while out on a ride. Do yourself a favor and properly service this New Winner.
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Bob
Enjoying the GA coast all year long!
Thanks for visiting my website: www.freewheelspa.com
Bob
Enjoying the GA coast all year long!
Thanks for visiting my website: www.freewheelspa.com
#14
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From: Concord, NC
Bikes: 1984 Bianchi Tipo Corsa, 1985 Cannondale SM600 (24/26)
IMO, dripping oil is only a temporary solution. Something was causing it not to freewheel. It could be corrosion, contaminated grease, a broken bearing or pawl, or a combination of these causes. You may have caused a temporary fix only to run into trouble while out on a ride. Do yourself a favor and properly service this New Winner.





