Service or buy a new freewheel?
10-20-08, 09:18 PM
#1
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Service or buy a new freewheel?
The freewheel on my Torpado started sticking the other day. It got to the point where it would barely spin. I cleaned it as best I could, and then put in some WD-40 while spinning it. This helped out a lot, and it spins fairly well now. However, it still feels as though there is something inside it, like maybe some dirt or perhaps something is wrong with the bearings. In any case, is there an easy way to service the freewheel? Or should I perhaps just replace it? If I do decide to replace it, what are some good suggestions for a new freewheel? I have been looking at Reginas, but don't know which one to get. Right now I am running 13 14 15 16 17 19 20 on a Campy Record Hub.
Thanks!
Thanks!
10-20-08, 09:36 PM
#2
surly old man
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Even one as stout as Sheldon Brown did not recommend a real servicing of them.
But, fortunately, they usually do not need it. I would take the freewheel off the bike and spray/soak/spray it with WD-40. (Take it off because I would hate to get a solvent like that near my wheel bearings. And this will be messy.) Try to get in there with the spray as much as you can. Then let it dry out and try to drip in some light oil. This works surprisingly well.
And, keep in mind that the freewheel bearing is perhaps the least crucial bearing on the bike. It only comes into play when you are not pedaling. So good enough is good enough.
jim
But, fortunately, they usually do not need it. I would take the freewheel off the bike and spray/soak/spray it with WD-40. (Take it off because I would hate to get a solvent like that near my wheel bearings. And this will be messy.) Try to get in there with the spray as much as you can. Then let it dry out and try to drip in some light oil. This works surprisingly well.
And, keep in mind that the freewheel bearing is perhaps the least crucial bearing on the bike. It only comes into play when you are not pedaling. So good enough is good enough.
jim
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Cross Check Nexus7, IRO Mark V, Trek 620 Nexus7, Karate Monkey half fat, IRO Model 19 fixed, Amp Research B3, Surly 1x1 half fat fixed, and more...
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Cross Check Nexus7, IRO Mark V, Trek 620 Nexus7, Karate Monkey half fat, IRO Model 19 fixed, Amp Research B3, Surly 1x1 half fat fixed, and more...
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SB forever
10-20-08, 09:52 PM
#3
feros ferio
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I concur with Jim. I have had very good luck skipping the WD-40 and just dripping lightweight motor oil into the freewheel whilst turning its ratchet assembly.
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"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
10-21-08, 04:20 AM
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and I'll agree with ^both^, but if you are pretty sure there's still crud in the FW, I like to really soak the things in a coffee can with enough solvent to cover (kerosene, diesel, mineral spirits, WD40 all good) and then let them drain while spinning and flushing with more fluid. Flush from both sides, inboard and out, when the fluid runs clean either it's smooth and quiet or it's trash. Then I add a real lube (which WD40 is not). Pick your favorite: light motor oil, Triflow...
10-21-08, 05:27 AM
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South Carolina Ed
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It's not difficult to disassemble, clean, and regrease a freewheel. You can use a punch and hammer to unscrew the lock ring. There are lots of little bearings that will fall out and of course the palls(sp?). Clean it all and use grease to stick the bearings and palls back on their races and recesses, and reassemble.
10-21-08, 06:35 AM
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I've had good luck servicing freewheels. I run chain lube into the front side and spin it real good. I keep doing that until the lube drians out the back then I let it sit at an angle until it stops draining. I repeat the process until the lub draining out the back is normal color.
