Freewheel installation help
 

Howdy - just got an eccentric ENO wheel to convert my old MTB, and had some newbie questions about proper installation of the freewheel.

1. Should the (Shimano BMX) freewheel thread on clockwise or counterclockwise? And do I need to use the freewheel removal tool to install the freewheel, or should it screw on easily by hand?
2. Do I need to grease the hub threads before installing the freewheel?
3. Is there anything else I should know before proceeding?

Many thanks!
Steven

1. clockwise. you can use the removal tool to install it, or just thread it on by hand and let your pedaling tighten it up.
2.yes.
3. shimano bmx freewheels suck. they're over packed with grease, hence how quiet they are, and the grease can cause premature pawl failure...

what freewheels would you recommend?

white industries. or acs claws if you don't want to spend the 60 to 90 dollars on a white industries one.

shimano's are nice though until they start popping and slipping under hard pedaling when the pawls crap out...

Thanks for the info, isotopesope. I figured the Shimano was a reasonable way to start, to see if my gearing selection is right.

Tried to install it as you described, but after about two turns the freewheel binds. Not sure if this means it's not on perfectly straight, or just needs more force to thread the rest of the way...don't want to screw up the threads...

I've never heard of such a thing as overgreasing??? Excess grease finds its way out, doesn't it? And how on earth could it screw up the pawls? :shrug:

My guess is that you've threaded the freewheel on slanted. Get it off, clean and inspect the threads. If all looks ok, regrease and spin it back on, making sure it's straight. It should go all the way easily by hand. It could also be that there is a minor imperfection in the threading that you just have to overcome by force.

mmmm cross threading

If so, the beuty of it is that the cheap frewheel is fine, it's the expensive, fussy-to-replace Al hub that's screwed:(

Well, overachiever that I am, I succeeded in cross-threading both the hub and the freewheel! Quick trip to my LBS and $10 later, threads are fixed and I'm back in business. So much for the mechanically disinclined...