Freewheel tool slipping
 

I've just received a Shimano freewheel remover tool. I attached the tool to the solid axle with the axle nut / washer. As I put medium pressure to the adjustable spanner the remover tool slips / clicks. The axle is slightly bent. Could the locknut be fouling / interfering with the remover tool? I'll try removing that first. Otherwise I think it should be possible to remove the axle completely and even service the bearings without removing the freewheel. The remover tool does not seem to have been damaged by my removal attempts.

Can you post photos of the freewheel and tool? That should help get some fast answers.

As its a Shimano freewheel / tool there should normally be little chance of the tool slipping / disengaging from the splines. Also there should be no reason for the freewheel mechanism itself to be slipping..IE you should be able to put a lot of torque on the freewheel / tool. It must be that the bent axle is causing the tool to somehow disengage and slip.

I'll post some photos tomorrow.

Verify it's actually a freewheel and that the tool is a freewheel tool not a cassette lockring tool.

freewheel?
 

Just to confirm: it is a freewheel you are removing - versus a cassette?

I only ask because - for example - the Park Tool FR1.3 (for a Shimano freewheel) has a slightly smaller diameter than the FR5/5.2 (for a Shimano cassette).

Yes, the locknut could be interfering with tool. I have found a bent axle sometimes prevents me from getting the freewheel tool on because the clearance is very tight to begin with and the bend makes it too close. In this case I remove the axle by removing the locknut and axle from the non-drive side first and then I can get the freewheel tool properly positioned.

Shimano has offered several mutually incompatible freewheel removers for their various freewheels. Which specific tool and freewheel are you using?

A new axle has arrived. Just concerned about replacing axle / bearings without being able to remove freewheel.

I’ll try removing just the drive side locknut first. The bent axle itself shouldn’t foul the remover tool.

I’m certain its a freewheel! No lockring present. Two pinholes to disassemble freewheel. Purchased a ’Shimano freewheel remover’ tool. It fits snugly well into freewheel body. Just slips with medium pressure. The Shimano cassette remover tool I also have definitely does not fit. I could compare number of splines and diameters.

If I remove locknut and axle from non drive side, what happens to the drive side cone? Does that come out through the freewheel?

Yes.

Just leave cone and locknut tight on DS, remove the locknut AND cone from NDS, pull axle from DS. This will leave your distance set by the DS cone and you'll need to adjust bearing preload any way you do it. You'll need a pencil magnet to get the bearings out of the DS. A solid axle isn't as critical on axle centering just so there is enough outside the drop out on each side for the nuts, unlike a QR axle where the axle must remain inside the dropout on both sides.

Might just be a poor quality tool too.
Pictures/FW model/tool model would help people see your issue.

Just removed axle completely (see photos). Removed bearings both sides. Used new axle to secure tool while attempting to undo. Tool still seems to slip the splines and click. My feeling is that it IS a poor quality tool (ebay). I have cleaned and can now replace the bearings & new axle without removing the freewheel. However, it would be nice to get the tool that does the job! The freewheel sounds a bit rough and has a bit of play. I've been drizzling W30 oil into the freewheel, but perhaps wet chain lube would be a bit thicker? Before removing the axle I forgot to measure the threads either side, but I'll aim for the same amount of axle protruding from each locknut. PS it looks like the small sprocket unscrews. Do they all unscrew? I have a uniglide freehub where the small cog is also the 'locknut', but I don't think its that.

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...44fab922b8.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...7e9b21e5c9.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...691c9ee05d.jpg

Looks like the cheap tool couldn't handle the torque to remove a tight freewheel

I would say... it's the wrong tool.. but my thought is, never buy tools on ebay.

fify

Could be a poor-quality no-name tool. I've also noticed that Falcon and Tiger freewheels (often found on low-end bikes) use a very similar, but slightly different splined remover tool. Perhaps your no-name tool is intended for Falcon or Tiger freewheels.

In any case, a new tool is needed. Get the official Shimano TL-FW30 or a reputable (e.g. VAR RL-41100 or Park FR-1.3) copy.

:lol: I've bought most of my tools on ebay, usually new and Park.

I enjoy following the used Park Tool market on ebay, some interesting tools that were discontinued.

I'll order the Shimano FW-30 or Parktool FR 1.3.
While I'm at it I'll get the same for Shimano Cassette removal. Mine gets stuck in the lockring each time I use it!