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jadocs the noise does not get louder depending on the side I'm leaning on. The noise DOES get louder and more frequent a) the dirtier the cassette gets and b) as more power is applied to pedals.
I suspect it is the hub too, which is why I want to get the cassette off. I'd like to give the freehub a cleaning, and the cassette a solid cleaning too.
I suspect the lock ring has been over tightened through a combination of the LBS and me checking to make sure a loose cassette is not the issue for the noise.