BirdsBikeBinocs

So my 40lb. beast, the Schwinn city runner, was making some noise at the cog. I decided to tackle it today. I figured I could handle tacking the wheel off and tear it down to a point I could clean it, maybe tighten it as it had some play. It was sort of grinding when I was in a coast. It got worse over the past couple or 3 days so something had to be done.

Ended up taking the skure, the axle out and the bearings just started dropping out. lol. So, I ended up taking all the bearings out and God only knows how anyone could get them back in place.

And now I'm at a point where I need the special tool to get the cog apart. I'm screwed. Now I'm not even sure which way the axle feeds through the hub and a washer feel out too. I might be able to piece it back together but I think I'm over my head.

The bearings... omg... laughing. My bike... omg.... crying. ....Ha.!! Can anyone tell me where I'm at and where I went wrong.??

trailangel

I see what the problem is

Andrew R Stewart 

Let's see, you tried to do something you had little idea how to do or the possible complications and rapidly fell behind of the situation.

Some here will try to talk you through the possible repairs and you might struggle through them. Of course some tools and parts will be needed and if you can't assess the condition of certain parts your results will be sub par. So I suggest you will be better off by letting a LBS help you out. I suspect a replacement wheel will be the likely estimate. Broken axles (for how long? we don't really know) can be replaced but other potential wheel conditions (rim, spokes, hub bearing cups) often make a complete wheel replacement the best long term investment. Andy

BirdsBikeBinocs

Well, I never looked at it that way said the spider as he walked across the mirror.

Andrew R Stewart 

Or as I like to say- "I see" Said the blind man to the deaf woman. Andy (hoping I haven't just done a PC no no)

BirdsBikeBinocs

Nah... Near as I can tell you can let it fly here. Which is very refreshing I might add.

AnkleWork

Did you actually unthread a locknut and cone? I'm guessing 'no' and that your axle is broken. If so, collect the loose parts and take them with the wheel to a bike shop and ask them to install a new axle and bearings.

BirdsBikeBinocs

I'm going to say yes to the lock nut and cone. 2 nuts on each end of the axle. I figured the axle had to come out to get to the cog.

I think I'll bring the parts to the LBS, see what they say. Worst case I can get close to the same bike at Walmart for $200.

I use the bike for local errands and appointments in combination with public transportation. It's a city runner.

nfmisso

no
You can get a replacement wheel on Amazon for < $50-. If you tell us the size of the wheel and tire and share some pictures, we will be able to be more specific.

BirdsBikeBinocs

Thanks buddy. I took the parts and the wheel up the road to the bike shop. The free wheel is toast. Grinding with a lot of play. He ordered some parts(part) and I'll have it back and ready to go Wednesday.

Certainly a learning project for me, which is great. You'd think a bicycle is basic mechanics but inside that wheel, the hub, there's a lot going on. I'll pay closer attention next time.

AtNjineer

xiaoman1 

BBB,
Just a followup...Trollheim is the place that is meant to be refreshing and to get refreshed.
Jm2c's, Ben

exmechanic89

I agree - take it to a shop. They probably won't charge you anything to take a look and make a recommendation. I also agree that in the end, a wheel replacement will likely be the most economical solution.

BirdsBikeBinocs

When you say a wheel replacement, would that wheel come with the cassette and axle in a way I could simply put it on my bike and ride.?? Rider ready, so to speak.??

Andrew R Stewart 

No. The wheel is not likely to come with a cassette (how would the wheel maker know which cassette you want/need). Wheels do come with axles of the type speced in the product description.The usual is to have the original cassette (and rubber) transferred over to the new wheel. Then who ever installs it on the bike needs to check (and correct as needed) the rear brake and rear der adjustments to work properly with the new arrangement. If this is unknown, unable to be done by the bike's owner or if the owner hasn't the proper tools and won't buy them and find out how to do all this then the shop that sells you the wheel can do all this for you. (and that's hard to accomplish if the "shop" is a mail/on line one and not a nearby brick and mortar one).

For the best plug and play have the shop do all. For the least cost (at the risk of the least result) do it yourself. Andy