Freewheel Stuck on Wheel
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2020
Posts: 2
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Freewheel Stuck on Wheel
Hi,
I am in need with any tips for getting my freewheel off of my bike. The bike is an old apollo guru.
I have bought the 12 tooth freewheel removal tool, and it fits perfectly inside the freewheel.
However, I am putting as much force as I can into it, with a 10 inch wrench, in an anti clockwise direction.
Is there something I am doing wrong?
There is a spacer and nut on the shaft, and the freewheel tool fits around it without hitting it. I have tried removing this bolt and then using the freewheel tool too, but no luck.
From the image it can be seen it is a nervar freewheel.
I have seen that there are different types of 12 tooth freewheel adapter tools, although I am assuming as mine fits perfectly in that it is the correct one?
I tried to attach images, but it won't allow me until I have made 10 posts?
Apologies if this has already been a post, I have searched the internet thoroughly for a similar post but have found no solutions.
Any help will be greatly appreciated
,
I am in need with any tips for getting my freewheel off of my bike. The bike is an old apollo guru.
I have bought the 12 tooth freewheel removal tool, and it fits perfectly inside the freewheel.
However, I am putting as much force as I can into it, with a 10 inch wrench, in an anti clockwise direction.
Is there something I am doing wrong?
There is a spacer and nut on the shaft, and the freewheel tool fits around it without hitting it. I have tried removing this bolt and then using the freewheel tool too, but no luck.
From the image it can be seen it is a nervar freewheel.
I have seen that there are different types of 12 tooth freewheel adapter tools, although I am assuming as mine fits perfectly in that it is the correct one?
I tried to attach images, but it won't allow me until I have made 10 posts?
Apologies if this has already been a post, I have searched the internet thoroughly for a similar post but have found no solutions.
Any help will be greatly appreciated
,
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 8,688
Mentioned: 46 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1074 Post(s)
Liked 295 Times
in
222 Posts
Freewheels tighten by pedalling action. They can be on wickedly tight.
The preferred method of removal is to find a sturdy vise mounted to a sturdy bench anchored to a sturdy wall. Then stick the freewheel puller in the vise, put the wheel on top. Grasp rim like a bus driver turning hard left. Failing that, stick a cheater bar on the wrench, position the wheel in a corner so that unscrewing action will force it against a wall and twist. Or stomp on the cheater bar.
The preferred method of removal is to find a sturdy vise mounted to a sturdy bench anchored to a sturdy wall. Then stick the freewheel puller in the vise, put the wheel on top. Grasp rim like a bus driver turning hard left. Failing that, stick a cheater bar on the wrench, position the wheel in a corner so that unscrewing action will force it against a wall and twist. Or stomp on the cheater bar.
Likes For dabac:
#3
Touring Rocks
If the tool fits right, put the tool in a bench vise facing up, put the wheel down on the tool and turn the wheel. If there is room, put a wheel nut to hold the tool in place and when the freewheel releases (snap!) take off the nut and thread the freewheel off the rest of the way.
#5
Really Old Senior Member
+1
A 16" wrench might not do it, but I wouldn't even think about trying a 10".
I had to do a bit of work with a triangular shaped file to make a 1" combination wrench fit ALL my PARK FW tools, but it works well. Pick up a cheapie at the pawn shop.
A 16" wrench might not do it, but I wouldn't even think about trying a 10".
I had to do a bit of work with a triangular shaped file to make a 1" combination wrench fit ALL my PARK FW tools, but it works well. Pick up a cheapie at the pawn shop.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Napa Valley, CA
Posts: 908
Bikes: Wife says I have too many :-)
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 327 Post(s)
Liked 248 Times
in
158 Posts
Freewheels tighten by pedalling action. They can be on wickedly tight.
The preferred method of removal is to find a sturdy vise mounted to a sturdy bench anchored to a sturdy wall. Then stick the freewheel puller in the vise, put the wheel on top. Grasp rim like a bus driver turning hard left. Failing that, stick a cheater bar on the wrench, position the wheel in a corner so that unscrewing action will force it against a wall and twist. Or stomp on the cheater bar.
The preferred method of removal is to find a sturdy vise mounted to a sturdy bench anchored to a sturdy wall. Then stick the freewheel puller in the vise, put the wheel on top. Grasp rim like a bus driver turning hard left. Failing that, stick a cheater bar on the wrench, position the wheel in a corner so that unscrewing action will force it against a wall and twist. Or stomp on the cheater bar.
I have used this method myself of using the vise and turning the wheel when it is on so tight. Still takes some gusto though sometimes !
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 33,656
Bikes: '96 Litespeed Catalyst, '05 Litespeed Firenze, '06 Litespeed Tuscany, '20 Surly Midnight Special, All are 3x10. It is hilly around here!
Mentioned: 39 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2026 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1,095 Times
in
741 Posts
Quite right. I've used a 24" 1/2-square drive breaker bar and a socket over the remover tool and also the bench vise technique. Both give a huge increase in torque compared to a 10" wrench. If all you have is that 10" wrench, one possibility is to rap hard on the end of the wrench with a heavy mallet. Sometimes shock will loosen things that steady pressure won't.
Likes For davidad:
#9
Senior Member
Using the straw on a can of WD40, LiquidWrench, PB Blaster, etc. saturate the area between the largest cog and the hub. Allow the wheel to lay flat (and level) with the freewheel side down while you have a beer and a PowerBar. After your snack, try again. I have found the "tool in the vise" method works the best for me. Use caution if using a wrench on the removal tool. If ithe removal tool slips off while applying "gorilla" force to the wrench, you'll be in for a rude awakening! If the wheel has hollow axles, putting the QR back in to hold the removal tool in place can prevent that issue. Not too tight tho, just enough to hold the removal tool in place while "breaking it loose"!
Likes For sovende:
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 712
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 283 Post(s)
Liked 262 Times
in
164 Posts
I would go for more leverage before whacking things with a hammer. You don't want to find a weak spot in one of the rim's / hub's spoke holes. +1 to Sovende on putting the QR back on loosely if you can.
#12
n00b
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 1,397
Bikes: Surly Karate Monkey, Twin Six Standard Rando
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 428 Post(s)
Liked 466 Times
in
273 Posts
I would never even consider trying to remove a freewheel with a wrench. that sounds like a waste of time. always clamp the tool in a vice and put the wheel on the tool, using the wheel for leverage. if you don't have a bench vice, surely a neighbor has one you can use for five minutes.
Likes For mack_turtle:
#13
señor miembro
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Pac NW
Posts: 8,237
Bikes: '70s - '80s Campagnolo
Mentioned: 92 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3846 Post(s)
Liked 6,437 Times
in
3,183 Posts
I use an adjustable wrench. That's all that's needed most of the time. Sometimes I use my neighbor's bench vise and "turn the big bus to the left."
Most often with stubborn freewheels, I hit the end of my wrench with my sledgehammer a few times. Works really well. Make sure the skewer is holding the removal tool securely.
If they're so stuck not even a cheater bar will work, you may need to disassemble the freewheel, use a penetrating oil, let sit, and then try some channel lock pliers and cheater bar on the remaining freewheel body.
Most often with stubborn freewheels, I hit the end of my wrench with my sledgehammer a few times. Works really well. Make sure the skewer is holding the removal tool securely.
If they're so stuck not even a cheater bar will work, you may need to disassemble the freewheel, use a penetrating oil, let sit, and then try some channel lock pliers and cheater bar on the remaining freewheel body.
#14
It's MY mountain
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Mt.Diablo
Posts: 9,991
Bikes: Klein, Merckx, Trek
Mentioned: 70 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4311 Post(s)
Liked 2,954 Times
in
1,601 Posts
I guess "double-wrench and jumping on it" is a lost art form.
Likes For DiabloScott:
#16
Senior Member
Spray some WD-40 into the hub/freewheel interface, then hit it quick with a propane torch. 2-3 seconds tops. The heat will vaporize the solvent and drive it into the hub threads, and a little heat always helps loosen up threads. Saw my old bike mechanic do this. I thought he was nuts, but dang if it didn't work!
#17
Very Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Always on the Run
Posts: 1,211
Bikes: Giant Quasar & Fuji Roubaix
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 413 Post(s)
Liked 343 Times
in
244 Posts
I used a cordless Dewalt impact driver the last time I took one off. No sweat, it came loose easy with no busted or scraped knuckles. I might have done the vise method, but I had the impact and I don't have a vise. Good luck
Likes For Bigbus:
#18
I'm good to go!
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 14,811
Bikes: Tarmac Disc Comp Di2 - 2020
Mentioned: 50 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6100 Post(s)
Liked 4,732 Times
in
3,262 Posts
You do have a bench vise? No self-respecting DIYer should be without one.
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: San Jose (Willow Glen) Ca
Posts: 9,856
Bikes: Kirk Custom JK Special, '84 Team Miyata,(dura ace old school) 80?? SR Semi-Pro 600 Arabesque
Mentioned: 104 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2304 Post(s)
Liked 2,741 Times
in
1,499 Posts
I would never even consider trying to remove a freewheel with a wrench. that sounds like a waste of time. always clamp the tool in a vice and put the wheel on the tool, using the wheel for leverage. if you don't have a bench vice, surely a neighbor has one you can use for five minutes.
__________________
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
#21
Droid on a mission
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Palm Coast, FL
Posts: 1,002
Bikes: Diamondback Wildwood Classic
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 315 Post(s)
Liked 276 Times
in
191 Posts
While we have a bench vise at the shop but when we set up our field portable shop that is not an option so we user a 24" breaker bar with the proper socket to fit the freewheel removal tool and the wheel firmly planted on the ground and up against a wall at the same time....works like a charm
__________________
JoeTBM (The Bike Man) - I'm a black & white type of guy, the only gray in my life is the hair on my head
www.TheBikeMenOfFlaglerCounty.com
JoeTBM (The Bike Man) - I'm a black & white type of guy, the only gray in my life is the hair on my head
www.TheBikeMenOfFlaglerCounty.com
Last edited by JoeTBM; 10-24-20 at 01:30 AM.