Freewheel cluster lock ring?
10-20-19, 04:54 PM
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Freewheel cluster lock ring?
I'm assuming that this ring on top of the smallest cog is a lock ring, and that I have to remove it before I can apply my chain whips to unscrew the top cog? Haven't seen one like this before. Is there a special tool needed? Shimano fwiw.
10-20-19, 05:20 PM
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Oh, I have the freewheel tool to remove the freewheel from the wheel ... but I also want to disassemble the cluster. I'm familiar with using two chain whips to unscrew the top cog, but I'm not sure what to do with (this thing that I think is a) lock ring.
I don't think it's actually from a front freewheel system ... I didn't inspect the rest of the bike too closely when I salvaged the wheel, but it was a kids 24" dept store mtn bike styled junker, doesn't seem like a bike that would have come with front freewheel system.
I don't think it's actually from a front freewheel system ... I didn't inspect the rest of the bike too closely when I salvaged the wheel, but it was a kids 24" dept store mtn bike styled junker, doesn't seem like a bike that would have come with front freewheel system.
Last edited by mc510; 10-20-19 at 05:31 PM.
10-20-19, 06:05 PM
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Before you start, use penetrating oil and let soak awhile.
There's various style of "hook" tools, but if you aren't fussy, you an use a hammer & "chisel" and just "spin off" the lock ring.
Maybe a water pump pliers?
I hope it's for "educational purposes" only. Else just get a new one.
There's various style of "hook" tools, but if you aren't fussy, you an use a hammer & "chisel" and just "spin off" the lock ring.
Maybe a water pump pliers?
I hope it's for "educational purposes" only. Else just get a new one.
10-20-19, 06:14 PM
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The tool for removing the blade on an old old (like Bill old) saw that I once had worked great on those, especially if you held it together with one hand and slammed it with a hammer in your other hand. 
10-21-19, 02:45 PM
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Well, it turned out to be too thin for a pipe wrench or parrot nose pliers to grip it, so I managed the three-handed job of hammering it off. Chain whip on the large cog to prevent freewheeling, balance wheel precariously on work bench with chain whip handle held in bench vise, then a hammer and small cold chisel got the lock ring off. It was so tight that I'm not sure that a bottom bracket type hook wrench would have even worked. Weird place for a lock ring to my thinking ... chain tension is going to tighten that top threaded cog onto the freewheel nice and tight; it's not clear to me what purpose that lock ring even serves!
