dstke

I replaced the drivetrain on my 2000 Litespeed Arenburg; chain, cassette, chainrings. I also replaced the bottom bracket and Ultegra 6500 shifters, while a little beat they were total rattle traps and while they worked I couldn't source new hoods which had practically rubbed off. The Microshift R9's are working out OK.


On one of the first rides, I was coming down a steep hill and while braking there was a pretty loud squealing sound heard over the sound of the wind and brake pads on the rim. At first I thought it was a misaligned brake pad. In slowing, the sound went away. I checked the pads and they were aligned with the rims. Started off downhill again and around 25mph the squeal started again. I continued the ride, another 30 miles of up and down with the squeal again coming when going downhill around 25, whether pedaling or not, or braking or not.


After researching on the internet it seemed the likely culprit was the freewheel, so I disassembled, cleaned and lubed (although one video suggested lubricating with mineral oil, like shimano hydraulic fluid, which I didn't have so I used Pedro's synthetic lube - the LBS said that's what they would have used).


The next couple of rides were squeal free, then a week later it's back. I thought maybe it was the hub axle bearings but when I disassembled the hub I couldn't detect any resistance in the sealed bearing cartridges. So I re-lubed the freehub and reassembled. Yesterday's ride was squeal-free, I think, it was hard to hear over the sound of the flapping jacket.


Anyone have any other suggestions to look into? I've had the wheels for probably 8 years, time for new ones? Any suggestions for new wheels for this bike?


Thanks

Bill Kapaun

You lubed the FW both times and the squeal went away both times?
I would say the answer is pretty obvious.
FW's are cheap.
However, you have a Free Hub.
Freewheel or Cassette?

That Bike apparently has either a Shimano 5500 or 6500.
Regular bearing balls, not cartridge.
Was there a wheel swap done?

dsbrantjr

Since they mentioned replacing their cassette, I suspect that the OP misspoke and had serviced his/her freeHUB.

well biked

I suggest replacing the wheel. It's a known problem with older Mavic freehubs. At our shop, we have had reported cases of the freehub not freewheeling at higher speeds when this squeal occurs, which is dangerous. I've heard from customers that there are youtube hacks/solutions, which it sounds like you have discovered, but I suggest simply getting a new wheel.

Andrew R Stewart 

What lube was used on the freehub bodies inner bushing, the large diameter tan (when new and clean) ring pressed in the freehub body? Mavic specs mineral oil. I've done quite a few servicings and when I've used other lube the squealing can return. Andy

cpach

Pedros sounds thin to me. Mavic's actual suggested mineral oil isn't like Shimano brake fluid, it's a bit thicker. They also expressly approve of Dumonde Freehub Oil, which is what I typically use. Try something a little thicker (but not actual grease), with low tack.

headasunder

I used ATF (it is a transmission?) the squeal has never return although i have applied the atf a couple of times when doing general maintenance perhaps once a year

dstke

Freehub. Thanks for the link.

6500 but original wheels were replaced with Mavic wheels and freehub

dstke

Hmm, Pedro's Synthetic lube seems pretty thick to me but I'll look into the Dumonde Freehub lube.