Upgrade for cheap freehub
03-10-19, 08:57 AM
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Upgrade for cheap freehub
Hello all
My freehub was completely stuck so I removed it and soaked with brake cleaner and turned out it was rusted stuck from the inside. I managed to get it back to good shape by generous lubrication. However, the freehub seems to be some kind of cheap chinese type so I was thinking of replacing it with a better quality one which would not rust in the first place. The problem is, I dont know the correct type/name of this freehub and if there are any better quality replacements available.
These can be found on Aliexpress for under 10€ but I haven't been able to find any higher quality replacement. I would appreciate if someone could guide me where/how to find a better quality replacement. The freehub has an integrated thread with 12mm hex inside, it threads to the hub as a complete unit
My freehub was completely stuck so I removed it and soaked with brake cleaner and turned out it was rusted stuck from the inside. I managed to get it back to good shape by generous lubrication. However, the freehub seems to be some kind of cheap chinese type so I was thinking of replacing it with a better quality one which would not rust in the first place. The problem is, I dont know the correct type/name of this freehub and if there are any better quality replacements available.
These can be found on Aliexpress for under 10€ but I haven't been able to find any higher quality replacement. I would appreciate if someone could guide me where/how to find a better quality replacement. The freehub has an integrated thread with 12mm hex inside, it threads to the hub as a complete unit
03-10-19, 09:09 AM
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My experience with free hubs is there are Shimano and otherwise.
Shimano free hubs are easily get-able and good quality. That's one of the things I like best about Shimano.
Others can be specific to the hub so you have to get an exact replacement.
Shimano free hubs are easily get-able and good quality. That's one of the things I like best about Shimano.
Others can be specific to the hub so you have to get an exact replacement.
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03-12-19, 06:42 PM
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Don't know of any free freehubs, unfortunately. 
Be careful that the spline pattern is the same on the hub and the freehub. I had assumed there was a universal one used, but I found out the hard way, after buying a couple that didn't fit, that there are several different styles used.
Be careful that the spline pattern is the same on the hub and the freehub. I had assumed there was a universal one used, but I found out the hard way, after buying a couple that didn't fit, that there are several different styles used.
03-12-19, 07:43 PM
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I assume the OP is talking about the freehub body. By the description it's certainly not a shimano copy. Therefore, finding a more reputable replacement would be like finding a needle in the proverbial haystack(if there is a reputable brand match). Three thoughts: 1. Examine the freehub body to see if there is any sign of a missing seal. You may be able to compare it to a picture of the same freehub body on Aliexpress. You may be able to install an O ring as a seal(really a long shot!). 2. Keep using the current freehub body with frequent lubing until it fails. 3. Look for a good used or new reputable brand hub or wheel for replacement.
03-12-19, 11:17 PM
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A Shimano FreeHub? buy a pre built wheel at a bike shop...
buy local ..
....
buy local ..
....
Last edited by fietsbob; 03-12-19 at 11:21 PM.
03-13-19, 12:22 PM
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Ok, here's @Cyclingfinn's Gallery/Album.
https://www.bikeforums.net/g/user/496184
https://www.bikeforums.net/g/album/13124321
There are a few different general types of freehubs. I think I've seen photos of that type of freehub before, but I don't believe they're used on many big name brands. So, you may be stuck with your Chinese imports.
Titanium? I suppose that is the color not the material.
One option, of course, is to open up the freehub and see what is inside. Does your wheel use loose bearings? I'd guess those freehubs open somewhat similar to the Shimano freehubs with removing the bearing race (or sealed bearing unit).
You could replace the original balls with new stainless balls, and grease everything up.
https://www.bikeforums.net/g/user/496184
https://www.bikeforums.net/g/album/13124321
There are a few different general types of freehubs. I think I've seen photos of that type of freehub before, but I don't believe they're used on many big name brands. So, you may be stuck with your Chinese imports.
Titanium? I suppose that is the color not the material.
One option, of course, is to open up the freehub and see what is inside. Does your wheel use loose bearings? I'd guess those freehubs open somewhat similar to the Shimano freehubs with removing the bearing race (or sealed bearing unit).
You could replace the original balls with new stainless balls, and grease everything up.
