Should I bother servicing my free hub?
10-30-22, 11:32 AM
#1
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Should I bother servicing my free hub?
Hi friends, I've recently bought an old Lotus Classique from 1983; it's supposedly been sitting in an attic for the last 30 years, and except for the age, it's in pretty nice shape.
Anyhow, I am trying to do an overall service on it, and am now putting some fresh grease on the wheel bearings. I was planning on doing the same to the shimano freehub, but when I visited a nearby LBS (I don't have the two-lug tool for disassembly) I was advised that it's a pain in the ass job to do, and probably best left alone unless necessary.
And honestly, it doesn't seem necessary. The wheel bearings I serviced were super smooth, and so is the freehub. I don't think there would be a noticeable difference in how it feels after servicing. So, is it worth opening up this can of worms just to replace some 40-year-old grease?
Anyhow, I am trying to do an overall service on it, and am now putting some fresh grease on the wheel bearings. I was planning on doing the same to the shimano freehub, but when I visited a nearby LBS (I don't have the two-lug tool for disassembly) I was advised that it's a pain in the ass job to do, and probably best left alone unless necessary.
And honestly, it doesn't seem necessary. The wheel bearings I serviced were super smooth, and so is the freehub. I don't think there would be a noticeable difference in how it feels after servicing. So, is it worth opening up this can of worms just to replace some 40-year-old grease?
10-30-22, 11:36 AM
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The hub turns on greased bearings, but freehub internals should never be greased. Those call for a light oil, only thick enough to stay put.
Anyway follow the golden rule and don't fix what ain't broke.
Anyway follow the golden rule and don't fix what ain't broke.
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10-30-22, 11:51 AM
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I haven't done a lot of servicing below the freehub module level.
However, if your bike is a 1983. Then does it have a uniglide freehub with external threads? How many speeds? 6 or 7?
Those are getting more and more scarce, and could be a reason to crack it open.
Or you might choose to upgrade to a newer hyperglide with internal threads.
However, if your bike is a 1983. Then does it have a uniglide freehub with external threads? How many speeds? 6 or 7?
Those are getting more and more scarce, and could be a reason to crack it open.
Or you might choose to upgrade to a newer hyperglide with internal threads.
10-30-22, 12:24 PM
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As long as you were able to grease both bearings and you have a freehub so if it spins freely and does not slip you are good.
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10-30-22, 12:26 PM
#5
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It's a six-speed, cassette was held on by the threaded outer sprocket, so that sounds like uniglide. I guess at this point I'm leaning towards just letting it be.
10-30-22, 12:28 PM
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10-30-22, 08:00 PM
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https://www.ebay.com/itm/18560731632...Bk9SR6qolLyFYQ
Last edited by maddog34; 10-30-22 at 08:04 PM.
10-30-22, 08:16 PM
#9
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OP, when you rotate the freehub by hand, do you feel resistance? Even if you do, it's only creating drag when you're coasting. So if you're always pedaling, there's no ill effect. As imc said, seeping some oil in there can help significantly.
10-30-22, 08:19 PM
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Haven't seen that particular product, but not surprised.
As I said freehubs run on greased axle bearings. Or it might be a very light grease used to make a THIN FILM on the ratchet ring.
Understand the unique nature of freewheel units, which never have parts moving load. Therefore lubrication requirements are very low.
As I said freehubs run on greased axle bearings. Or it might be a very light grease used to make a THIN FILM on the ratchet ring.
Understand the unique nature of freewheel units, which never have parts moving load. Therefore lubrication requirements are very low.
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10-30-22, 08:26 PM
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Message meant for FBinNY... i promise to not argue with you. :-)
Last edited by maddog34; 10-30-22 at 08:40 PM.
10-30-22, 11:42 PM
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I’m not sure if the early Uniglide freehub bodies were removed with a 10mm Allen wrench. I know the UG/HG (except DA-74XX) are.
I’m in the remove the freehub and drip Phil’s Tenacious oil into it until you can hear it quiet down camp. If the rear of the body has a plastic seal, don’t try to remove it, just pinch it enough for the oil to get inside.
Grease the bolt threads and torque it to the hub.
I’d replace the bearings, grade 25, grease and put everything back together.
John
I’m in the remove the freehub and drip Phil’s Tenacious oil into it until you can hear it quiet down camp. If the rear of the body has a plastic seal, don’t try to remove it, just pinch it enough for the oil to get inside.
Grease the bolt threads and torque it to the hub.
I’d replace the bearings, grade 25, grease and put everything back together.
John
