Lost freehub washer - ok to use?
06-21-21, 11:40 PM
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Lost freehub washer - ok to use?
I was overhauling my Bitex RAR12 hub and accidentally lost the washer that goes between the two inner cartridge bearings. Is there any issue with using the freehub in the wheel without this brass washer?
06-22-21, 08:58 AM
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Depending on the hyb/freehub/axle bearing design the bearings could become improperly preloaded and wear at a faster rate. Possibly the freehub body might migrate from it's intended location, along the axle, causing other issues like shifting or bearing wear and/or slop.
But we don't have the design in front of us so we can't really say what that washer was doing, thus what might happen if it's missing. Perhaps you might provide a link to a diagram for us to better help you? Andy
But we don't have the design in front of us so we can't really say what that washer was doing, thus what might happen if it's missing. Perhaps you might provide a link to a diagram for us to better help you? Andy
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06-22-21, 09:39 AM
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I would strong advise against using it til the washer is replaced. They put it in there for a reason.
06-25-21, 07:42 AM
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A precision washer, like one you would find inside a hub or other bearing system, is not free, and companies do not spend money on things that they don't have to. I would argue that the washer was there for a reason and you should replace it before you ride it.
06-25-21, 09:35 AM
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I bought a used wheelset that had that problem. The freehub only spun with difficulty.
The LBS sold me a similar hub from the junk bin for $5 that had the right washer.
The LBS sold me a similar hub from the junk bin for $5 that had the right washer.
06-25-21, 07:47 PM
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bought a backup freehub with the washer. It is such a precise fit that it didn't work with the old freehub (it would rub slightly) so I just swapped the whole freehub. The good news is it freewheels much easier
I learned my lesson - be very careful (and think twice about wanting to) disassembling the hub.
I learned my lesson - be very careful (and think twice about wanting to) disassembling the hub.
