Open freehub roadbike
07-30-22, 02:12 AM
#1
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Open freehub roadbike
How do I remove / open this freehub?, its making grinding noise when pressed down and turned. I see it has 2 notches inside but I dont have a tool for this.
Or if it cannor be opened, do I clean it with some degreaser? And how would I put new grease inside if I cannot open it?
Or if it cannor be opened, do I clean it with some degreaser? And how would I put new grease inside if I cannot open it?
Last edited by utoner34; 07-30-22 at 02:47 AM.
07-30-22, 09:16 AM
#2
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If it doesn't just pull straight off the hub, then I'll suppose you have to find a tool to fit those notches.
You don't.
Freewheels and free hubs only work when you are coasting and for the brief moment it takes to engage the pawls when you are beginning to pedal.
Unless by chance you ride in mud up to the hubs, I'm betting once you get in there you'll find everything reasonably clean. Though the oil or very light lube might be black with aluminum oxide or something.
If you do clean it all out, just use a light lube on the pawls and the internals in general to protect from corrosion and maybe put some very light grease on the bearings... but not much.
Maybe some better information will come along soon, but being a weekend many others are out riding.
Or if it cannor be opened, do I clean it with some degreaser? And how would I put new grease inside if I cannot open it?
Freewheels and free hubs only work when you are coasting and for the brief moment it takes to engage the pawls when you are beginning to pedal.
Unless by chance you ride in mud up to the hubs, I'm betting once you get in there you'll find everything reasonably clean. Though the oil or very light lube might be black with aluminum oxide or something.
If you do clean it all out, just use a light lube on the pawls and the internals in general to protect from corrosion and maybe put some very light grease on the bearings... but not much.
Maybe some better information will come along soon, but being a weekend many others are out riding.
Last edited by Iride01; 07-30-22 at 09:20 AM.
07-30-22, 09:44 AM
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Definitely NOT the 2 notches. You managed to post 7 photos but haven't mentioned the brand of hub. It looks pretty Shimano-ish so I'd be thinking a 10 or 11or 12mm allen to remove.
07-30-22, 09:51 AM
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The removal of the freehub is brand specific, but check out this from Park Tool:
https://www.parktool.com/en-us/blog/...reehub-service
The site also discusses cleaning and lubing the freehub body.
https://www.parktool.com/en-us/blog/...reehub-service
The site also discusses cleaning and lubing the freehub body.
07-30-22, 10:07 AM
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07-31-22, 11:06 AM
#6
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The second photo by the OP doesn’t seem to indicate that there’s any hexagonal flats for an Allen wrench of any size to engage. Removing the notched piece will (should ?) expose the outer bearing race. The outer (splined) component of the freehub can be removed BUT the inboard bearings if not caged, will go every which way 
. Perhaps this is a “knock off” freehub that was never intended to be removed without complete disassembly.
08-01-22, 12:37 AM
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Actually it was an allen key after all. It looked like inner is rounded so I assumed allen key was noy used but when inserted it would still fit into place and I managed to open it.
08-01-22, 08:01 AM
#8
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I guess appearances can be deceiving 
. Glad that you were able to get it off without taking it apart!
