Deore Hub Not Freewheeling

[Seight_Returns]

The rear wheel on my hardtail MTB seems to stop freewheeling occasionally - sometimes when I stop pedaling the rear hub doesn't freewheel - the mech takes up all the chain slack and then everything jams until I start pedaling again. Doesn't happen all the time but is becoming more frequent - quite unnerving and potentially dangerous, so I've stopped riding it until I get it sorted.

Not particularly expensive wheels - Deore hubs with Mavic XM117 rims - 4 years old having covered many thousands of miles without having serviced or rebuilt the hubs(yeah I know).

I've built bikes up from frames and compontents and I'm happy to DIY virtaully all jobs on my bike and have a good selection of general and bike specific tools - but I've never serviceed or rebuilt a rear hub although I have the tools to do so.

Not sure how to proceed. Will cleaning and regreasing the bearings sort this ?(I suspect not)or do I need to strip and rebuild the freehub ? (that looks a bit complicated). I see that I can get a new freehub for 20 quid or so but don't know how to go about fitting it.

A replacement wheel of equivalent spec can be had for £60/70 so not worthwhile getting the LBS to service it - would be grateful for advice/links to references of how I can fix this myself.

[P-Jay]

I had a similar problem a few years ago, the best solution given to me via the LBS was to buy a new Deore hub - if the cups aren't knackered they can simply transfer the internals from the new to old hub and hey presto like new - they can switch the hubs completely of course - but you'll be paying for a rebuild and more than likely new spokes.

[IroningMan]

Either Park Tools' or Shimano's websites will show you how to get the freehub off; you can then investigate and decide whether to service or replace. Or, if you fancy it, replace the whole hub via a wheel rebuild - but I'd have thought that would come close to the cost of a new wheel of the same spec.

[Seight_Returns]

Thanks both - the Park Tools online tutorial is indeed excellent.

Changing the freehub doesn't look too bad - but striping and rebuilding it looks too much like hard work for the modest price of a new freehub.

As you say - a complete new hub assembly actually cheaper than just a new freehub - new Deore rear hub on its way from CRC for £18.44 - I'll cababilise the new one and replace all the inards of my existing one in situ.

[Justin S]

You will have to grip the new hub in a vice to be able to undo the hollow bolt holding the new freehub onto the shell and it will probably scrap it, but that's not an issue. Check that the jockey wheels aren't sticking too, as that can give similar diagnosis on the freehub sticking etc.

[Incorrigible]

As with everything; if the replacement part isn't expensive, I'd take the old one apart to see how it works. A lot of the time you find the problem and fix it that way anyway

FWIW I've got some nice hope hubs on mine and the online tutorial for them was also excellent. £4 for a bearing and £4 for a set of pawl springs and I'm ready to rock again

[Seight_Returns]

Justin S said:

Check that the jockey wheels aren't sticking too, as that can give similar diagnosis on the freehub sticking etc.

Very good point - didn't consider that.

They felt pretty gritty last time I changed the chain - will check.

[Rocksteadyeddie]

It is probably the pawls sticking inside the freehub. An easy and quick fix (depending on exact model). Often it is just a circular clip holding in 3/4 pawls. Take the clip off CAREFULLY and remove the pawls. Sometimes the have tiny springs underneath - do not lose these! Clean the whole thing up and reassemble. A tine drop of 3 in 1 or chain lube on the pawls is all you need (do not use grease as this can cause the pawls to stick). Bung the whole lot back together and put it back on the wheel. Job jobbed.

[Justin S]

Deore/ Shimano is a bit different to more expensive freehubs. You have a lock nut, which i believe is the bearing race . You need a special spanner to undo this and split the free hub. Its more greif than it is worth and getting a new one is the best option.

[Rocksteadyeddie]

Justin S said:

Deore/ Shimano is a bit different to more expensive freehubs. You have a lock nut, which i believe is the bearing race . You need a special spanner to undo this and split the free hub. Its more greif than it is worth and getting a new one is the best option.

Good skills.

[Seight_Returns]

Bit confused now.

Justin - are you saying that my chosen option of separating the freehub from the complete new Deore hub assembly that I've bought and using is to replace the old one is not viable ? Or that dismantling, cleaning, lubing and reassembling the old freehub is not viable ?

[Justin S]

Sorry for the confusion. You need to replace the freehub with a new one. Its a faff to rebuild a freehub. You will need to remove the axle and bearings and then you will see a hexagonal surface, which you fit a 10mm allen key. Unscrew anti clockwise and the freehub will fall off. Remember the washer between the hub and freehub. Then bolt the new one on and refit bearings, axle and cones. Should take 10 mins to swop. If your local, I am happy to do it for you.
I believe what was asked, was to strip like a Hope freehub, which is rebuildable, but shimano use a 'sealed' freehub.It can be stripped and rebuilt, but for the money for the new hub is not really worth it.

Deore Hub info here:
http://steveukmtb.wordpress.com/shimano-hub-overha...

Hope XC hub here
http://www.mountainbikerides.co.uk/fettling/3-whee...

Hope that makes sense now.

[Some Gump]

Op,

This thread really highlights the pitfalls of taking advice from unqualified people on the internet.

The only solution you should be considering is a new bike. Anything else is just foolishness.

[Seight_Returns]

Justin S said:

Sorry for the confusion. You need to replace the freehub with a new one. Its a faff to
Hope that makes sense now.

Got it - thanks.

I don't have a vice to clamp the new hub whilst I undo the retaining bolt - I do however have a scrap frame that I can mount the new hub in and jury rig some way to clamp it whilst I dissasemble.

[Rocksteadyeddie]

Seight_Returns said:

Justin S said:

Sorry for the confusion. You need to replace the freehub with a new one. Its a faff to
Hope that makes sense now.

Got it - thanks.

I don't have a vice to clamp the new hub whilst I undo the retaining bolt - I do however have a scrap frame that I can mount the new hub in and jury rig some way to clamp it whilst I dissasemble.

Pair of large Stetsons will do the trick.

[yellowjack]

Rocksteadyeddie said:

Pair of large Stetsons will do the trick.

Watcha gonna do wiv a coupla hats?


(Unless massive 'autocorrect' fail???)

[Rocksteadyeddie]

yellowjack said:

Rocksteadyeddie said:

Pair of large Stetsons will do the trick.

Watcha gonna do wiv a coupla hats?


(Unless massive 'autocorrect' fail???)

Massive brain fail.

Meant Stilsons. Probably. Possibly. Obviously only if you intend to replace the freehub. Otherwise Stetsons better.

[Watchman]

Rocksteadyeddie said:

Pair of large Stetsons will do the trick.

LOL



Sillsons?




ETA: Damn... too late

ETA (again because I've too much time on my hands and this tickled me): Found a picture with a pair of Stetsons

Edited by Watchman on Wednesday 16th July 11:23

[aka_kerrly]

IroningMan said:

Either Park Tools' or Shimano's websites will show you how to get the freehub off; you can then investigate and decide whether to service or replace.

Easiest option is to buy a new freewheel, they are simple to fit you just need a chain whip and I found that the wrong end of a spark plug socket worked a treat at undoing the end nut on the cassette but in the past plumbing grips can be used to.

[gazza285]

aka_kerrly said:

Easiest option is to buy a new freewheel, they are simple to fit you just need a chain whip and I found that the wrong end of a spark plug socket worked a treat at undoing the end nut on the cassette but in the past plumbing grips can be used to.

You obviously don't know how a Shimano freehub is put together.