Normal or sign of a failing freewheel?

[jimmy156]

So I had my bike up on the stand trying to trace/fix a mystery creak under load (and have completely failed to remove the pedals to regrease them, more muscles or a bigger lever needed )

However, I noticed when spinning the pedals backwards, the wheel starts to rotate backwards too. Is that normal, or is the freewheel not full disengaging or something? I hardly ever get the bike on the stand, so I have never noticed it before

[Norgles]

More than likely needs a quick strip down, clean and regrease.

[TheInternet]

jimmy156 said:

when spinning the pedals backwards, the wheel starts to rotate backwards too

How much?

[jimmy156]

Yes possibly just needs a clean and a refit! I don't have the tools for removing cassette etc though. It's booked in for a service in a month or so, so I will get them to have a look then I guess.

How much? I mean, "a bit." Not as much as peddling forwards and continuing to spin it and doing it quickly doesn't seem to make it speed up, it just turns at a slow pace.

[Tabs]

You are trying to remove the pedals in the correct direction?

[jimmy156]

Tabs said:

You are trying to remove the pedals in the correct direction?

yes, I did check too!

[gazza285]

Dragging seals most likely, if it is pronounced. All freewheels drag a bit though.

[frisbee]

jimmy156 said:

Yes possibly just needs a clean and a refit! I don't have the tools for removing cassette etc though. It's booked in for a service in a month or so, so I will get them to have a look then I guess.

How much? I mean, "a bit." Not as much as peddling forwards and continuing to spin it and doing it quickly doesn't seem to make it speed up, it just turns at a slow pace.

You likely don't need to remove the cassette, several of mine you take the axle out and the cassette just comes off.

One had a seal that hadn't pressed in quite far enough which was causing that effect.