My cassette spline moves side to side?

Sanyi

I have had a pair of Easton Ascent mk 2s for about a year and rode them constantly during the winter months putting on at least 2 thousand miles, after a long period of using other wheels I decided to put them back on and all was going well until I noticed a problem with the rear hub: at first I thought the lock nut on the cassette had come loose and the cassette was moving (which it is) but later found out under inspection that the spline (if that is the name) that the cassette slides on to moves side to side by about 2 mm. This of course is moving the cassette around effecting shifting. Being fairly new to bike mechanics and never having take a hub apart I thought I would seek advice on what could be causing this. The lock nut that screws the cassette down is properly tight and hadn't become loose.

I can't see anything else loose at all, is this a worn mech?
Help appreciated.

Bronzie

Sounds like a worn freehub bearing which is probably best looked at by a bike shop if you are not confident but have a look here first: http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=45

Monty Dog

Try and move the rim from side to side to ensure that it's not the wheel bearings, but by sounds in more likely to be the freehub bearing so a replacement freehub is in order. Your LBS should be able to order you a one specifc to your wheel - usually requires removal of the wheel axle and a 10mm allen key to unscrew the body from the hub.

jpembroke

Cerainly sounds like your freehub bearings have gone. Had the same problem with a Planet X Dog Hub recentlyon my Inbred. A complete bugg*r to change requiring a long 12mm allen key (which I had to buy as part of a large set from Screwfix), a vice, a piece of wood and a large mallet. I suspect that your Easton wheels will be much more straight forward. If you are nervous about it then definitely take it to a reliable LBS. Shouldn't cost too much.

Sanyi

Serves me right for riding posh wheels in all weather for 100 miles per week, it doesn't surprise me that they are worn. I might try and do it myself as I have the long 12 mm allen and it's good to have the know how afterwards.

Thanks for your advice.

nicklouse

just to check, the cassette was not removed while the wheels were not used? you left it on there?

which hubs are they? the r series? 1,2,3or 4?

as the 1 ,2 requires a 10mm allen key and the 3,4 a 5mm allen key and is a different fitting.

also the 4 (at least has a preload collar which will take up some slack.

more info required. or pop it into the LBS.

Sanyi

Wow, I only just know what a hub is! It's a velomax hub that's all i know. I think the bike shop is the answer here.