Freewheel problem???

davidmiller

I'm having a problem with my winter hack - she must have me saying she's getting replaced soon by a Spec Cyclocross Singlespeed

So I thought the chain was getting old and slipping as there was this occassional cranking noise and it would jump but yesterday I realised that I could turn the pedals and all the cogs (block included) move round but the rear wheel does n't. :? :? :?

Last night as I tried to leave work I was peddling furiously with only the moevement from my push-off but then it caught and I was away. At some junctions it would slip a bit before it seemed to catch again and I was off. I dare n't stand up and put pressure on the pedals as I was afraid there would be no resisitance and I'd end up kissing the tarmac.

Bravely, or foolishly, I've come to work on it again today. I did 2 x 3 mile loops around home and it seemed ok so then headed the 10 miles in.

Any ideas?? how do I fix it??

Cheers,

David

Monty Dog

The pawls inside your freewheel/freehub are toast - lack of enagagement is a sure-fire sign of them being on their way out. You can try extending the life by running some oil into the internals but suggest a replacement at some stage - depends on how much you enjoy randomly maniacal spinning and going nowhere.

andy_wrx

Sounds like the freehub body.

There are 'pawls' inside which allow it to freewheel one way but grip the other way.
If it has no grease and or too much gunge inside, sounds like they're sticking.

You can strip and rebuild it but it's a bit fiddle and dirty - this has pretty pictures
http://www.icebike.org/Equipment/freehub.htm

What is your rear hub ?
Assuming it's Shimano, you can buy a new freehub body for ca £20
- or alternatively buy a cheap rear hub (Sora is £12) and transfer the freehub body across

Steve Kish

Sounds like the pawls are sticking. Good soaking in paraffin may free them if so, but there is a very slight possibility of a breakage, in which case, it's bin time!

Steve Kish

Sounds like the pawls are sticking. Good soaking in paraffin may free them if so, but there is a very slight possibility of a breakage, in which case, it's bin time!