XT freehub problem

mitchk

I bought a nice new Charge Duster XT in April and had a problem with the freehub.

I regularly ride the Wyre forest in Kidderminster which is not the most demanding but can be wet, muddy and very fun.

I always make sure that after every ride the bike is washed down with a hose and the chain, front rings and derailleur are all regreased. I also go over the frame with a sponge and some GT85 to freshen it up.

My problem was that after about 4 rides the freehub (shimano XT) went faulty so that if you stopped the pedals or pedalled backwards the chain would fly off..

I took it back to the LBS and they changed the freehub, but I wondered why it when so quickly.

Am I maintaining it properly ? do I have to strip things down and regrease them manually ? - I thought that the XT hubs were sealed.

Thanks for any advice

mitch

supersonic

Fit and forget. Don't spray WD40 or GT85 at it. In fact, be very careful with this stuff on a bike.

The other hub bearings need regreasing every so often.

nicklouse

and maybe you sprayed too much water into the freehub.

geordiefreerider

Many people assume GT85 is a all-purpose lube, different lubes serve different applications, you need to know which is right for each part of your bike.

Check the web for info or ask on here

mitchk

sorry I should have made myself clearer - the GT85 is just used on the frame to clean it up a bit and I use Finish Line Wet Lube on the chain and gears.

I also try not to use much water when cleaning out the cassette and derailleur but make sure that all the mud and leaves are removed - should I not wash this down at all ?

supersonic : what are "the other hub bearings" ? do I have to remove the wheel and cassette to get to them ?

how long should a freehub last ?

thanks for all the replys

mitch

papasmurf.

sounds l;ike it could also have possibly been an issue with the cone lock nut coming loose which seems fairly common on XT hubs