REAR CASSETTE?? or something like it......!

tackleberry
tackleberry Posts: 82
edited May 2010 in Workshop
Cycling to work - everything fine. On the flat - big ring middle sprocket. I freewheel for a while then start pedalling again and realise that I am spinning like a hamster on speed and not getting anywhere. No sign of chain skipping off the sprocket, cranks going round no grinding just no traction!! Then it "catches" and I am off again! Also occasionally seems to slip after a period of freewheeling, sometimes missing a half rotation before catching.

Is this
a. A worn chain
b. A worn cassette
c. A worn hub.

Spin the hub off the bike, smooth as you like and no axle play. Aware that there might be a little cassette play.

Suggestions would be welcome.
TVM

T

Comments

  • redvee
    redvee Posts: 11,922
    Sounds like the freehub mechanism is crying out for retirement.
    I've added a signature to prove it is still possible.
  • andy_wrx
    andy_wrx Posts: 3,396
    Yes, freehub.

    It's designed to freewheel in one direction only, i.e. you can stop pedalling as the wheel turns when you go downhill.
    Sounds like it's intermittently allowing you to freewheel the other way too, you're pedalling but the wheel isn't getting drive.

    The freehub has things called 'pawls', which are like spring-loaded one-way cams, inside it. Sounds like they're sticking.

    On some wheels you can easily replace the freehub, on others you can't/can't get the parts.
  • glauciaregina9
    glauciaregina9 Posts: 259
    andy_wrx wrote:
    Yes, freehub.

    It's designed to freewheel in one direction only, i.e. you can stop pedalling as the wheel turns when you go downhill.
    Sounds like it's intermittently allowing you to freewheel the other way too, you're pedalling but the wheel isn't getting drive.

    The freehub has things called 'pawls', which are like spring-loaded one-way cams, inside it. Sounds like they're sticking.

    On some wheels you can easily replace the freehub, on others you can't/can't get the parts.




    Yeh, what he said...
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  • crankycrank
    crankycrank Posts: 1,830
    Freehub internals may still be OK but just need a flush and re-lube. What brand and model is yours?
  • tackleberry
    tackleberry Posts: 82
    Have indeed removed cassette and cleaned up the site and applied a little oil. There is some play (not much) and there is still grease in abundance inside. Axle still feels smooth as a smooth thing.

    Fitted it all back together and tomorrow's commute will tell its story. Initial road test indicates no major problems like the original spinning legs scenario. I belive the free hub to be a Ritchey but I can't be sure. BIke is a Boardman Road Comp.

    Thans for the tips.

    T

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