Slipping Freehub - quick lubrication question.

dru
dru Posts: 1,341
edited June 2011 in Workshop
Hi people,

Recently swapped over my wheels from campag to Shimano freehub on my American classic hubs.

The freehub is slipping a bit (confirmed by the local bike shop) who said I need a new freehub.

Having only just purchased the brand new freehub I suspect its just that I lubricated it wrong etc.

Can people just confirm quickly what I need to clean and lubricate it with before I go to the shop after work to pick the bike up.

Cheers,

Dru

Comments

  • keef66
    keef66 Posts: 13,123
    Last time I did my (Shimano) freehub I just prised out the rubber seal at the back and drizzled in a load of gearbox oil till it was running clean out of the other end. Carefully replaced the seal, and it's been virtually silent since.

    I used said gearbox oil cos I had it lying about and it was a bit thinner than engine oil. I don't know what Shimano reccommend.

    However, if your LBS reckon you need a new one, they may be right. If the pawls aren't engaging for reasons of wear or mechanical failure no amount of lubrication is going to fix it.
  • dru
    dru Posts: 1,341
    keef66 wrote:
    Last time I did my (Shimano) freehub I just prised out the rubber seal at the back and drizzled in a load of gearbox oil till it was running clean out of the other end. Carefully replaced the seal, and it's been virtually silent since.

    I used said gearbox oil cos I had it lying about and it was a bit thinner than engine oil. I don't know what Shimano reccommend.

    However, if your LBS reckon you need a new one, they may be right. If the pawls aren't engaging for reasons of wear or mechanical failure no amount of lubrication is going to fix it.

    Thanks,

    They have only said 'need a new one' as the freehub slipped a couple of times on a test ride of the bike after changing a chainset.

    The freehub is new and has only done 50 miles tops.
  • procyclist
    procyclist Posts: 50
    WD40
  • desweller
    desweller Posts: 5,175
    procyclist wrote:
    WD40

    For god's sake! Not you again.

    NOT WD40.

    Gearbox oil is a good shout actually. I use a thin grease in mine, but it's a lot easier to take apart than the Shimano ones.
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  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    Dru
    sounds like too much grease.

    strip down again and clean up.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • dru
    dru Posts: 1,341
    nicklouse wrote:
    Dru
    sounds like too much grease.

    strip down again and clean up.

    Done,

    30 minute job and all sparkly new inside, cleaned up a treat and then re-greased in a smaller amount.... works like a charm

    Thanks all :)

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