Freewheel Body Removal

DSK

The freewheel on my Reynolds stratus elite wheelset was not sounding great after getting caught in the rain. I wanted to remove the freewheel body to clean it up. It is not clear who makes the freewheel body although it is Shimano/SRAM compatible. I removed the bearing from the drive side of the hub n order to insert the 11 mm hex wrench but freewheel body will not budge. I have put some oil into it but has not made any difference. Suggestions?

nicklouse

Looked on Reynolds website?

Loads of info there http://www.reynoldscycling.com/support/forms/

DSK

Went through everything Reynolds has plus searched for similar problems. Not much help.

k-dog

Try this:

Start by removing the cassette from the rear wheel. Once the cassette is removed you can now insert a 5mm hex wrench into each end of the axle. Remove the end cap from the drive side on the axle. If the non-drive end cap comes off, leaving the drive side in place, insert a 10mm hex wrench into the non-drive side of the axle to hold it in place. Now remove the end cap from the drive side of the axle.

2. Install the smallest cog on to the hub and thread the lock-ring hand tight. It is best to wrap a rag around the teeth of the cog. Brace the rim on a soft surface on the floor while holding the top of the rim with one hand. Now with the other hand pull outward on the freehub body using the cog and with the rag wrapped around it for extra grip. It will take a little force but the freehub should slide off the axle.

DSK

Once the cluster is removed the axle is held in place by traditional axle nuts that must be adjusted by thin wall wrenches. There are no end caps that have to be removed with a hex wrench. Once the axle is removed a 10 mm wrench can be inserted from the non-drive side of the hub but it is too small. By removing the drive side bearing I am able to insert a 11 mm wrench from the drive side of the hub which is when the fun begins. The freewheel body will not budge. I've tried putting a 15" adjustable wrench onto the hex wrench to give me more leverage but its not moving.

BTW - trying to get the freewheel body off I've leaked enough oil into the freewheel body that the bearings now seem to be running smoothly although I would prefer to disassemble and put some grease on the bearings and pawls. I've also left a message with Reynolds support to see what advice they offer.

crankycrank

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19676518#p19676518]DSK[/url] wrote:

I've tried putting a 15" adjustable wrench onto the hex wrench to give me more leverage but its not moving.

Several things to try. Try tightening the bolt slightly which may break it loose, pour some boiling water over the outside of the hub which helps expand the alu a bit and may make it easier to turn the bolt (and possibly some strong threadlocker was used when assembled), if you have a vise, put the wrench in the vise, insert it into the bolt and turn the wheel for leverage. Good luck.