Shimano freehub problems
kingofthetailwind
Posts: 575
My rear Shimano hub (RS31 wheel) has been sounding a bit rough. So yesterday I changed the hub bearings, re-greased, adjusted and all seemed well. Nice and smooth. But this morning it sounded awful. But the sound now seems to be coming from the freehub body. When I twist it side to side while it's fitted it feels like there's a tiny bit of play and there's sort of a crunching sound which I think is what hear I'm hearing, but much louder, while on the bike.
I've also noticed that when I spin wheel forward by holding only the axles the freehub body does not turn with the wheel as it should. It stays stationary and the freehub clicks.
Is it just the freehub bearings needing replaced? The freehub seemed fine before I changed the hub bearings, so I was wondering if there's anything I could have done to wreck the freehub bearings while I was servicing the hub. Should there just be one silver washer behind the freehub? I was wondering if I dropped something. Although I'm pretty sure I didn't remove the freehub body when I was doing the hub bearings.
I've also noticed that when I spin wheel forward by holding only the axles the freehub body does not turn with the wheel as it should. It stays stationary and the freehub clicks.
Is it just the freehub bearings needing replaced? The freehub seemed fine before I changed the hub bearings, so I was wondering if there's anything I could have done to wreck the freehub bearings while I was servicing the hub. Should there just be one silver washer behind the freehub? I was wondering if I dropped something. Although I'm pretty sure I didn't remove the freehub body when I was doing the hub bearings.
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Comments
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Freehub bearings are dirty and/or worn out.
It's not impossible to open these freehubs an clean/regrease but ist's a PITA with tiny balls, i wouldn't bother and get meself a new one.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Corpetto-SHIMANO-Ruote-WH-RS21-WH-RS31-FREEWHEEL-BODY-FREEHUB-WH-RS21-WH-RS31-/3812410832480 -
Yeah, I couldn't even get the seal off with a pick so it's definitely replace rather than service. Thanks for the link. I'm having problems sourcing a replacement locally - need the bike back on the road urgently. Does it have to be this specific freehub body, or will any Shimano one work?0
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Some times flushing with solvent and applying oil after drying helps.
The freehub body fits probably multiple Shimano hubs, but you'll have to finfd out yourself.
Guess it's a common model...0 -
Seems odd that you dont know if you removed FH or not, when regreasing axle bearings! and that all was fine before you serviced hub.
i would recheck all you ve done, shimano FH dont suddenly go wrong, so you ve either missed something out or used solvent and flushed the grease out of FH ?
Have alook on shimano tech docs to see correct order of parts etc look under components/road/wheels/rs31 r and its the EV pdf you want, will give you a part number for the FH if you need one.0 -
Seems odd that you dont know if you removed FH or not, when regreasing axle bearings! and that all was fine before you serviced hub.
i would recheck all you ve done, shimano FH dont suddenly go wrong, so you ve either missed something out or used solvent and flushed the grease out of FH ?
Have alook on shimano tech docs to see correct order of parts etc look under components/road/wheels/rs31 r and its the EV pdf you want, will give you a part number for the FH if you need one.
I was sure that I didn't remove it, but then started doubting myself as the freehub suddenly stopped working! I used WD40 to clean the hub bearing cups, I guess that has flushed the grease out of the freehub. Lesson learned. The tech doc only shows one silver washer behind the freehub and that's still there.Some times flushing with solvent and applying oil after drying helps.
The freehub body fits probably multiple Shimano hubs, but you'll have to finfd out yourself.
Guess it's a common model...
I can't get the seal off, it seems to be disintegrating, so replacing the freehub seems the only option. I'll have to call to a few LBSs with the old one to find the right fit I guess.
Thanks for the replies.0 -
No use to you now, but I take off my Shimano freehubs every year or so, pick out the seal and drizzle a generous helping of light engine oil in there. It may seem a bit of a faff but the one on my oldest wheelset is 8 years old now and still feels like new.
I never use any kind of solvent when servicing the bearings; it's possible to get them spotless just by wiping with clean rags.0 -
SJS cycles have them in stock £30.
i think the rs31 f/h doesnt fit many shimano wheels.0
