Bicycle Freewheel Disassembly/Assembly

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Author: RJ The Bike Guy

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12m 18sLenght

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I show how to disassemble and re-assemble a freewheel from a bike wheel. I also clean and lube the freewheel parts. I didn't replace the bearings. I just cleaned them and reused them. But if they show wear or damage, they are not too expensive to replace. The bearings in this freewheel were 1/8" bearings. I think that is the most common size in freewheels. I lubed the parts with marine grease. If your freewheel is not working well, try cleaning and lubing it before taking it apart: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVc1r2giqPc Some of the tools used were: Park Tool SPA-2 Pin Spanner: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B001B6LNRQ/ref=nosim/youtube25-20 Park Tool Chain Whip: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0068OERME/ref=nosim/youtube25-20 Dualco Mini Grease Gun: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0025UGOVW/ref=nosim/youtube25-20 Marine Grease: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000CPJMY8/ref=nosim/youtube25-20 **If the video was useful or interesting please give it a "thumbs up" and consider subscribing. -Website: http://www.RJTheBikeGuy.com -Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RJTheBikeGuy -Subscribe Here: http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=shyflirt1 -YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/RJTheBikeGuy

Comments

thanks. a old giant MTB bike i got given. now is fixed. when i tryed pedaling it it was slipping really bad. so took the freewheel off and found those chips pic of metal that pop out were slow moving. nearly all the ball bearings fell out when i took the freewheel off. they were that dry.:)

Very good video. Bright images, sharp images clear diction.

is there a reason, why you put the freewheel back on the wheel before assembly? whats the advantage?

Just a note, you say "here" a lot. Could do some justice to lighten up on that. Just my opinion.
I do appreciate your videos rj

you know i don't understand how any one who looked this viddy up would not like it .some of these people have way to much time sittin on there ass hatin the world ,PUNKS ................thanks dude i found exactly what i was looking for !!!!

Can you put a 7 speed freewheel on a track wheel?

Great video, I am repairing several bike for a church mission and was not familiar with how to repair freewheel hubs. Thanks.

and that is why bicycle shops charge an arm and a leg for labor.

I recently set up an old Bianchi with its original 126mm/6sp freewheel configuration (previously ran it as 130mm/8sp). I bought an inexpensive Sunlite freewheel that makes a lot of clunking noise while pedaling. After watching this video, I opened it up and added grease. It's a tiny bit better, but the problem is not solved. Is there any servicing that can remedy this, or is it just what you get for buying a cheap product?

EDIT: Since I've already monkeyed with the Sunlite freewheel, I can't return it and have ordered a Shimano 6sp. Both cost less than $15. Hopefully the Shimano will run smooth.

Great vid!
I have two 'rescue' bikes that have wobble in the freewheel itself. My best guess, judging from the condition the bikes were in, is that both freewheels are worn out internally... bad/worn bearings and/or races.

RJ, just went through this whole process yesterday on my '82 Chicago Schwinn. Thanks for the play-by-play. It's not for everyone but if you really love your bikes, have mild OCD like me and enjoy the process of taking things apart, cleaning and re-lubing, this ones for you. The best part is when you have it all back together again and it runs beautifully. Cheers!

very helpful thank you

You're very masterful.

Hey RJ. Thanks for this vid. Been meaning to ask you, what is the name of that pointy nosed magnetic tool that you use in this video to pick up bearings? I like the design of that one and i can never seem to find one. Thanks, great vids.

very very helpful video.. my freewheel just lost all of its bearings yesterday while i was riding it. im planning to replace the hubs bcoz of that, until i found this video.. this save me money, thanks..

really helpful thanks!

i was taking the free wheel off and the bearings went all over the place, i have the shimano free wheel, my question is i don't know how many bearings went where, so would you just put the bearings evenly around on the top and bottom or am i screwed!

Thanks, I was wondering what the non-spoke side was supposed to look like. I bought a bike at a yard sale where the bearing retaining ring was totally loose, so all the non-spoke-side bearings had dribbled out. When I removed the wheel, ball bearings dropped out (very little grease) and rolled "everywhere." I also didn't know what the spanner looked like; I have also been using a punch or screwdriver and a mallet.

On the spoke side, I found it easier to put the bearings into grease in the cogset race, then insert the .... core? I think it's because that race holds them a little better.

nice job thanks for explaining it down in detail