My rear wheel is seized up but the freewheel appears to be fine (I can freely move it in reverse direction). The hub itself makes a creaky sound and it takes a lot of effort to rotate it.
I realize some hubs may not be repairable, but how do I find out if mine can't be overhauled? I don't have much information on the hub except that they are on a Vuelta Zerolite Track wheel which I have been using for over 10 years.
by indel942
7 Comments
It can be. Normal hub there.
The freewheel (note: not ‘freehub’ in this case, unlike most hyperglide era stuff) can be removed and then you deal with the hub in whatever way seems best. Freewheel screws off the hub.
It’s possible with enough swearing at your snap pliers and knuckle skin. Do not recommend it.
Can it be, yes. Is it worth the hassle, no way, unless it was a White Industries one.
It certainly is, the function of a singlespeed hub is no different than any other “freewheel” style hub. Remove the freewheel, then use cone and open-ended wrenches to open up the hub itself and see what’s wrong.
Hub usually repairable. You can just disassemble, clean, grease, and put it back together. Maybe new ball bearing.
Ten years usage probably need a new axle or a whole wheel set.
You can take out the cones and see if the surfaces are shot. If there is heavy pitting then you’d need to replace the hub. but if the surfaces still fine then you can replace the ball bearings and repack with grease.