It's a practically brand new CCM I inherited and figured I'd use to commute in the winter. Buy I have no idea how this even happens. I imagine the hub is slipping rather than engaging properly, it did this spontaneously on my first ride with it.
I imagine I need a chain whip and a cassette tool, but I have no idea where to go from there.
I'm at a loss for where to even start with this.
byu/propyro85 inbikewrench
by propyro85
7 Comments
At the freehub
WD40 in the freewheel or freehub has some chance of fixing this. I’ve seen this happen if the pawls get stuck closed
Freehub/freewheel needs to be taken apart. Either pawls are sticking, or are busted. Either can be fixed with service and lubing or you have to replace pawls, or the whole bearing that carries the pawls depending on design and damage/issue.
I like the WD-40 idea. Often works. If a freewheel, get a replacement. If a cassette back wheel, might be cheaper to remove the cassette, replace the wheel and install the cassette.
Here is where you start. You need a new freewheel. Replace it. It’s not fixable. It’ll cost you about $20, plus a little labor to install it onto your rear wheel if you take it to a local bike shop. Take it to a local bike shop. That’s where it ends.
Just FYI, the reason why you inherited this virtually new bike is because the owner got for under $150.
Much of this bike is subpar, especially something like a freewheel which has at least 25 small parts which may not have been assembled correctly or serviced either.
I have hubs that cost more than $150, and they don’t have these problems.
A new freewheel is dirt cheap. Just replace it. Assuming it’s a freewheel and not a cassette, a chain whip won’t help you – you need the freewheel tool specific to that freewheel.
Just take it to your local bike shop. They’ll spin that freewheel off in ten seconds and probably just charge you $5 or $10, cheaper than buying a tool that you’ll probably use only once. The last time I encountered a freewheel that I didn’t have the tool for, an REI mechanic removed it for free.
It’s sometimes possible to rejuvenate a freewheel. Submerge and soak it in mineral spirits for a few days, and spin it a few times by hand and soak it some more. Soak and repeat until it’s working smoothly. Drain it and let it dry (blow it out if you can) and then lubricate with oil. I use Mobil One 10-30W. I’ve saved a few freewheels that way, but again, new ones are cheap.