There may be several reasons for this, but the most likely is a dirty or worn ratchet mechanism in the rear wheel cylinder.
The solution to this may be to clean the cylinder by taking it apart and lubricating it with pawl grease, but if it is diagnosed that the mechanism is worn, it may be necessary to replace the cylinder.
authentic010 on
FFS dont pedal backwards…
octavemirbeau on
Please discard every comment here about not pedaling backwards. The bearings of the hub body are worn. Either the body needs to be replaced or the bearings themself can be serviced or replaced. Go to your local bikeshop to fix this. This is probably not something you want sort out yourself and will require special tools.
Not fixing this could result in the chain slapping back and breaking off your derailleur, wrecking the spokes and frame, and possible ending up in a crash. Not even exaggerating here.
Edit: to clarify, I’m not talking about the hub bearings but the hub body bearings, or freewheel body bearings. Depending on how you call the part that spins separately to the hub itself and where you mount your cassette on. (Not a native speaker)
drc122s on
Check the derrraileur pulleys and make sure the pulley mounting bolts aren’t too tight. Also that chain is routed through them and the derrraileur correctly. Although it really looks like the problem is with the upper pulley.
OscarLHampkin on
Push the derailleur forwards to release the tension on the chain and see if the jockey wheels are tight. It’s an easy thing to rule out before you get into more involved hub issues. If they are tight, spray some lube in there see if they free up, if they don’t, replace them. If they are nice and free, then it’s probably the freewheel bearings or pawls
misssnagglepussy on
The derailleur jockey wheels are sticking remove and clean that’s the problem
jojogabagba on
Have you changed your chain recently if so you might have to change your cassette too I work at a shop and have seen this a few times
Retrorockit on
I’d check the chain first for any tight links. Clean and lube it just because. Then make sure the idler pulleys are clean and spin freely. Also be sure the chain is routed correctly there. It’s easy to get it behind a tab that’s in the middle of the cage. With the wheel off it’s easy enough to check the freehub bearings and ratchet.
CoolBalls22 on
I’ve had this before.
What’s happened is the bearings in your rear hub have not been installed correctly or have fallen out of alignment which is causing friction when pedalling backwards thus the ‘chain suck’ you’re witnessing here.
Best solution is to take the rear hub apart, dislodge the bearings and repress then being careful to align them correctly.
10 Comments
stop pedaling backwards?
There may be several reasons for this, but the most likely is a dirty or worn ratchet mechanism in the rear wheel cylinder.
The solution to this may be to clean the cylinder by taking it apart and lubricating it with pawl grease, but if it is diagnosed that the mechanism is worn, it may be necessary to replace the cylinder.
FFS dont pedal backwards…
Please discard every comment here about not pedaling backwards. The bearings of the hub body are worn. Either the body needs to be replaced or the bearings themself can be serviced or replaced. Go to your local bikeshop to fix this. This is probably not something you want sort out yourself and will require special tools.
Not fixing this could result in the chain slapping back and breaking off your derailleur, wrecking the spokes and frame, and possible ending up in a crash. Not even exaggerating here.
Edit: to clarify, I’m not talking about the hub bearings but the hub body bearings, or freewheel body bearings. Depending on how you call the part that spins separately to the hub itself and where you mount your cassette on. (Not a native speaker)
Check the derrraileur pulleys and make sure the pulley mounting bolts aren’t too tight. Also that chain is routed through them and the derrraileur correctly. Although it really looks like the problem is with the upper pulley.
Push the derailleur forwards to release the tension on the chain and see if the jockey wheels are tight. It’s an easy thing to rule out before you get into more involved hub issues. If they are tight, spray some lube in there see if they free up, if they don’t, replace them. If they are nice and free, then it’s probably the freewheel bearings or pawls
The derailleur jockey wheels are sticking remove and clean that’s the problem
Have you changed your chain recently if so you might have to change your cassette too I work at a shop and have seen this a few times
I’d check the chain first for any tight links. Clean and lube it just because. Then make sure the idler pulleys are clean and spin freely. Also be sure the chain is routed correctly there. It’s easy to get it behind a tab that’s in the middle of the cage. With the wheel off it’s easy enough to check the freehub bearings and ratchet.
I’ve had this before.
What’s happened is the bearings in your rear hub have not been installed correctly or have fallen out of alignment which is causing friction when pedalling backwards thus the ‘chain suck’ you’re witnessing here.
Best solution is to take the rear hub apart, dislodge the bearings and repress then being careful to align them correctly.