I was trying to remove my freewheel (7 speed, I would say late 2000s cheap MTB if that matters) and I couldn't. Then I noticed this piece seems to be missaligned, maybe that is the problem? I'm not quite sure what this part is, some sort of axle, freehub?
My goal would be to remove the freewheel, but if the wheel is cooked, is it fixable?
Thanks!
Cannot remove freewheel – rear wheel "axle" seems misaligned?
byu/Correct_Tailor2235 inbikewrench
by Correct_Tailor2235
3 Comments
The axle is bent. You can buy replacements easily and they’re not expensive.
Or..
Wheels that have a freehub and take a cassette are stronger than freewheel types, you might be able to pick one up second hand locally for less than the cost of the parts to repair what you have?
The axle is moving because the bearing balls have disintegrated. You would still have to remove the freewheel to get to the bearing to fix it, but no guarantee it is fixable.
If you can afford it, just buy another wheel, used or new, ideally with a cassette, same number of sprockets as the current one, same axle type and OLD width.
Could well be a problem. As /u/iwasfastonce says, the axle is bent.
It is fixable (typically a new axle will come with new cups and cones, but you may need to buy new bearings seperately), but depending on your goals for the bike you may prefer to just get a new wheel which uses a freehub and a cassette instead. It’s completely up to you.
If you’re very savvy and live somewhere good you can get the axle, cones, bearings and grease in one package. https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bike-parts/bike-wheels/halfords-9.5mm-x-175mm-axle-with-bearings-and-grease—chrome-207717.html
if you do choose to replace the axle, be sure to measure it carefully so the new one is the same length.
if you’re not experienced with being a bicycle mechanic I would personally give this kind of thing a miss. It requires use of cone spanners and having somewhere suitable to do the work, as well as the knowledge to do the operation.