Any bicycle mechanics out there?

[Radshooter]

The bike is a Specialized Hardrock. It was in for a "tune-up" a month ago, and the wife has ridden it several miles since with no problems. Now the gear cluster on the rear wheel free-wheels in BOTH directions. I took the wheel off this morning when I got home from work and played with it a bit.

I can feel slight "clicks" in the hub like it is trying to catch but can't quite get ahold. Every once in a while it will catch and hold, but as soon as you let off pressure, it slips and free-wheels again. I can detect no end-play. Everything feels snugged up unless there is a nut inside I can't see. I will try to take it apart this afternoon when I wake up (night shifter). Something tells me there are a bunch of little ball bearings in there that are going to want to go everywhere when I open it up.

I have never had an axle apart, but I can adjust brakes and deraileurs and basic stuff like that.

Is there an exploded diagram on the net anywhere I can look at before this one explodes on me? Do you think it is worth messing with or are we looking at a new axle/hub assembly? The nearest bike shop is 90 miles from here, so if possible I would like to get this one going again because we won't be going shopping for several weeks.

Thanks for any input. I will check back this afternoon before I tear into it.

Steve

PS... the only stamping I can see on the hub looks like it says "joytech" and "95L". It has a 7 gear cluster if that matters.
Thanks.

 

[TowPro]

take it to a bike shop. I had one changed over 30 years ago. he has a special chain wrench he put on the sprocket and turned it backwards. Of course if yours don't lock anymore you might be in line for a new rim? Anyway, bike shops don't charge an arm and a leg like other dealers we know of

 

[klenger]

Since you are a ways from a bike shop, you might want to consider boxing up the wheel and UPS it to a shop. It would save a bunch of driving. Maybe ship it to whatever town you do your shopping at so that it will be ready for pickup next time you go into town.



I am kind of curious, what is the nearest town of significance to you? I'm guessing Flagstaff?

 

[Radshooter]

Hi guys. Thanks for the replies. I am thinking about getting it to a shop somehow. I doubt I would have the right tools for the job.

Ken... When we do our serious shopping, we either go south to Flagstaff--about 80 miles--or north to Page--about 90 miles. Depends on what we are looking for. Page has a Super WallyWorld, but Flag has the Outback and Red Lobster. Sometimes it is a tough decision to go north or south.

Thanks again guys.
Steve

 

[klenger]

I was at the GC north and south rims the week of Labor Day, so I got to travel thru your back yard. Not much there, unless you are looking for Indian jewelry.

 

[Radshooter]

I was at the GC north and south rims the week of Labor Day, so I got to travel thru your back yard. Not much there, unless you are looking for Indian jewelry.

We were at the south rim that weekend too!! If I'd have known, I'd have offered ya a cup of coffee just to meet and greet! Oo. I guess it really is a small world? Never know who you will run into.

Yep... . not much here, but there is some gorgeous scenery! Our contract here ends at the end of Oct. , then I think we are heading to Nebraska for about a year. :{ Just in time for winter.

 

[TowPro]

I just noticed bike nashbar has a big sale on rims right now. Might be cheeper then taking it to town of your so far away

 

[bighammer]

Lots of tiny parts inside and not worth trying to service yourself. You'll have to take it to a shop that can remove it with a special tool.

You could try to get some oil into the freewheel (or freehub) and see if it's just the pawls sticking. Maybe WD40 with a long tube to get between the largest cog and the spokeswhile you spin the gears. let that work in and then get some in near the small cog. (beween the part that spins and the stationary part) Try not to get it on the axle bearings.

Bikes have changed a bunch since I worked in a bike shop.

 

[Alan Reagan]

My daughters Trek was doing something similar except it would catch a little. The problem was of my making... ... . I oiled it. I had to take it apart and wipe it down. For reinstallation, I used bearing grease and since then there have been no problems with it catching and pulling when peddling forward.



Apparently it takes grease instead of oil to make the pawls catch and hold. I learned my lesson.