Comments on: How to Replace A Freewheel

By: Vincent

Vincent — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 15:25:49 +0000

Hi,This is by far the best explanation of the difference between a freewheel and a cassette along with their removal and reinstallation… (I watched many more; this is the best.) After watching this tutorial , I removed and reinstalled my first freewheel, I found that by threading the axle nut after inserting the removal tool, prevented it from slipping out. Thank you

By: burkay

burkay — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 15:52:16 +0000

Thanks so much for the video. It was very helpful.

I can add two additional tips that I came up with during the process of removing my freewheel.

First, if you have a quick release, put it on after you place the freewheel removal tool on the freewheel. This keeps the tool in place while you push the wrench. If your freewheel is tight, you will end up putting a lot of torque on the tool and without the quick release it can accidentally come off.

Second, if your freewheel is very tight, before trying a bench vise try this first. Place the removal tool and quick release in place. Sit on a chair. Place the wrench in place. Hold the wheel firmly with both hands (the cassette should face right-hand side), and push the wrench down using your right foot as if you are pushing a gas pedal. This works better than using just one arm because most people have stronger muscles in their legs than in their arms.

By: Ira Brown

Ira Brown — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 23:20:37 +0000

Thanks for the reply. I ended up using a cut off wheel and cutting the freewheel off.
Got the new one installed.

By: Alex

Alex — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 22:23:28 +0000

Hi Ira,

It is possible the freewheel is seized onto the hub. Before breaking any more tools I’d take it to your local bike shop to see if they can confirm.

By: Ira Brown

Ira Brown — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 00:34:12 +0000

I tried removing my freewheel today. Put a cheater bar with a socket in a vice and then put the freewheel tool in the socket. All I succeeded in doing was shearing the freewheel tool into two pieces.

Is it possible to have a freewheel that will not come off. Should I buy another tool and give it another try. I wonder if using the cheater bar created too much torque.

By: Derek

Derek — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 10:52:22 +0000

Thanks for the response Alex.
I’ve solved my issue. I was trying to remove a freewheel with a cassette removal tool. That’s why it wouldn’t fit. I’ve got a Park FR-1 now and the freewheel is off.

By: Alex

Alex — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:57:11 +0000

Hi Derek, Yes, there are several different types of freewheels that require different tools. The one in the video is the most common. I'll be doing a tutorial on the different types at some point, but in the meantime if you upload a photo to a forum post we could help figure out which one you need.

By: Derek

Derek — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:34:53 +0000

This is a great site and has inspired me to get the tools to maintain and repair my bike myself.

However, I have a problem. I am trying to remove the freewheel from my bike but my freewheel removal tool does not fit into the freewheel. Are there different sizes of freewheels and freewheel tools? I’ve not seen different removal tool sizes advertised.

I have removed the nuts in front of the freewheel to get the tool in but the diameter of the tool seems too big for the toothed hole on the freewheel. Do I need to force it in with a mallet? It looked to fit in so easily on your video clip.

Help.

Thanks.

By: Greg

Greg — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 05:44:56 +0000

This is great! With your help, I just pulled my freewheel to replace two broken spokes, and will be riding again tomorrow. Thank you so much!

By: Alex

Alex — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 21:41:46 +0000

Hi David, I don’t think your freewheel is welded on. If you have a steel hub, it may be that the freewheel threads have actually bonded to the hub via rust or corrosion. I would take your wheel into a bike shop for a second opinion.