This morning’s ride turned into a walk as my freewheel decided to spin both ways.

Shimano deore hub.

cue lots of swearing and started walking home..

on a downhill section, it then magically decided to work.. so i was able to cycle the remaining 1 mile home.

Is this a sign that the ratchet/pawls are being tempramental? are they sticking open, and so not engaging – it did do a couple of ‘klanks’ on a ride last week so I’m wondering if it be just better to replace rather than risk a long walk home again.

buy a new one, it’s fubar, unless it’s significantly below zero where you are.

You can disassemble Shimano freehubs, clean & reassemble.*
I used to.
Then I decided it was easier to buy a new one.
That was before I decided Shimano rear hubs are shit & best avoided.

*Lots of stupid little ball bearings will roll all over the shop if you’re not very careful.

mine slipped a few weeks ago on an uphill launched me over the bars, and a chap in the bike shop last year had really nasty, chain ring saw marks deep into his right calf.

DUMP IT NOW, IT WILL HURT YOU.

And if it doesn’t hurt you it can leave you stranded.

Had this happen a month back, when I stripped it down, it was pretty much a mix of swarf and bearings, shot to bits.
Shove a new one on, its a simple enough job.

thanks all.