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An XT disc hub that has not seen that much action has started making a clicking noise. It's like a slightly quieter version of the Hope freewheeling noise. It starts whilst pedalling, continues when you freewheel but stops completely after the smallest dab of brakes (when you can freewheel in silence indefinitely) until you start pedalling again when the clicking immediately resumes. It can't be replicated with the bike on a turbo even under high levels of roller resistance and power - it seems to need rider weight and power through the transmission. Bearings feel pretty good and there is no appreciable play anywhere.
What do you think? Has to be the freehub doesn't it?As a previous sufferer from a near 'sack-off' incident when a freehub went resulting in a full force bollocks/stem interface I'm keen not to just live with it! Contemplating a new hub or at least a new freehub if changing a freehub on an XT hub is a thing. I don't think shimano freehubs are easily serviced.
Hi Convert,
I would guess it is the free hub, although mine usually tick strangely when freewheeling or when starting to pedal, however it is not a big job to change the free hub and it is worth re-greasing the bearings if you have never done this before as they are not usually supplied with much grease from new. You'll need a set of cone spanners and a 10mm allen key to remove and install the free hub.
Given braking affects it, I'd say it's not the freehub, probably the brake, but I get it may not be that simple.
In any event, new Shimano freehubs are V reliable IME as a mechanic.
Spent the week with a squealing Brompton, dynohub suspected.
Would check your brakes, make sure all bolts are tight including disc bolts.
A random thing to check would be the pad spring, it may not be seated around the pads correctly or bent. This would cause the freehub sound and the force of pedalling may be just enough to flex the disc away from it, pressing the brakes may move it slightly out of the way too. I've had this with a spring from a pair of superstar pads that was poorly shaped, it wasn't exactly as you describe but it would intermittently shuffle towards the disc and sound like a freehub.
Thanks all. The frame is a slightly flexy ti cross bike so possibly look at the brake first thing tomorrow before looking at the freehub.