hello.
getting myself a new one of these for the commuter:
[url= http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=7805 ]shimano sf mx30[/url]
question is, shall I open bearing cover and pack with more grease or leave as is?
I know some say this is a good thing to do with cartridge bearings, but these are free balls.
would grease help, or just contribute to general accumulation of cack stopping the pawls from engaging properly??
would be good to hear some views, knowledge.
Thanks in advance! 😀
Have you already ordered it is the question?
I've found the Shimano freewheels to have really short lifespans unfortunately.
These are much better:
[url= http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NOS-BMX-Freewheels-Suntour-17-Tooth-Freewheels-Suntour-Freewheel-3-32-/190637121319?pt=UK_sportsleisure_cycling_bikeparts_SR&hash=item2c62db9f27#ht_604wt_961 ]NOS Suntour freewheel[/url]
Or if not these:
[url= http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ACS-18-Tooth-BMX-Freewheels-18-Teeth-NOS-BMX-Free-Wheel-/150655286063?pt=UK_sportsleisure_cycling_bikeparts_SR&hash=item2313c13b2f#ht_1072wt_961 ]ACS Crossfire freewheel[/url]
As for oiling/greasing them, don't take them apart, as you'll end up with bits everywhere. For routine maintenance lie the wheel flat with the freewheel upwards, and run thick oil into the gap between the body and the outer teeth whilst spinning the freewheel. The oil will make it's way into the bearings.
I wouldn't worry; I found tooth wear to be the limiting factor in terms of the lifespan of those. I've never opened one, though, don't all the bits fly out?
thanks,
yeah i opened the old one as the pawls were covered in gunk and had stopped flipping up to engage.
yes, lots of the balls fell out. luckily onto the bench so i got them all back (i think)
I re-packed it all but its not great so getting the new one.
i'll check those options ajantom, thanks.
i just soak mine in a tub of thick car gear oil..
The only way I used to keep Shimano freewheels going was regular sluicing with GT85, followed by drizzling in of a thick wet lube until it dribbled out the back. There's no sealing on them at all, so grease just seems to disappear. Treating them more like a chain in terms of maintenance worked better for me.
They were what drove me to WI freewheels of course 😉