Remove Shimano RM35 freehub

[pfm401]

I'm having a bad run on repairs at the minute - hopefully this is obvious to those in the know!

Firstly does anyone know how to remove a Shimano freehub (RM35)? It looks like there's a central body with splines then a round shaft where the threads are. All the videos online say to insert a 10mm or 12mm hex key (sadly I have neither!) but why would you do this if there's splines - suggests s special tool but I can't find one online!

Sorry if this is a "newbie" question but I don't want to start buying tools and hacking around as I could do more harm than good.


Photo of the hub and central screw in part attached.

 

[Cycleops]

You'll have to use a hex key, I know no workaround. They're not difficult to find.

 

[Big John]

Daft question but isn't that the removed freehub body you've photographed? Anyway, big hex key unless you have something lying around that might fit, such as an extender bar from a socket set. If you have the tools it's a two minute job once the axle is removed.

 

[Ajax Bay]

You need the right sized allen key. The relevant 'splines' you see are the 12 angles, six of which will be engaged by the key. Can use 2 x 5mm or 2 x 6mm or one of each to be sure which key you need.

 

[pfm401]

Daft question but isn't that the removed freehub body you've photographed? Anyway, big hex key unless you have something lying around that might fit, such as an extender bar from a socket set. If you have the tools it's a two minute job once the axle is removed.

Hi I photographed the replacement which is an identical part.

Thanks
Paul

 

[pfm401]

You need the right sized allen key. The relevant 'splines' you see are the 12 angles, six of which will be engaged by the key. Can use 2 x 5mm or 2 x 6mm or one of each to be sure which key you need.

Sorry to be daft but what do you mean by 2x5mm or 2x6mm? I have keys up to 8mm but presumably I need 10 or 12 here?

 

[Ajax Bay]

Insert two keys side by side to discover which (10/11/12mm) key you need.

 

[fossyant]

I'd just buy 10, 11 and a 12. Got a screwfix nearby ?

 

[cyberknight]

q and a on sjs cycles states a 10 mm allen key

 

[pfm401]

Ok thanks all, it was a 10mm hex key, a trip to Screwfix sorted it! It's just not a hex fitting (like a star) but as someone said here they're just to make it a good fit.

Next challenge is that the instructions supplied with the freehub talk about "precautions when installing the inner seal ring" and there being a way round for it. However there is no inner seal ring as such - there's a thin metal washer but it doesn't seem to have a "way round"! I've taken the existing freewheel off (see pics) and it's the same - no grooved inner seal ring!

Am I being daft or is it Shimano putting in generic instructions that don't apply to all freehubs?

Thanks again
Paul.