Slipping rear hub

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RDee

Senior Member
Hi all,
I am about to do a long multi day ride (Frankfurt to Munich) so I decided to give my road bike (Specialized Roubaix) a good going over as I use it for commuting in all weather. This included a new cassette and chain as both were well worn. However, when I removed the cassette it was stiff and the rear hub came off with it and when I got the cassette off the hub there was also a bit of scoring on the hub driver body. No worries I thought so I just popped the hub back in changed the cassette and chain (as well as the guide wheels on the rear mech) went for a test ride and everything seemed fine.
But this morning on my commute, if I tried to pedal hard there would be an awful noise and I could feel something slipping at the rear I am assuming it’s the hub but couldn’t see whilst cycling. The vast majority of the time it was fine and I was able to change gears with no issues.

Any suggestions on what I need to do to resolve it? Could it be as simple as making sure the cassette locking nut is tighter or are there other possibilities that may be causing this?

Thanks for reading any ideas greatly appreciated!
 

Shortfall

Well-Known Member
Possibly worn or sticking pawls/ worn ratchet mechanism in the freehub?
 

T4tomo

Legendary Member
It sounds like you need a new freehub.
If everything was working as it should, there should be no way that the freehub should come off with the cassette. The hub is usually secured using a large allen wrench from the reverse side - when you say
I just popped the hub back in
did you tighten it or simply place it there???

I'd definitely get a bike shop / mechanic to look at it, or make sure you have a spare rear wheel with you, otherwise your multi day trip might last a morning
 
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roubaixtuesday

self serving virtue signaller
If everything was working as it should, there should be no way that the freehub should come off with the cassette. The hub is usually secured using a large allen wrench from the reverse side - when you say

It depends on the hub design.

I discovered when changing the cassette on a Hope hub that they simply press into place, and come off just as easily. It was a lesson for me on how the internals work!

1000008472.jpg



OP, I've no idea what's up, other than "something"!
 
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fossyant

Ride It Like You Stole It!
Location
South Manchester
Some do come appart like that. Pull it off and give it a good clean especially the pawls. If they are internal, remove the seals and give the freehub a good soaking of oil.
 
OP
OP
R

RDee

Senior Member
Thank you all for the advice, I will give the hub, which is a DTSwiss for what it is worth, a good clean after cycling home this evening. I will try and see if there is something I should have tightened as well rather than just pop it back on!

Fortunately @T4tomo I do have a spare wheel so I will have an option if all else fails.
 

fossyant

Ride It Like You Stole It!
Location
South Manchester
DT Swiss usually have ratchet rings so they may need a good clean and the spring de-gunking. Some have pawls but you'll see this. Easy to sort out if not broken, but parts are available.
 
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