Freehub replacement sealed bearing wheel

[mattw1]

I have a Bontrager Race wheel with sealed bearings. While I have a lot of experience with wheels that have loose bearings, I don't have much with wheels that have sealed bearings. So here is my question; how do I get the axle out and the freehub off? Once the axle nuts were off, unlike a wheel with loose bearings, the axle itself still feels rigidly in place. I've watched some youtube videos on the subject but none of them really get to what I am asking. I do notice that there seems to be a lock ring with slots of some sort in the freehub (see image with two red circles). Do I pull that out with some sort of sharp tool? Anyway, I've included pictures of the hub and any advice would be much appreciated. Thank you.

               

[ReapThaWhirlwind]

I have never done this personally, but I've watched videos of other people doing this, and they typically knock the axle out with a hammer.

Gemini says also to use a soft blow hammer to remove them.

Then says,

Verification & Assembly Tip

Verification: Check the bore of the empty hub shell to ensure the aluminum bearing seats are clean, smooth, and free of metal burrs.

Reinstallation: Apply a thin layer of grease inside the hub bore. Always press new bearings into place using a bearing press or socket that contacts ONLY the outer race. Pressing on the inner race during installation will ruin the new bearing immediately.

[mattw1]

Thanks for getting back. Yes, I too have seen the videos using a hammer but the ones I've seen are pretty incomplete in terms of preparation before banging it out. You mention someone or something called "Gemini". I am not familiar with that. What are you referring to?

Thank you.

(09-11-2026, 11:16 PM)ReapThaWhirlwind Wrote:  I have never done this personally, but I've watched videos of other people doing this, and they typically knock the axle out with a hammer.

Gemini says also to use a soft blow hammer to remove them.

Then says,

Verification & Assembly Tip

Verification: Check the bore of the empty hub shell to ensure the aluminum bearing seats are clean, smooth, and free of metal burrs.

Reinstallation: Apply a thin layer of grease inside the hub bore. Always press new bearings into place using a bearing press or socket that contacts ONLY the outer race. Pressing on the inner race during installation will ruin the new bearing immediately.

[mattw1]

Update. Banging the axle out with a hammer (and a stout piece of wood in between to protect the axle) from the non drive is, in fact, the way to remove it. Once the axle was out it became clear that a special tool is needed to remove the freehub. Ordered on Amazon tonight for $9.

[meamoantonio]

rubber mallet on the opposite side, like a bunch of light taps and it'll pop out