Replacement for RM40-7 hub and cassette

[vicnation]

I'm new to bike repair. I use an old bike to ride around my neighborhood with my kids so I'm not a serious rider. My bike has a Shimano FH-RM40 7-speed hub and cassette. It's been difficult finding direct replacements for those components. Is there anything else that will fit without having to change out the entire wheel? I don't mind upgrading if the cost isn't too high. What are my options?

Thanks...

[elmore leonard]

(07-14-2015, 07:32 AM)vicnation Wrote:  I'm new to bike repair. I use an old bike to ride around my neighborhood with my kids so I'm not a serious rider. My bike has a Shimano FH-RM40 7-speed hub and cassette. It's been difficult finding direct replacements for those components. Is there anything else that will fit without having to change out the entire wheel? I don't mind upgrading if the cost isn't too high. What are my options?

Thanks...

Here a drawing if that helps. It should be serviceable.
http://www.shimano.com/media/techdocs/content/cycle/EV/bikecomponents/FH/EV-FH-RM40-7NT-1590A_v1_m56577569830608949.pdf

[nfmisso]

What EXACTLY is the problem?

You can get a 7 speed freehub that will fit:
http://www.niagaracycle.com/categories/shimano-fh-rm30-7-speed-freehub-body

Lots of 7 speed cassette options:
http://www.niagaracycle.com/categories/components/drive-train/cassettes/7-speed

If you replace your cassette, you need to replace your chain.  I like the KMC X8.93 for my 7 and 8 speed applications.

It is easy to replace the ball bearings in the hub (not freehub), and as long as it is not too far gone, with regular servicing, the hub will last more than our lifetimes.

[vicnation]

(07-14-2015, 05:25 PM)nfmisso Wrote:  What EXACTLY is the problem?

You can get a 7 speed freehub that will fit:
http://www.niagaracycle.com/categories/shimano-fh-rm30-7-speed-freehub-body

Lots of 7 speed cassette options:
http://www.niagaracycle.com/categories/components/drive-train/cassettes/7-speed

If you replace your cassette, you need to replace your chain.  I like the KMC X8.93 for my 7 and 8 speed applications.

It is easy to replace the ball bearings in the hub (not freehub), and as long as it is not too far gone, with regular servicing, the hub will last more than our lifetimes.

Thanks...

The bike shifts up and down constantly and will not maintain a gear. Some of the teeth on the cassette look damaged. I haven't found any slippage in the gearing. If I need to replace the cassette, is there an upgrade available over what I have where I won't have to replace the hub?

[nfmisso]

"The bike shifts up and down constantly and will not maintain a gear."

Most likely the cable needs adjustment due to stretching.  

Other possibilities:
* shifters
* cable friction - replace and properly lubricate.
* damaged cassette - always replace the chain when you replace the cassette.

Does not sound like anything related to the freehub.