Have questions or want to discuss cycling? Join Now or Sign In to participate in the BikeRide community.

New: Take Part in the March Giveaway: Coming Soon 3/24


Freewheel hub wiggling in place + Chain tension?
#1
I purchased a used single speed and for some reason the pedals seem to move while the wheels are going even in the free wheel mode. (They only rotate forward slowly while wheels are spinning, I can easily hold them in place with no resistance and they will not spin backwards). Additionally I bought a new chain as I believe this is an old model and likely needs a chain replacement but I'm not sure if I should try to size my new chain to the current one. I have heard about the 1/2 inch movement but after attempting to tighten the chain it feels like the chain is still loose.

Video of pedals moving with wheel + chain wiggle: https://imgur.com/a/bkJnC2M

I also noticed that the freewheel hub itself appears to wiggle in place while the wheels are moving, is this a problem? How would I go about fixing this?

Video of free hub spinning: https://imgur.com/a/9jWsoxX


Thank you!
  Reply
#2
The reason your cranks are moving is that the pawls inside the freewheel are sticking, not allowing the freewheel to rotate freely.

The movement in the freewheel is just some lateral play that is found in inexpensive freewheels. Better freewheels like the ones from Shimano don't wobble as much.
  Reply


Possibly Related Threads...
Thread
Author
Replies
Views
Last Post
 
3,222
03-02-2021, 09:18 AM
Last Post: Luk
 
2,211
06-06-2020, 03:20 AM
Last Post: jonsio
 
3,967
03-12-2020, 07:25 PM
Last Post: bibimbap
 
9,063
09-25-2019, 05:53 PM
Last Post: Painkiller
 
12,754
09-29-2017, 03:02 PM
Last Post: sodej
 
6,754
08-10-2014, 01:17 PM
Last Post: cny-man
 
10,344
01-06-2014, 08:23 PM
Last Post: 1FJEF

Forum Jump:

[-]
10 Latest Posts
What tools have you bought recently?
Today 06:57 PM
Santini fluted frame
Today 06:47 PM
Expensive bikes with crappy wheels
Today 10:15 AM
Where are you from and What is your favo...
Yesterday 11:43 PM
2007 Trek Pilot S.P.A. 5.2
Yesterday 07:06 PM
2010 Specialized Hardrock
03-26-2024 09:16 PM
1990 Specialized Rockhopper How to Fluff...
03-25-2024 07:05 PM
Thread busted on right pedal crank
03-24-2024 08:52 PM
Trek domane tyre
03-24-2024 05:48 PM
Modern rims crack at spoke holes
03-24-2024 05:32 PM

[-]
Join BikeRide on Strava
Feel free to join if you are on Strava: www.strava.com/clubs/bikeridecom

[-]
Top 5 Posters This Month
no avatar 1. Painkiller
21 posts
no avatar 2. ReapThaWhirlwind
16 posts
no avatar 3. Jesper
16 posts
no avatar 4. GirishH
15 posts
no avatar 5. meamoantonio
15 posts