Expert: Dave - 7/31/2008

Question
QUESTION: The rear sprocket on one of my kids' ten-speed type bikes seems to be frozen.  This is an inexpensive, Target/Walmart type bike - nothing fancy.  Where the sprocket should move freely (free wheel), allowing the pedals / chain to go backwards, it does not - so when the bike is ridden, the chain wants to keep moving along with the wheel/sprocket.  What can I do to free up this sprocket?

ANSWER: Hello Craig. What seems to be the problem is that your freewheel is lack lubrication. Without special tools to remove a freewheel it may be difficult to loosen or lubricate.

If you do have a tool to remove the freewheel, grease applied to the bearings should provide a solution solution. If you do not have the proper tools, please don't try to remove the freewheel at the chance of damage. Try to take a spay lubrication to loosed the bearings. DO NOT USE WD-40. I suggest Syn Lube or GT-85. That is what bike shops use. Therew is also a possibility that your freewheel is mising bearings or cold welded beyong repair, therefore having to buy a new freewheel.

If you still are having problems with your freewheel, please let me know so we can try to get your son ready to ride again.
-Dave

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dave - Thanks for the suggestion.  Where do I apply the spray lubrication that you recommended?  I do not have any specialized tools, so it sounds like I cannot remove / fix the freewheel?  If you can explain where to spray the lubricant, I will give that a try.

Thanks again,

Craig

Answer
Hello again Craig. There is a plate on the inner portion of the freewheel. Here is what I'm talking about:


<img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a297/D_A_K/freewheel.jpg" border="2" alt="freewheel"></a>


Lubricate that part and the reverse side of the freewheel. This may take some excessive lubricating so be patient. You could also try to remove the wheel and use the chain to break the freewheel. this may not be possible to achieve.

I'm not sure that your freewheel is curable so there is a chance you may need to purchase a new one. These may run about $7-15 depending on which freewheel you choose. Just follow me up again and I'll help you install it.

But in the long run, that spray lubrication to some bike parts about every 200-750 miles will increase your bikes life by a long shot! So the spray lubrication will be the best buy you have made for your bike.

I hope I have help you out in this your freewheel situation. I'm new to this site so I'm just learning to type out ways to repair things. If there is anything else I can help you with to resolve your bicycle problems, please do not hesitate!
-Dave