How to Fix a Skipping Freehub on a Bicycle

Last Updated: April 19, 2022

This article will show you how to fix a bicycle freehub mechanism that is skipping. A freehub a common hub type for bicycles that uses stacks of sprockets or cassettes, the freewheel mechanism is contained within the hub. Skipping occurs most often under high loads, for example when pedaling out of the saddle. This makes any sort of skipping in the drivetrain quite dangerous and care should be taken when riding bikes that have a problem like this.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Taking the Freewheel Mechanism Apart

1
Make sure that the problem is caused by the freewheel. Skipping can also be cause by a worn chain, worn chainrings and worn sprockets.
2
Remove the rear wheel. Disconnect the rear brake and undo the axle nuts.

Advertisement
3
Remove the cassette. The freewheel mechanism is contained inside the splined housing.
4
Remove the freehub assembly. The process may vary for this step by manufacturer and hub design. Shimano freehubs are held on by a hollow hex bolt inside the housing itself. Remove the bearings on either side before undoing the bolt.
5
Take apart the freewheel mechanism.
6
Clean and lubricate the whole mechanism. Check for any worn or broken parts, replace if necessary. The whole mechanism may need to be replaced if it is too worn or has other major damage.
7
Put everything back together.
8
Test drive the bike to see if the fix was successful. If there is still skipping, check for other possible sources of the problem or get a new freehub body or even a new hub.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Without Taking the Freewheel Mechanism Apart

1
Make sure that the problem is caused by the freewheel. Skipping can also be cause by a worn chain, worn chainrings and worn sprockets.
2
Remove the rear wheel. Disconnect the rear brake and undo the axle nuts.
3
Remove the cassette. The freewheel mechanism is contained inside the splined housing.
4
Remove the freehub assembly. The process may vary for this step by manufacturer and hub design. Shimano freehubs are held on by a hollow hex bolt inside the housing itself. Remove the bearings on either side before undoing the bolt.
5
Add oil or penetrating fluid to the ratcheting mechanism from the outside. For some Shimano housings, it is possible to add oil from the cog shaped side of the housing. Oil or penetrant loosens up any grease or dirt inside the ratcheting mechanism.
6
Work the oil into the ratcheting mechanism. If the hub used to be quiet then the ratcheting sound should get louder. This is a good sign as it means the mechanism isn't damaged. Keep adding oil until the ratcheting sound is clear and the mechanism spins with minimal effort. The end result may leave the hub quite loud and with a barely audible grittiness to it, this isn't a major concern as it takes a long time for the mechanism to wear out completely. Spare housings are also quite cheap.
7
Test drive the bike to see if the fix was successful. If there is still skipping, check for other possible sources of the problem or get a new freehub body or even a new hub.