[JohnE]

So I replaced the bearings on my Azonic rear wheel. When I re-assembled it and put it back on the bike, there is a drag when it spins free...pulls the crank around itself, almost like when a bb is bad. Took it to a different local shop and they again dont want to touch it. Shops here suck...they dont sell it, they wont work on it. Arent all free hub bodies the same? Unless its a high end hub that makes their own stuff?

Anyway...is there a possibility I goofed while re-assembling it? I have always had left over parts when rebuilding motors...there were none for this. Do palls go bad in free hubs? It was perfect before I disassembled it...except for the bearings of course.

 

[jonKranked]

pawls can go bad, but if they weren't bad before the rebuild wouldn't do it (pawls go bad by wear).

What did you use to grease/lubricate things?

did you make sure the bearings were fulled seated in the hub shell?

 

[Jim Mac]

Think I had this issue - check what Kranky said - are you main bearings fully seated? Second, did you over grease the pawl area? I believe i had this issue with too much grease - they would stick a bit and create this drag.

Did you replace the bearings in the free hub body? If not, you might be able to lightly op the seal and relube the bearings.

 

[Nick]

Sounds like too much preload on the bearings / end caps too tight.
Bad pawls wouldn't cause what you're describing, but that would show itself under load when pedaling.

 

[JohnE]

Sealed bearings...so they are all seated well. I could try to re press them, but dont want them in top deep. The resistance is only on maybe 1/3 of the spin...

Did not replace anything in the free hub itself, just the main bearings. Greased very lightly. I am almost tempted to just buy a new set of wheels off Fleabay...been wanting to go lighter.