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From: fred@varian.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.bicycle
Subject: Re: Freewheel Maintenance
Message-ID: <235@varian.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 4-Sep-84 13:20:33 EDT
Article-I.D.: varian.235
Posted: Tue Sep  4 13:20:33 1984
Date-Received: Sat, 15-Sep-84 06:45:46 EDT
References: <423@astrovax.UUCP>, <105@Cascade.ARPA>
Organization: Varian, Walnut Creek, CA
Lines: 48

The previous author on freewheel maintenence makes several 
statements that beg for comment:

	(1) Kerosene, gasoline and carburator cleaner are not
	    the best materials for de-greasing bike parts.  Esp.
	    the carb cleaner if its "outrageously caustic" (I
	    assume you mean "caustic" in the usual sense of
	    ability to erode material).  Many freewheels and
	    other parts use plastic components that may be 
	    damaged by a caustic cleaner.  Look instead for
            degreasing solvents.  These are non-flamable, 
	    chlorinated hydrocarbons and are sold in large
	    hardware stores.  They are *expensive* but a little
	    goes a long way.  They also evaporate without
	    residue (unlike kerosene or gas).

	(2) I too have seen the grease injector from Phil Wood
	    and really question its utility.  Freewheels should
	    be lubricated with light oil and frequently, not just
	    for a once -a-year cleaning. If you have ever disassembled
	    a freewheel you would see that the very tiny bearings and
	    races are not appropriate candidates for grease lubrication.
	    Also grease can clump large bits
	    of dirt that can jam the pawls and make the freewheel
	    either too "free" or give you an instant track bike.
	    I've been training hard
	    and racing bikes for 12 years so my freewheels take
	    alot of torture.  I've had a couple of the freewheel
	    bodies for 10 years and have always used light oil only, but
	    frequently. (Tri-Flow is my current lubricant)

	(3) On the issue of disaaembly: there's really no need to
	    disassemle a freewheel for routine cleaning unless its
	    sticky or jammed.  Even under those circumstances a sonic
	    cleaner, if you have access to one, may loosen the dirt.
	    If you do want to disassemble the freewheel, get the 
	    appropriate spanner from your local bike shop to remove
	    the adjustable cup.  In some cases you may have to remove
	    one or more cogs, also.  Its probably not worth it, since,
	    as noted, you can have an all new freewheel for $25.


						Fred Klink
						Varian Instruments
						2700 Mitchell
						Walnut Creek, CA
							94598