Replace A Freehub Body On A Bike Wheel

Introduction

A newer style freehub body is the ratcheting system that holds the cassette to the wheel hub. It is an improvement over the older style freewheel hub in that you can replace gear sprockets without having to change the whole mechanism. The freehub body should last a long, time as most of the components will be weather sealed, but if the freehub does wear out, it can be easily replaced. This guide assumes you have a quick release rear wheel, but the procedure is the same if your wheel is attached with wheel nuts.

This is a long guide, so you can choose to either watch the entire video above, or follow it in smaller chunks by clicking on the individual steps below.

Steps to Replace A Freehub Body On A Bike Wheel:

1. Remove A Bike's Rear Wheel With Quick Release Skewer

Removing a rear wheel is a simple task, although the gear mechanism makes it a slightly more complicated than removing the front wheel.

Remove A Bike's Rear Wheel With Quick Release Skewer | MadeGood.bikes

2. Remove A Bike Wheel's Cassette

The cogs on a bike cassette slide onto a set of splines on the freehub and are held in place by a lock-ring. The cogs usually come in a set, with some bolted together and some loose.

Remove A Bike Wheel's Cassette | MadeGood.bikes

3. Remove A Bike Wheel's Freehub Body

A freehub lasts a long time but can be replaced if it wears out.

Remove A Bike Wheel's Freehub Body | MadeGood.bikes

4. Mount A Bike Wheel's Freehub Body

A new freehub body can be fitted to an old hub if the original wears out.

Mount A Bike Wheel's Freehub Body | MadeGood.bikes

5. Mount A Bike Cassette

The freehub body has a set of splines that allow the bike cassette to grip and turn the freehub. The cassette slides on to these and is held in place by a lock-ring.

6. Mount A Bike's Rear Wheel With Quick Release Skewer

Mounting a rear wheel with quick release skewer is simple, although the gears make it a slightly more complicated

Mount A Bike's Rear Wheel With Quick Release Skewer | MadeGood.bikes

7. Check A Bike Freewheel

A freewheel is a ratchet mechanism mounted on the rear hub which allows the chain to drive the wheel forwards via a cog but when the wheels move faster than the chain the cog is not driven round by the wheel. A freewheel allows a rider to rest their legs while the bike is moving forward.