How to Change the Freehub in a Trek Mountain Bike

The freehub is a ratcheting mechanism and cylinder that holds the rear cassette in place and allows it to spin independently of the bike's axle. The interior of the freehub will contain numerous bearings and a clutch system, comprised of pawls and ratcheting teeth. Stock Trek mountain bikes will feature its house brand Bontrager model wheels and hubs. The following directions apply to this particular model.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Removal

Things You’ll Need:

Lockring removal tool
Adjustable wrench
Chainwhip
17mm wrench
6mm allen wrench

Step 1

Remove the wheel from the bike, along with the cassette from the freehub. To remove the cassette, insert a lockring removal tool through the face of the cassette. Hold the cogs in place with a chainwhip, and turn the lockring tool counterclockwise with an adjustable wrench.

Step 2

Hold the left, non-drive side axle in place by inserting a 6mm allen wrench into the axle hole. Using a 17mm wrench, loosen the right side axle nut on the end of the axle.

Step 3

Slide the freehub from the axle. Place your hand around the freehub to catch any pawls or springs which my fall from the freehub. Both are small parts and will be located at the bottom of the freehub.

Replace

Step 1

Fit the new free hub in place over the axle. Parktool.com warns that it may be necessary to squeeze the pawls on the end of the freehub in order to fit the freehub in place. Pawls are spring-loaded and can simply be pushed back into place with your fingers.

Step 2

Insert the 6mm allen wrench into the left side of the axle opening. Hold the wrench in place.

Step 3

Replace the right-side axle nut onto the axle. Tighten the nut with the 17mm wrench.

Step 4

Check to ensure that there is no lateral movement from the axle. Spin the wheel, as well. If the wheel binds, you've over-tightened the axle nut. Back the nut out a half turn, and check the adjustment a second time.

Resources

Bontrager.com: Support

Article Written By Matthew Ferguson

Matthew Ferguson is a writer living in Savannah, Ga. He has been writing for over 10 years and his work has appeared on various online publications. A collection of his short stories was published in spring 2010. He is a graduate of Appalachian State University.

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