freehub removal - not 10mm or 12mm?!?!?!

[lauriematt]

hi guys. trying to remove the freehub off my wheel.

bike is Specialized Sirrus 2006 - basic model. wheels are ALEX RIMS DA16.

i tried a 10mm allen key - too small.
i tried a 12mm allen key - too big.

when i tried an 11mm key it was still about half a milimetre too small. when i put some real welly on it the key just slipped inside the bolt - and is starting to round off at the edges!

the inside of the bolt isn't 6 sided - but more like 12 sided (though i havent counted)


any suggestions on how to remove the freehub?

thanxs

[prm]

I would have thought 12mm?? Or a specialized adaptor.

Try driving a tapered thin blade screwdriver alongside one of the flats of the 11mm to lock into place.

Regards

[Mick F]

Are you turning it the right way?

Are freehub fixings not LH thread? They are on Campag.

[nirakaro]

I've got one exactly the same - I suspect it's 7/16". I'll try to slip out tomorrow and buy a 7/16" allen key, and keep you posted.

[pete75]

If it is 12 sided then it will be something called xzn not allen. Some cars have these bolts to hold the head down. Bits are made to fit a 1/2" socket set for and a 12mill one will be about 3 quid from a motor factors.

Edit just looked up web prices and this place are doing a set for 17.00 reduced from 35 - think I'll get one as these things will become more and more common and it will work out cheapers than buying them as and when. It's draper too which ain't bad quality - as good as snap-off anyway.

http://www.diytools.co.uk/diy/Main/sp-6 ... it-set.asp

[lauriematt]

just to update....

going to take the wheel into LBS tomorrow and get them to fit a standard freehub. will cost more than i wanted but i should at least be able to service the wheel myself without any unusual tools needed

currently running front 700c wheel - rear 26"

not a good look

[lauriematt]

been for advice to LBS....instead of the taking the bolt out from the right drive side....you use a 12mm on the left side of the wheel where there is a 6-sided edge to the bolt

[nirakaro]

Just for the archive ... mine removed from the left hand side, with a 7/16" hex key. And - just to keep me on my toes - it's a left hand thread.

[Mick F]

JAnd - just to keep me on my toes - it's a left hand thread.

Thought so!

[lauriematt]

Just for the archive ... mine removed from the left hand side, with a 7/16" hex key. And - just to keep me on my toes - it's a left hand thread.

i was unsure of the thread....tried it both ways and something shifted. didnt have a vice so used an extra long pole and ended up snapping it in half from brute force

so as the NON - drive side of the wheel is facing you (i.e.left side)...do you turn the bolt clockwise or anti clockwise???

thanxs

[Mick F]

I know different makes and models may be different, but my Campag Chorus has LH thread on drive side and RH thread on non-drive side. However, my Campag Mirage has cassette bearings, rather than cup and cone, so is different again - and I've never stripped it. I may have a play later.

However, I'll stick my neck out and say that if either thread is LH, it will be the drive-side only.

[Mick F]

PS.
Just checked my Campag Mirage. The non-drive side unscrews and you drive out the shaft through the freewheel. Completely different.

[meic]

My Shimano Freehubs are standard threads. So if you could get to them from the left side, you would turn clockwise to undo.

[diamondo48]

Hi,

I have a Roubaix 2010 with Shimano 105. I'm looking to remove the freehub, as I think there's too much play in it. Cassette off, end caps off - I've nothing left to undo! There's no six-sided edge inside axle - it's smooth. It will not pull off, so what's holding it on? I hear that some freehubs need a "special shimano freehub removal tool", but not sure if that applies to mine. There are some sealed bearings around the axle, but should I lift up the bigger rubber seal in front of that? Looks easy to damage.

As with some of the other comments on the forum - I'm amazed (read: disappointed) in how often this needs some attention for a Roubaix, which is designed for long distances?

Any thoughts welcome!

[531colin]

http://techdocs.shimano.com/techdocs/blevel.jsp;jsessionid=8yxJQBkCtFrTtpl1z4NLPBk6pvNZLHSlDQn7m7fP7jBCrZLNLQ1T!-83654500?ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474395181679&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302051113&bmUID=jBKUmvN

You have to remove the left cone and locknut etc to remove the axle, then you are in.
Check the series number and Shimano techdocs.