Replacing a Shimano freehub body

[d_douglas]

I need to replace the freehub body on an XT non-disc rear hub on my wife's bike. I have been advised to skip it and just buy a new wheel (but a trusted source :) ) but I can't believe that it is not worth teh effort to install a new body on an otherwise good condition hub and a nice rim as well.

Is it easy to do and are replacement FH bodies available? Cheaply? I understand that these hubs are now not more than $50, but in the end, if I don't need to rebuild a wheel, I would rather stick with this solution.

Any thoughts?

The hub model is SH M760, I believe. For V-brakes.

[palincss]

Is it easy to do and are replacement FH bodies available? Cheaply?


http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/k7.html#bodies

[pbjbike]

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/k7.html

I've had a pawl break on a fairly new Ultegra hub and replaced the freehub body. No need to buy a new wheel. A good LBS will have some used ones that have been removed from damaged wheels.

[d_douglas]

to replace one? I am pretty much an idiot with all things mechanical.

[fjaws]

You can't mess it up. 9 or 10mm allen and it screws right off. Not a swiss watch type deal with parts flying everywhere. Replacing axle and bearings will be most difficult part of the task.

[palincss]

to replace one? I am pretty much an idiot with all things mechanical.

http://sheldonbrown.com/k7.html#transplant

[PSC]

JensonUSA has them for about 25 dollars

http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/HU408Z13-Shimano+9+Speed+Hg+Freehub+Body.aspx

Go to Shimano website and got to Technical Document section and get info on your hub. They have freehub removal in there.

Freehub removel/installation is easy.

[bfd]

Park Tool has great photos and instructions:

http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=118

[PaulE]

will be adjusting the bearings to the point you're happy that the wheel spins smoothly without being too tight or too loose.

Make sure you have the right size cone wrenches. I suggest you only remove the locknut and cone on the nondrive side and leave the drive side locknut and cone alone. That way, you don't have to worry about getting the exposed axle on each side of the hub even. Buy new ball bearings and get extras. Then if you have any escapees during reassembly, you don't have to get on your hands and knees to find them if you don't want to.

Good luck.