12 mm rear axle "sticking" when locked?

[the_marsbar]

I'm not sure how to describe the problem that I encounter.

On my bike (a CX bike, but with a 12 x 142 mm rear axle, which is why I ask here), the rear wheel becomes very tight when I pedal forwards or backwards. Whenever I loosen the rear axle, the sticking stops.

Any ideas?

[LeDuke]

Sounds like one of two things:

1) Freehub problems (mechanism).

2) Binding or worn bearings in the freehub.

What hub?

[headtube]

Could be something as simple as the quick release springs (if fitted) the wrong way round.

[the_marsbar]

It's a Notubes Neo hub (team edition).

I'd be a bit surprised if it's a bearing, since I haven't really ridden them in the snow (salt) very much. There are no quick release springs (Focus RAT axle).

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll take a closer look at the hub later today.

[the_marsbar]

Hmmm. I actually think it's the freewheel bearings. On both the rear wheels I have. Which is really annoying, since I haven't put THAT many kilometers into the bike.

I have noticed that the rear axle have been wet a couple of times when I pulled it out. Maybe water gets into the hub through the axle somehow?

[Fixie82]

Probably a silly question but have you removed the cassette recently? I ask as I had a similar issue when the cassette lockring wasn't seated properly and fouled on the frame when the axle was tightened. It wasn't apparent that it wasn't seated properly from initial install and had me perplexed for a while. Wasn't until I changed wheel sets and hence cassettes that figured it out


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[the_marsbar]

I'm 99% sure it's the freewheel bearings. On both wheels unfortunately. I'm just surprised how this can happen so quickly (bike is from October).

[headtube]

Still under warranty? Should be serviced or replaced for free.

[DanW]

Bearings are not normally covered under warranties. Hard to prove a manufacturing fault and they cost peanuts to buy anyway.

[headtube]

Bearings are not normally covered under warranties. Hard to prove a manufacturing fault and they cost peanuts to buy anyway.

Understood. But six months old should warrant some kind of customer service if the hub/bearings are failing already.

[wingguy]

Dude you could easily ride two sets of wheels into oblivion in 6 winter months with the right kind of abuse.

And while there's not always a linear relationship between use/mileage and bearing wear (the right bit of water or dirt ingress can screw everything up very quickly) if it is happening on two different wheels at the same time that would usually indicate that it is either the way they're being used or that they're just too cheap to last.

[DanW]

Agreed wingguy. Top tip is to always pull apart hubs when new and thoroughly grease/ pack bearings to be sure it is done properly. Same for forks and other stuff too, especially Fox where I've had two pairs supplied almost dry.