Rebuild a bicycle rear hub

Step 8 Time to get dirty

It is suggested that you run the freehub lock bolt under a wire-wheel to clean and polish the threads, as you should do with all other threaded areas of all the parts. While not absolutely necessary, it helps to prevent seizing. Check all parts, especially the ratchet pawls for chipping or breakage. they can be removed by pulling them backwards and lifting the snap ring free. Use care as this ring will not tolerate being distorted very well. It is very springy though, so with reasonable care this should not be a concern. Replace any faulty parts if you have them. It may look like there is a pawl missing of three, it is not. Generally there is only two pawls, and be sure upon reassembly that you do not put a pawl in the "false landing", and that they are properly oriented or the freehub will not rotate. A close look at this picture will show proper orientation.

I also advise putting a little grease or anti-seize on the threads of the freehub lock-bolt prior to securing the freehub core. Using the same method as you used to remove it, secure the freehub core to the hub by tightening to at least 25 foot-pounds With the correct tool, secure to about 55 foot-pounds. This is not something you want to come loose during normal use.

Remember to tighten in a clockwise fashion.