what to lubricate a freewheeel with

[pliptrot]

I bought a (claimed) new freewheel off ebay. It seems to be full of sticky lube as there is no audible tick from freewheeling, and turning the body by hand suggests as such. On the bike it keeps slipping, which supports my hypothesis. What do you recommend to spray/drip inside to free things up and clean the pawls and ratchet? For the record it is a 1994 Sachs unit with decent looking seals.

[531colin]

Some Sachs blocks (Aris?) had a lubrication port which you gain access to by taking off the sprockets.
Since 1994 the original lube will have dried out/leaked/whatever, won't it?
I usually add something really thin if the lube is dried out, then eg. engine oil to maintain.

[Brucey]

something like WD40, or GT85 should free up the sticky pawls. I expect the original lube has simply dried out.

Once the pawls are free you can lube with an oil or a semi-fluid grease.

cheers

[pliptrot]

Yes, there's a lube port under the sprockets. I guessed WD40 would help. I only have some chain lube (Purple Extreme - the best I have used (are you listening Mick F??!)) and grease, so I'm off out to buy something for stage 2.... semi-fluid grease; any recommendations?

[Brucey]

semi-fluid spray grease

https://www.tetrosyl.com/tetconnect/oils_-_lubricants/greases/XSG400-

or

http://www.waitrose.com/shop/ProductView-10317-10001-98877-Autocare+Spray+Grease+400ml.html?storeId=10317

which is something of a bargain I'd have said.

cheers

[Redvee]

I used to use Finish Line chain lube for my Shimano MX30 single speed freewheels. They were simple to open for lubrication and let you know when they needed lubing. I've now moved onto a White Industries freewheel.