Freewheel disassembly?

[CRASH]

I have a late 60's Shimano 333 freewheel. I've taken the cogs off because they are rusted and nasty. I'm imagining that the freewheel mechanism is pretty bad inside there, even though it works. Should I:

A) Disassemble it to overhaul the guts?

B) Just lube the crevices with oil to get it inside the mechanism?

- If 'A', how?

- If 'B', what should I use?

 

[user 135]

I would not try overhauling a freewheel. Shops dont' do it either.

Soak in a degreaser. Then dry with rags and compressed air. Then soak in lube.

 

[CCR]

I just hit em with a some PB-50

 

[CRASH]

I would not try overhauling a freewheel. Shops dont' do it either.

Soak in a degreaser. Then dry with rags and compressed air. Then soak in lube.

What kind of lube? I would think the bearings in there would want grease? But I can't see how to squeeze any in there.

I've never used PB-50. Good stuff? Does it last?

 

[user 135]

http://sheldonbrown.com/freewheels.html#lube

Freewheels should be oiled from time to time with a medium-weight oil. This is easy to do, and generally requires no disassembly.

 

[Sinner4]

^^^^ What CMAN Said ^^^^^

If its nasty and rusty and I want to save it, get a 18 volt drill or so, get a 4 inch wire wheel and clean. I leave the free wheel installed on the wheel, and clean away. Use it in both directions, Clean up with WD-40 and add light oil to the internals and keep spinning till it sounds better and clean up excess oil.

Now the wire wheel on the drill will only get the surface rust and grime off, I use a park cassette tool, cleaner brush to get the deep grime and sludge off. If the bike has been in the weeds for a while I'll remove the cog and use a propane torch to get the weeds out.
But not enough to melt the plastic spacers between the gears.

Just be careful and not burn down your house

Wire Brush on the drill.

The Park Tool Cog Cleaner and Brush

And add light oil here. I'm Pointing to the area to add the oil. To much and will drip out for a while on your wheel and tire.