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I've got one of the Superstar V3 hubs, which is now coming up for 4 years old.
A few months ago the freehub started being hesitant to start freewheeling - I would coast, but the freehub would stay briefly engaged, causing a brief chainsuck effect.
A bit like the description here:
https://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/freehub-bearing-trouble-superstar-v6/
A few weeks ago, I cleaned it up - it was full of gunk, and that fixed it for a bit, but it then came back.
Before I go and pull it apart again, any ideas from the hive mind collective AI LLM on what to look for?
I was wondering if it's just that the seal is no longer sealing - it might then end up like this every time it rains (i.e. most days).
Are your jockey wheels running free. If they are stiff it cause a similar effect
I had an issue with a V3 free hub behaving strangely, slipping randomly.
Then there was a loud bang. The hub shell had cracked from one of the spoke holes, I imagine it had had a small crack that suddenly got much worse.
Had the hub replaced under warranty.
have you tried hitting with a rock?
I’ve got one of the Superstar V3 hubs, which is now coming up for 4 years old.
When was the last time you serviced it? (cleaned it, inspected it for damage/wear, reassembled with fresh grease and replaced any worn/service items). Whenever I get issues like this, its mostly becasue I didn't look after it well enough.
Worn freehub bearing causes the symptoms you describe - it temporarily binds causing the chainsuck like effect.
Worn freehub bearing causes the symptoms you describe
That would make sense. Next question, what size bearings do I need? Can't find the information on SS's website.
If I was on an HG freehub I think I'd be buying a new freehub to keep me mobile, allowing me time to find out what bearings I need by either asking Superstar or bashing the old ones out of my existing freehub for a look.
https://www.superstarcomponents.com/en/v3-freehub.htm
Not that expensive compared to a new set of bearings considering you get the springs, pawls and seals, too.
Good shout on new freehub.
I had a similar issue with a new V6 wheel and they sent a new freehub out, which cured it.
Do post back if you find out what the issue was, I might be able to salvage the duff one.
🙂
Freehub bearings are 17287 2RS, £11.99 for 4 here:
https://www.superstarcomponents.com/en/hi-fill-replacement-cartridge-bearings.htm
Not necessarily a bad idea to buy the freehub though to give best chance of fixing the issue.
My original issue was a bent axle, also available as a replacement.
So, I bought some new bearings.
Then, while trying to get the old ones out (stuck fast, going to have to resort to a bearing puller), I spotted this.
Looks like a bit of the freehub body around the slot for the pawls has flaked off. Probably going to mean the pawl will always be a bit cockeyed now.
I think this means the freehub is fubar.
Any good deals on hubs where I can re-use the spokes (same/similar flange dimensions) ?
Can’t you just buy the replacement freehub body for £35?
Can’t you just buy the replacement freehub body for £35?
Yes, could do, but it will presumably have a reasonable chance of failing the same way, at some unknown point in time.
Not sure it's lack of maintenance - I suspect it's a metallurgy problem. I had another SS hub where the flange cracked, so just a bit nervous about it.
Anyway, Superstar have a 30% sale on, so for £25 I can have a new freehub, which means I can get to work in January without spending Christmas with the wheel jig (I already have enough other things to do).
To answer my earlier question, Bitex MTR12 results in same spoke dimensions so would have been a good option, and looks quite nice. I think I need to plan on building another rear wheel and keep the SS as a spare.
Followup - I've replaced freehub, hub bearings and for good measure, the axle. Seems fine now.
I suspect the design of the freehub means it has a limited life expectancy because the material on the outside of the slots is so thin. But for now it's going again. Might do a hub swap sometime when I'm bored.