Chain Goes Slack When Coasting/Backpedaling - How To Fix

I show how to fix a sticky freehub which can cause the chain to go slack when coasting (freewheeling), or when you backpedal. The old grease get thick, and also dirt can get inside. This can usually be fixed by flushing out the old grease/dirt, and relubing the freehub with an oil like Phil Tenacious Oil.
The bike is a 2000 Trek 6000. The hub is a Shimano FH-C201.

Freewheel vs Cassette:

How To Fix A Sticky Freewheel:

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[kfdaddy]

By taking the mystery out of how many of these repairs should be done, you have motivated me to work outside my comfort zone. Things I would never have considered possible for me in the past, I'm not afraid to tackle anymore. Keep doing what you're doing.

 In addition to that you have saved me a lot of money.

And . . . . ., I've made friends I wouldn't have made before. I was pulling into a picnic grove one day to take a lunch break. There was a young guy sitting at a picnic table intently watching something on his phone. I was a good 30-40 feet away from him but I could hear your distinctive voice so I said, "Hey, you're watching RJ the Bike Guy, aren't you?" Next thing you know we're comparing bikes, parts, experiences, your video, hints and notes, etc. It was the highlight of my day!

[nelsito_traveler]

I love the patience you have to explain all the steps even though he obviously has done it thousands of times! A genius bike mechanics!

[Philofasus]

Man I cant even express in words how much your videos have helped me dude!!! Im stoked to see you back with another video!

[peterweatherby]

RJ, the generous sharing of your immense knowledge of all things bike is a gift. Thanks so much... you have gotten me out of many pickles this year and taught me so many new procedures. Very grateful.

[AtodaO]

RJ is the best bike maintenance/ repair channel out there. No extra bullshit, 100% solutions and clear descriptions

[MrLuigi-oigm]

Nice job, RJ!n. I saw that someone suggested heating up the freehub to allow Phil's oil to more easily penetrate the freehub mechanism. I do something similar. Heat up a pan of water till it boils. Turn off the heat and take the pan off the burner. Put the bottle of Phil's Oil in the heated water for several minutes. At this point, Phil's oil will flow much better into the freehub mechanism. I do the same thing when lubricating freeWHEELS after they've been thoroughly cleaned by soaking in a solvent. (No need to take the freewheel apart.)

[crossvet]

Great video. I am new to the channel but have been working on bikes for over 50 years. One tip to get the bearings in easier is to partially insert the axle and drop the balls in by hand . Once they're in go to the opposite side and check all is well spinning the axle using the cone end against the balls. Also have found using two cone spanners on opposite sides of the hub with the locknut finger right is easier to adjust the axle for play . You want it just a little tight, then as you tighten the non drive cone against the locknut the axle frees up a touch with no play or stiffness.

[eccehomer]

Handy tip: A lot of free hubs require an 11mm allen key. However, you can use a 3/8" square drive extension bar from a socket set if you don't have that... it fits perfectly.

[kerryking]

Cue tips (cotton buds in Australia) are good for getting into those 'hard to get at' places like the bearing race.

[RiverCat]

RJ: Great instructional video. These are so helpful to home bike mechanics and a godsend to many in the cycling community. I keep a vintage road bike on the road because of you. Please keep up all the great work on your channel (great production values) as your efforts are much appreciated. Thanks again.

[cebuanostud]

Merry Xmas, Mr. RJ! And To All My Fellow Bike Riders!✨✨🚴🏼‍♂🚴🏼‍♀

[Rice_Cake_]

wow, that's a lot more work than I expected. Amazing detail, thanks so much

[changereception]

OMG I literally had this problem the other week after having my bike serviced, I noticed it would chain slap and I assumed my chain might have been longer than needed because I had it replaced and the mechanic said he had to reduce the number of links but I forgot to count the number I had and here I am finding your video with what is actually happening with it!

[ChuckD]

Nice job RJ, and Happy Holidays to you.
Having wrenched for several years to support my racing habit (many moons ago) I say, 'Right on". Agree with everything you showed and you showed it well.
Just to add a couple bonus points I've picked up:

I also use a marine "paste", with MoS2 but I found originally it seemed to thicken the colder it got so now I add 2-3 drops of 3-in1 to each race before I close it up. Same with the cranks. Both Dura-Ace.

Also, about adjusting cones: I'll allow a slight bit of play, and have found that tightening the skewers compresses the cones together a miniscule amount, usually just enough to take out the play. It's about as free-spinning as you could want while keeping constant contact with the bearings. A racing tip.
Thanks for sharing.

[demirmahir]

Thanks RJ! You're a saviour. I knew right from the start when I read the title that you have the solution, made myself a coffee and enjoyed your work.
I was regreasing my hubs and the extra grease seemed to gunk up the freewheel and the chain was going slack when backpedaling.
I managed to clean the freehub with disc brake cleaner which should be some kind of mineral spirit based solution. It dries extremely fast and since it's a spray it can penetrate the freehub nicely. My bike runs smooth again! Thanks again!

[ericpatterson]

You always do a great job!! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year’s to you and your family!!

[jonhbehaylo]

RJ, as a person who lives to ride and loves to restore and modify, I want to say that your depth of knowledge is amazing. Your vids have helped me through so many times when I was bummed out over a bike issue. I can always find the answer with you. God bless and keep on keepin on.

[beanz]

Welcome back. Man, the amount of money you've saved me over the years! 🙏🏾

[andrelloyd]

I always enjoy your videos RJ. Many thanks for producing and kindly sharing the wisdom. Have a great Christmas 2021 and a very happy 2022 new year 🙏

[trekrider]

Haven't seen you in a while RJ. All the best for the New Year! That 40Nm torque is important. I've seen the locknut come undone and it can ruin your day.