How to Remove Rust from the Freewheel of a Bike

Removing rust from the cogs of the a bike's freewheel is probably one of the most challenging places of rust removal as it is generally a bad idea to soak it in rust remover.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Aluminum foil
• Gear cleaning brush or thin piece of wood
• Light bicycle oil
• Citrus cleaner
• Adjustable wrench

1. Remove the rear wheel from the bike by using either the quick release levers or the adjustable wrench on the bolts.

2. Alternatively, place the wheel between your legs and hold the cogs with your hand or a chain whip.

3. 
   Gear brush with aluminum foil

   Wrap a piece of aluminum foil around the wooden stick or something similar that is thin enough to go between the cogs. I use the ragged end of the GSC-1 gear brush from Park Tools but anything similar would work. To wrap the foil, first fold it 2-3 times to make a strip about 0.5" wide. Then wrap the strip around the stick or brush (see picture).

4. Press on the foil to create a slightly crumbled surface. Put a few drops of oil on both sides and start scrubbing vigorously. It is best to scrub at one place at a time by holding the freewheel with either your other hand or with a chain whip.

5. After you have scrubbed the rust off, use the brush end of the gear cleaning tool to clean away the resulting mess from the cogs with diluted citrus cleaner.

[lexajayne]

on 11/16/2009 I have to admit that I don't have a bike, but was curious how one might do this. Thanks for the tip! Very informative and concise article.