Help diagnosing problem with gears

[wilftwo]

My MTB has developed a problem whereby if you freewheel along then try to take up drive by pedalling forwards it takes 2-3 rotations of the crank before the gear engages again.

Not so much of a problem on the road but fatal to any trail riding.

It v frustrating to ride as you are pedalling in thin air when you're trying to get back on the drive - not safe really. Any techhies out there with a quick diagnosis?

Many thanks

[neil_bolton]

Shagged freehub.

Get it into the LBS and ask them to replace it.

The freehub is the bit the cassette at the rear is mounted on, and will wear over time, either by the pawls internally sticking and not engaging as you're finding, or it'll completely fail leaving you with no drive.

Expect to pay £20 to £25 for a new freehub and about £10 labour.

[wilftwo]

Thanks for that much obliged

[Zead]

or temporary fix is spray wd40 in the hub side of the free wheel and pull dust seal from QR side and spray in there too, this might dissolve some of the crap and 'free' it up a bit

[neil_bolton]

Zead said:

or temporary fix is spray wd40 in the hub side of the free wheel and pull dust seal from QR side and spray in there too, this might dissolve some of the crap and 'free' it up a bit

Note temporary proviso there: It may work, I've done it in the past, but usually once they start, they generally need replacing.

[Parrot of Doom]

If its a Mavic freehub they often do this, and can be cleaned easily enough.