How to Make Your Freehub Quieter: A Step-by-Step Guide
Simple Maintenance Tips to Reduce Hub Noise Without Losing Performance
Quick Summary
Freehub noise is a normal part of many modern bike hubs, especially those with high engagement points. But if you prefer a quieter ride, there are ways to reduce the clicking sound safely. In this guide, we’ll show you how to make your freehub quieter while protecting hub performance and reliability.
Why Freehubs Make Noise
When you coast, the pawls inside the freehub rapidly click against the ratchet ring. This clicking sound is most noticeable in high-engagement hubs and hubs with strong spring tension.
Important:
Freehub noise is normal—it’s the sound of a functioning ratchet mechanism.
But if you find the sound distracting, you can safely reduce it with some basic maintenance.
5 Ways to Make Your Freehub Quieter
1. Clean the Freehub Internals
Dirt and debris can amplify the clicking sound.
Disassemble the freehub carefully and clean out old grease, grime, and dust.
Tip: Use isopropyl alcohol or a mild degreaser, and make sure everything is fully dry before reassembly.
2. Use Thicker Grease Instead of Oil
Most freehubs come lightly oiled for fast pawl movement, which produces louder clicks.
Switching to a thicker grease can dampen the sound by softening the pawl contact.
Recommended Grease:
Park Tool Polylube
Phil Wood Waterproof Grease
Manufacturer-specific freehub grease (if available)
Warning: Never over-grease. Too much can slow engagement or cause pawls to stick.
3. Adjust Spring Tension (If Possible)
Some hub designs allow minor spring tension adjustments.
Lowering spring tension can reduce click volume, but may slightly delay engagement.
Check with your hub manufacturer before attempting this.
4. Select Lower Engagement Hubs
If you’re buying a new hub, choosing a model with fewer engagement points (18–36 points) will naturally produce a quieter sound.
Example: Shimano’s classic road hubs are known for their smooth and quiet freewheeling.
5. Consider Clutch-Style Hubs for Ultimate Silence
Some brands, like DT Swiss with their Ratchet EXP hubs or certain Shimano designs, offer nearly silent clutch-style hubs.
Pro Tip: These are great for endurance riders and commuters who prioritize a stealthy ride.
What You Should NOT Do
Never completely seal the pawl system—it needs some movement to function.
Don’t use automotive grease—it may be too thick and damage the hub.
Avoid hub silence "hacks" that disable pawls—this is unsafe and can lead to freehub failure.
Don’t assume all hub sounds can be eliminated—some clicking is inherent.
Superteam Pro Advice
"We always recommend using the correct grease type and amount to balance sound and performance. Our high-performance hubs can be adjusted for sound preference without sacrificing reliability."
Final Thoughts
If you want to make your freehub quieter, the best solution is proper cleaning and smart lubrication, not excessive modifications.
Lightly greased pawls can reduce noise significantly.
Some hubs are naturally quieter by design.
Adjustments should always prioritize safety and engagement reliability.
Need a quieter hub? Check out Superteam’s wide range of hub options, including fast-engagement and smoother, quieter models tailored for all riding styles.