Freehub removal question

[Otis]

The freehub on my mountain bike sticks occasionally so I want to clean and grease it. However, I can't figure out how to remove the aluminum collars from the axle (see photos). I searched a bunch of websites/videos but none seem to have the aluminum collar (or they just say remove them) so I figured someone on Mud would have the answer... I don't really want to hammer or pull on it without knowing how they come off the axle. Any help on how to remove would be appreciated! The hub is a "Specialized Hi Lo disc, double sealed cartridge bearing, QR, 32h". Thanks!

 

[jembourbe]

Checking the bearings on Specialized Hi-Lo hubs – T3mppu.kapsi.fi

Take out the hex-screw set bolts (yours appear to be out already) and pull the endcaps off.

 

[Otis]

Thanks! After staring at it a bit more this morning I figured out the endcaps were likely pressed on. I was able to remove the non-drive side. The hub side is stuck and I am now trying to get creative to remove it. I hope that I don't wreck something...

 

[jembourbe]

Thanks! After staring at it a bit more this morning I figured out the endcaps were likely pressed on. I was able to remove the non-drive side. The hub side is stuck and I am now trying to get creative to remove it. I hope that I don't wreck something...

View attachment 4029108

I think you should be able to smack the axle from the non drive side to drive it out on the drive side. It should come out with the hub bearing attached

 

[Otis]

I got it apart. The collar was sticking where the set screw burred the axle, similar to what was noted in the article you linked. I sanded down the burr and was able to easily pull off the bearing after I got the collar off. Thanks for the link and suggestion!

 

[Otis]

Go it cleaned, greased, and back together. No obvious problem with the freehub internals. Rode for about 45 minutes with no issues. Hopefully, the problem is solved for now. Thanks again @jembourbe!