DT Swiss splined hub binding

[Cardinale]

Have the same hub. After servicing it did the same thing. Found that the star ratchet springs were not coiling up properly and not laying flat (not enough clearance) and binding up hub when tighting axle. Hopes this helps.

[zburt5]

Well I spent a great deal of time trying to solve this very problem and I can tell you it is not missing a spacer. The diagram you posted is correct and you should not need to add an extra spacer or fab a new spacer if you have all of the parts listed on the diagram. I did use an extra spacer and it does work, but the hub will not seat properly and will allow dirt into the free-hub. Now I am not 100% sure what the problem is exactly as I do not have a detailed diagram of the DT Swiss 240 rear hub and would need several measurements to rule out that the axle has moved/shifted. I don't believe that is the problem. I believe the end-cap on the drive side wears out and no longer stops on the ridge it was designed to stop on, so when you tighten the skewer it pushes on the free hub causing it to bind. A simple fix that does not require removing the whole free-hub and cassette is to simply remove the cassette's screw in end cop and pull out the end-cap and insert a small washer that is just a little smaller then the inner diameter of the end-cap. I actually had to add to small washers, but it is working great after a few hundred miles. I disassembled the free-hub and was happy to see it was perfectly clean and no sign of abnormal wear. I will get a new end-cap at some point and see if that fixes the problem without the washers. Hope this works for you!

 

Best Regards!

[MarcHD]

Hi Everyone... 

 

I see this thread is still getting more and more views so I thought as the distributor of DT SWISS I would take the opportunity to help clarify and offer insights for the other users if possible...

 

With regards to the initial problem experienced by the user Melch, it is very likely this was an issue with the 15.4mm alu spacer that slides onto the axle being damaged (likely crushed) which then would cause the freehub to bind. 

 

I must also point out that DT SWISS aftermarket (i.e not part of a wheelset), standard spacing (142x12mm) straightpull hubs are NOT compatible with the new Shimano 12speed Microspline freehub.

 

Apart from these two possibilities - the latter not being the case in the user's instance - there are not a lot of ways in which a DT hub can bind as the tolerances are second to none. 

 

As examples*: Losing a ratchet spring, fitting the springs the wrong way around, "wear" on the end cap, bearings being damaged.... these are scenarios known to have had little adverse effect on the performance of the hub. They are the WWII Tiger tank of hubs! 

 

If you would like to know more about any DT products or have had an issue you would like further info/feedback on then please do not hesitate to get in touch with me directly and I will answer your questions as best I can!

 

You can reach me on: marc@getstoked.co.za

 

Thanks for your attention!

 

 

 

 

*Please DO NOT try these examples at home!

[TheoG]

Just a FYI to anyone considering upgrading to micro spline (12 speed) on a DT 350 straight pull hub, 142x12.

 

Although clearly stated by DT (confirmed by Marc in this thread) that the DT Swiss Micro Spline freehub is not compatible with this hub, I did have success with it without any modifications.

 

By no means am I saying the are talking nonsense, merely that it did actually work for me.  I will give the exact details of mine so that you can make the call if it might work for you also or not:

 

1.)  Bike: 2013 Rocky Mountain Element 970 RSL

2.)  Rear Wheel:  DT Swiss X 1.6 Straight Pull, 54T Star Ratchet, Micro spline Freehub, 12 x 142mm Axle.  As far as I know this hub is the same as a DT Swiss 350.

3.)  Freehub:  DT Swiss Micro Spline (as far as I can tell, a 2nd generation)

4.)  Cassette:  Shimano XTR 10-51 12 speed

 

Maybe the fact that it is an older (2013) hub counted in my favor, a newer or different year model might not be so lucky and a freehub modification or hub replacement will be required.

 

Hope this help someone.

Edited November 19, 2020 by Theog

[Johny_mtb]

There is a silwer spacer.

My hub did the same because I serviced mine and lost that spacer.

I just went to my local bike shop and they made me a new one.

[TheoG]

That is the silver tube spacer to seat against the inner ring of the inner bearing, and yes it will bond and not work without it and hence absolutely required.

 

This is not the same issue though.  According to the DT Swiss experts, the Micro Spline freehub will have interference on its outside flange with some (newer I presume) 350 straight pull (142x12) DT hubs and "bond" to it when tightened, nothing to do with any spacers.

 

The fix is to machine the flange in question down by 1mm, voiding the warranty though.  DT also apparently offer a replacement scheme (to J-Bend hubs) to assist with this issue, luckily I didn't need any of these options.