Ratchet EXP: Tutorial on conversion and servicing. | DT Swiss

[@szentea]

I rarely leave comments, but this time I do for anyone struggling to loosen the ratchet nut on an already used and thus pedalled wheel. If you come to think about it all the pedal strokes you have ever put into the bike are trying to make this nut tighter thus you may need an extreme force to loosen it. In my case I started with the recommended approach using the vice and despite having the leverage of the whole wheel I got nowhere. Then I tried to losen it with my longest torque wrench while struggling to hold the wheel between my legs and then later pushing it against the wall to avoid wheel rotation and still nothing. Out of desperation I took out my pneumatic impact wrench capable of 300+ Nm and guess what, the nut still didn't loosen! I am a fairly calculated and precise person, but at this point I stopped caring about damaging the damn thing and the only thing I focused on was to either loosen that nut or break something in the process... what I did was to push the wheel against the leg of my work bench and tie the wheel against the leg with a strap in order to balance the wheel. This way the tire was pushing against that vertical leg of the bench and the ground at the same time so it would be super stable and also wouldn't want to rotate. I put my torque wrench on the nut, stood (!) on the wrench with both legs and all my body weight (still nothing)... only when I started to jump up and down on the long lever of the wrench did the damn thing finally give! If you think it was an isolated incident I'll tell you that I have 2 wheels with Ratchet EXP and did the 54T conversion in both of them and I had to go through the exact same process with both wheels.

[@ChristopherGrant2003]

I'm glad to have seen this comment. I'm trying the same removal, and haven't had luck. I've got the tool in a vice, a bearing puller threaded through the axle as a way to keep the tool from slipping out of the ratchet, and used my body weight to try and rotate the wheel. I also get that feeling I'm about to sheer something. I'm taking my hub apart because the ratchet was replaced under warranty (a year ago), and I just learned that my local shop pressed the original bearings back in backwards (which is bad for multiple reasons). DIY part of me wants to correct this with new bearings. But wow, it looks like it'll be a project.

[@cuebj]

Wife just gave me a set of her old paintbrushes a few minutes ago - look just like those in the video. Strip down and service, here I come!

[@scottlstone]

Good video, I had to use the step by step manual when I upgraded to the 54T, this video would have made things much easier. Beware that threaded ratchet removal tool is like £60!

[@MrAgentX69]

Hi, can you pls share where you purchased the tool?

[@scottlstone]

Freewheel but it is out of stock everywhere

[@dtswiss]

HI there, the Toolkit or the Fixed ratchet tool can be ordered through every DT Swiss dealer. Or GOOGLE, DT Swiss EXP Tool and you will find an online e Dealer. Friso "DT Swiss".

[@MrAgentX69]

DT Swiss not available at any shop ☹️

[@dtswiss]

Hi there and thank you for your message. It is a goal to be available everywhere but this is more or less impossible to reach. I hope you will find a shop nearby to get your DT Swiss stuff. A help right be our Dealer locator on the website: www.dtswiss.com/en/support/dealer-locator Or you might try any online search engine to find an online shop offering the product you are searching fro. Have a nice day, Friso "DT Swiss".

[@BloodyClash]

i bought the 54 teeth upgrade and installed it. was really easy and straight forward. used the grease that came with it and after around 50km it reached its final loudness (which i really really love). but my worry is that the grease has worn out because it's so loud (have a 350 ratchet hub on rr481 rims - both brandnew)

[@KDeemerEstimator]

After almost breaking my vice to remove the ring, I went to Harbor Freight and bought a 36" old school pipe wrench for $25. Put the tire on the rim and slowly put my full body weight on the handle. Just when I thought I was going to get a hernia and the wheel was going to explode it came loose.

[@mashkina]

I believe I could follow every step, except the ones hitting with the hammer left-handed.

[@ChristopherGrant2003]

Relating to the common problem here of ratchet removal requiring Herculean force: Would a few drops of penetrating oil into the ratchet threads possibly help? Would want to keep that stuff away from bearings, but if the bearings are being replaced anyway, it seems safe.

[@doctor_wheel]

good video!!

[@Dugafola]

what is the specific tool that you use to dissassemble the fixed ratchet and bearing at 2:55?

[@dtswiss]

Hi Josh, you can find all tool in our manual: www.dtswiss.com/pmt/00/00/00/00/00/00/00/10/00/00/00/86/2/MAN_HXWXXXXXX1610S_WEB_ZZ_001.pdf Kind regards, Christian, DT Swiss

[@MrAgentX69]

@@dtswiss please advise the tools shown in 2:50? It is not part of the tools listed in RATCHET EXP HUBS TECHNICAL MANUAL. www.dtswiss.com/pmt/00/00/00/00/00/00/00/10/00/00/03/11/1/MAN_HXD10000003111S_WEB_EN_001.pdf

[@CrimsonFlames]

@@dtswiss I don't see a list of tools/tool part numbers in the manual between pages 7-10 for English

[@dtswiss]

Hi and thank you for your message. An upgrade to the EXP system is not possible neither for our pawl nor for our classic ratchet hubs. The threads in the hubshell are not compatible. Stay healthy, Friso „DT Swiss“.

[@bikelampdecor375]

I have all the necessary DT SWISS tools to disassemble the 240 EXP hub for the 54T upgrade however when I follow the same procedure in this video to loosen the ratchet nut in a vice, it seems nearly impossible to break loose by hand (video 2:20). Any solutions to getting more leverage on hub to twist it loose from ratchet nut?

[@dtswiss]

Hi and thank you fro your question. To have a bigger leverage, it would be good to have a hub which is already laced to a rim. Friso "DT Swiss".

[@franciscopereira5792]

what is the tool used to remove the bearing from the fixed ratchet? at '2:50 I bought the HXTXXX00N8387S HXTXXX00N5025S HXTXXX00N5314S HXTXXX00N6106S But this at 2:50 I can't find to buy could say the item reference?

[@dtswiss]

Hi Francisco and thank you for your message. This tool is included in the Kit for 15mm front hubs (HWTXXX00NTK15S). Friso "DT Swiss".

[@capitalschool8765]

I do not know if I am looking at the right thing or not. My aim is convert one, very lightly used DT Swiss 350 Classic Rear Hub (Centerlock - 12x142mm - Shimano HG) to a 12x148mm. Am I even in the right place? Help.

[@Ropetable]

I bought the upgrade kit to 54t today, and the tool to unscrew the 36t ratchet. It seems that it is required to have all the tools in this video, and disassemble the whole hub and take the bearings. out. Whats the easiest way to change to 54t? I dont have a vise, it should be possible to remove it with a wrench when the wheel is built? I put at least 70NM of force through, trying to unscrew the ratchet as is. And the wheel is less than a month old, i built it myself.

[@dtswiss]

Hi and thank you for your message. The ringnut tool is DT specific, which is the reason we mention this one the most. For bearing service we offer as well tools, but here you could use as well different ones., from other manufacturers. Without a vise it is more or less impossible to remove the ringnut as you need to be aware of the fact that you will screw it in, with all the force of your legs additionally multiplied by the gear ratio. I would suggest to go to an experienced Bikeshop to do the conversion. Have a nice day, Friso "DT Swiss".

[@Ropetable]

@@dtswiss thanks, i ordered all the tools and a vise. planning to use the wheel as lever. expecting it to be mad tight then. but is it possible to just remove the ringnut with the 36t ratchet without removing the bearings first?

[@dtswiss]

Yes, it would work as well with the non drive side bearing installed. But make sure when assembling the hub, that you need to remove both bearings. This is important to get the bearings properly adjusted in the hubshell. Friso "DT Swiss".

[@Ropetable]

Seriously, please make a detailed review on how to swap the 36t to 54t ratchet exp as easily as possible. I bought all the tools, first the thing to unscrew the ratchet, then the 180 and 240 bearing set, only to learn that i need another tool to hammer out the bearing. I bought a vise, to unscrew the ratchet. i had to scew the vise so hard to the table that the entire metal vise cracked, before i could unscrew the ratchet. And i could not manage to unscrew it. it is a brand new hub with only a few hundred km on it. I am pretty pissed, not going to lie. i spent so much money on the hub, the tools, and it really makes no sense, it should be very simple. what would i give for the old 180 hub... Please, please make a tutorial, focusing on only swapping the ratchet, with as little steps as crucially necessary, on a already driven wheel.

[@dtswiss]

Hi and thank you for your feedback. I'm sorry that you're not happy with the how-to video. We will have your feedback in mind with the upcoming projects. Enjoy your Bicycles, Friso "DT Swiss".

[@mikaelorrefjord7257]

@@dtswiss Please release a video soon, As @insight show says, the orignal freehub sound is very low, first thing I did was to remove all the grease, no big change. Now Im sitting here looking at all these videos and all the "extra" tools.. Wondering if I should sell my XRC 1200 Spline only after 2 miles on the bike. Very disapointed paying 1.733,18 € for theese wheels, good wheels, bad sound and the last thing could be the reason why Im selling these, and not recomend to others

[@mikevannike]

Hi DT Swiss team, I have the DT Swiss 1400 ARC wheelset and would like to (re)grease the ratchets. I understand that the newer EXP is with only one spring and only one removable ratchet. Is there a right or a wrong way to assemble the red spacer, the red washer and the spring when putting everything back together ? Kind regards, Marc

[@TheCynabal]

I love how he unscrewed the ratchet from the hub BY HAND yes good luck with that on a hub that's actually been on a bike.

[@dtswiss]

Hi and thank you for your comment. For sure this would need a new hub or the complete wheel to have a lever big enough to unscrew. But to show the steps clearly or to understand the function, the Video should be helpful. Enjoy riding your Bike, Friso "DT Swiss".

[@TheCynabal]

@@dtswiss sorry I'm just salty because I struggled to get mine off on my 240 hub.

[@timfan3638]

Can you use the special grease in lieu of the soft grease for the bearings?

[@dtswiss]

Hi Tim and thank you for your message. You can use as well the special grease. As usually everyone finds a "standard" soft grease in it's workshop and the special grease is compared to this much more expensive we recommend the "standard" soft grease. Enjoy the trails, Friso "DT Swiss".

[@saroshhavewala1489]

So no grease when putting in the bearing to the new 54 T fixed ratchet, correct? What are examples of Soft Grease? Can ratchet grease be used instead of Soft Grease?

[@dtswiss]

Hi and thank you for your message. Yes there is no grease needed and yes you can use as well ratchet grease instead of soft grease. As any standard grease would be "cheaper" we recommend soft grease. Friso "DT Swiss".

[@SuperTacticalcom]

Is it necessary to take the bearing out on the other side before unscrewing the fixed ratchet? I have the ratchet tool but I can't get the thing to budge even with a long torque wrench. I don't have the tool to remove the brake rotor to push the bearing out of the other end yet but I don't think that should be necessary.

[@dtswiss]

HI and thank you fro your message. To remove the best way is to use a vise as the momentum you need to unscrew the nut is very high. Maybe you can contact an experienced dealer to let the job be done by him. Enjoy the trails, Friso "DT Swiss".

[@SuperTacticalcom]

@@dtswiss thanks!

[@tecknique171]

Can this upgrade be done to a 370 Hub?

[@Montblanc1986]

What are the service intervals? I have the Roval branded 180 EXP hubs but there's no information anywhere and its obviously made by DTSWISS.

[@dtswiss]

Hi, the service interval you find in our manual: www.dtswiss.com/pmt/00/00/00/00/00/00/00/10/00/00/00/86/2/MAN_HXWXXXXXX1610S_WEB_ZZ_001.pdf Kind regards, Christian, DT Swiss

[@euflor]

can you use exp freehub bodies on regular style DT 350 and 240s hubs?

[@dtswiss]

Hi and thank you for your message. We offer three freewheel system specific bodies: - EXP type ( EXP hubs ) - Classic type ( 240old, 240s, 350, 440 ) - Ratchet LN ( SPLINE 1900 ratchet wheels, 370 ratchet hubs ) Those freehub bodies are not interchangeable. Enjoy riding the trails, Friso "DT Swiss".

[@zxtenn]

The NON EXP 54 tooth upgrade ratchet is different than the EXP 54?

[@dtswiss]

Hi Jim, yes, the classic ratchet system has two moving ratchet were the EXP system has only one and one threaded ratchet. Here you find all information about both systems: www.dtswiss.com/en/wheels/wheels-technology/ratchet-technologies-overview Kind regards, Christian, DT Swiss

[@steviejks]

Do i have to remove the axle if i want to upgrade to 54T, or i can just replace the threaded ratchet without removing the axle and the bearing from the non-driveside of the hub ? I want to buy 240 hubs and upgrade them to 54T. Also could we get the full list of tools used in this video ? Thanks

[@dtswiss]

Hi Paul, to convert to a different teeth count on ratchet EXP hubs, it is necessary to go through a whole rebuild process, like shown in the video. Stay healthy, Friso „DT Swiss“.

[@kevinmartini7418]

Which hammer is that?

[@Sangria60ig]

Hallo DT Swiss Ich habe die Roval Alpinist CLX Disc Laufräder. Auf der Nabe steht DT Swiss Tscnology inside. Ist das eher die 180er oder 240er? Welche Keramic-Lagergrössen baruche ich?

[@dtswiss]

Hallo Yeti driver, mit den OEM spezifischen "Private Label" Naben ist es nicht so einfach eine generelle Antwort zu geben. Ich würde dir empfehlen unseren Service zu kontaktieren, mit der Seriennummer der Nabe können dir die Kollegen dort eine qualifizierte Antwort geben: [e-mail] Viel Spass auf deinem Fahrrad, Friso "DT Swiss".

[@Ropetable]

how long does a dt swiss 180 hub last approximately for gravel use before it needs to be serviced?

[@dtswiss]

Hi and thank you for your message. This is a tough question and cannot be answered easily. I suggest to remove the freehub body and the endcaps at least once a year ( better two times ) and clean and regrease everything. When doing this job you can check everything for use and it will help to let the bearings last longer as well. A typical sign for that it is time to do a service is as well, when the sound of the coasting ratchets will get very "metallic". Enjoy your 180 hubs, Friso "DT Swiss".

[@Ropetable]

@@dtswiss thanks :) is it safe to run the ratchets with only a little bit of grease, in order to have the loudest freehub possible? i cleaned and regreased, with only a thin film of grease on the ratchets itself. the trees are afraid of me, and i love the loud sound

[@dtswiss]

In general there is not that much grease needed. But be aware of, the less grease you use, the more often a service is needed. The grease is not just for lubrication but as well it helps to displace water ( which is absorbed in the air around us ) and will absorb dust and so it will help to avoid fast wear and tear of the freewheel system. Enjoy riding your bIke, Friso "DT Swiss".

[@joebloodworth]

Your "DT Swiss EXP Rear Hub Tool Kit" does not contain the piece used to knock free the bearing from the ratchet. That piece is in the "DT Swiss Tool Kit for Front Radial 240 and 190 Hubs" which also includes two pieces in the Rear Hub Tool Kit but not the ratchet ring. Just verifying this as it's over $200 for the two kits.

[@notreally2406]

My DT Swiss 240 hub is only a few months old and the freehub disengages semi frequently. Could be dangerous in races or riding in traffic.

[@dtswiss]

Hi, if you are having issues with your new 240 EXP hub you should get in touch with the DT Swiss service center in your country asap. Their contact data can be found here: www.dtswiss.com/en/support/service-center Kind regards, Kai, DT Swiss

[@mrfantozzi02]

what bearings are used? thank you

[@dtswiss]

We are sing so called industrial bearings. Friso "DT Swiss".

[@Stickybutton]

So this also means the 180 can also be upgraded as well I assume?

[@dtswiss]

Hi BC, yes you are right. The procedures are the same for the 240 and the 180. The 180 is using different bearing sizes, so the needed bearing tools are specific to the hub type. There you will find the exact specification in the EXP Hub manual on the Website. Have a nice day, Friso „DT Swiss“.

[@khaido7628]

What is Tool for DT SWISS?

[@michaelwacker3630]

Waiting for anybody to help me with mine. You sold me a broken one and now don’t feel responsible to handle the recall. 5 weeks and no solution in sight. Shipping me the parts is too expensive and the service point does not have a tool. It is sold out! Dt Swiss - service at its best

[@dtswiss]

Hi Michael! We are sorry to hear that you are facing issues with one of our products and our service center. Could you please let us know the details via mail: [e-mail]. Kind regards, Christian, DT Swiss

[@TheNationalTrails]

Remember when the star ratchet upgrade was 2 minutes? I've got a new XMC 1501 wheelset that I won't touch! Simply have no idea why a 36t is stock in 2021/2022. Let alone have no real interest in paying or performing an "upgrade" to a 6.7-degree ratchet. This is the precise moment when a customer/mechanic looks at DT and questions, "What Corporate bean counter at DT decided to change what worked?" I should be saying, "Good buy," like I was on 2011 wheels. Now I'm saying "Goodbye" to the 2022 model. Fhe 2022 is worse than the 11-year old 240 hub model in my opinion.

[@dtswiss]

Hi Levi and thank you for your message. You can read this, to get at least an answer on why we just offer 36t in our wheels: www.dtswiss.com/en/wheels/wheels-technology/engagement-angle-technology Stay healthy and enjoy riding your Bike, Friso "DT Swiss".