Do I need Golden Motor special tools to remove the 8-speed freewheel

[Abe]

Hello Alan,
I have a Magic Pie 4 1000W motor, with 8 Speed Freewheel.
Recently I am aware that two of the central axis nuts are released after a week-long trip.
Although I use special materials to paste the nut to axil but it does not help, of course I also use nuts and spring washers.
I found out that desirable to remove the 8-speed  freewheel and replace with 7-speed freewheel system  because they are lower in height.
To the point, Do I need Golden Motor special tools to remove the 8-speed freewheel or I can do that ordinary tools?
** You can point out on this tool or give me a simplified conceptual assistance?
By the way, the rim of the wheel does not turn around in a harmonious way, it may be because the freewheel?
Thanks,
Abe

[Adam319]

There are different tools to remove cassettes depending on which one you have. You would need to look at your cassette and see what it is then research what tools you need to remove it. As far as it not turning well, there very well could be an issue with the cassette rubbing. On my bike I just took it to the bike shop and had them throw on the cassette and everything was great ($13). I just helped a friend with his bike last weekend and after taking it to the bike shop real quick, he needed the spacer to go behind the cassette so that it wouldn't rub. For me the convenience of taking it to the bike shop is too easy...and cheaper than buying the tools. I don't plan on removing mine any time soon, and if I had to, they could do it for me. But if you want to look at the tools here they are 
http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/CategoryDisplay?storeId=10053&catalogId=10052&langId=-1&orderBy=&searchTerm=&beginIndex=16&pageSize=16&categoryId=204831&metaData=

[Bikemad]

Hi Abe,

if the frame is not touching against the end of the freewheel unit and your axle nuts have worked loose, either they were not tightened sufficiently in the first place or the axle was not fitted with suitable torque arms to prevent it from moving.

It is also very important to use the thick steel washers supplied on both sides of the dropouts to prevent the axle from cutting into the frame (especially if your dropouts are made of aluminium):



To remove the freewheel, you will need to use a freewheel removal tool that suits your freewheel, but with a 14mm hole in the centre instead of the typical 10mm holes used for standard bike axles.
I used a "Dremel" type tool fitted with a grinding bit to enlarge the hole on my standard freewheel removal tool rather than remove the axle/stator assembly from the opposite side of the hub to allow the standard removal tool to be used. 

If the wheel is not smooth to turn, it might be the freewheel body is rubbing against either the frame, or the outer edge of the spacer washers on the axle.

You may need to fit an additional spacer washer and/or reduce the outer diameter of the spacer washers with a file to prevent any unwanted contact:





If your dropouts can accommodate the extra width of the 8 speed freewheel, then you might as well stick with it. 

Alan
 

[GM Canada]

Removing the freewheel is easy if you have the right tool

https://youtu.be/KPk7SqgiuV8?t=2m37s

Making one from a regular freewheel tool can be a challenge as the walls of the freewheel tool will be very thin when you are done.

Gary