Freehub pawls and ratchets need different lubrication than bearings. The engagement mechanism relies on spring-loaded pawls snapping into position under load, which means the grease has to stay soft enough for those tiny springs to function while still protecting metal surfaces from wear. Shimano's FH-7800 Freehub Grease sits in that sweet spot between too thin and too thick, engineered specifically for the internal components of Shimano freehub bodies.

The formulation stays consistent across temperature extremes. Cold weather can turn standard grease into something resembling peanut butter, which slows pawl movement and leads to engagement problems. Heat does the opposite, thinning grease until it runs off surfaces entirely. This freehub grease maintains its working viscosity whether you're riding in January slush or August heat, keeping engagement crisp and reliable year-round.

Application matters with this product. You want a thin, comprehensive layer across the pawls, springs, and ratchet teeth rather than packing the cavity full. Excess grease creates drag and can actually slow pawl return, which defeats the purpose. The light tackiness helps the lubricant stay where you put it without migrating onto surfaces where it doesn't belong. One 50g container should last home mechanics several years of regular hub service.... Read More