What's this mountain bike rear wheel/casette noise?

Question

I replaced my rear wheel and casette on my Specialized mountain bike with a WTB dual duty rim and SRAM Casette. Coming from the hub area there is a clicking/poping noise while I coast and make turns. Where exactly is it coming from and why is it caused? I keep it clean and don't force water into it so water isn't the problem. I've already replaced the rear wheel and casette once and want to know why this is going on. Could a worn chain be part of the culprit?

Answer 1

It can't be the chain if your coasting. Can you possibly mean the freewheeling clicks? It's the pawls clicking against the notched hub they ride in. It's what allows the bike to coast.

Answer 2

If you are coasting, a worn chain couldn't cause any clicking/popping sounds. Maybe the sound of the chain slapping against the chain stay due to bumps, or the derailleur hitting the chain stay. Both can happen when the derailleur has taken up alI the chain slack it can, but still can't tension the chain. In this slack position, the derailleur is positioned close to the chain stay, and any bump will make it click/pop as it hits the chain stay. Put a piece of pipe insulation on the derailleur to prevent the knock.

Answer 3

Measure the chain for streching there should be 12 inches from center of pin to center of pin.  Take a ruler and pick a few different spots on the chain, from one pin in the chain place the rulers 0 mark center of any pin at the 12 on the ruler there should be another pin.  The center of the pin should be right on the 12 inch mark.  If it's not you chain needs to be replaced.  If the chain is not bad you may need to check the bearings inside the hub it self.  Without having the rim right here in front of me it's hard to tell whats wrong but these two things would be the most possible answer.