ZCoaster: FAQ’s and Tech Tips.
One thing that we’ve learned from rider input is that comparative to other Freecoasters, the Zcoaster is a pretty simple mechanism that calls for minimal maintenance.
Unless there is a malfunction inside the hub, the best recommendation for maintenance is to not take it apart.
We got together with both our original tester/current rider (Chad Degroot) and our main hub builder here at the shop to cover ZCoaster FAQ’s and Tech Tips.
If you have any further questions, please contact [email protected]
General Tech Tips/Maintenance.
-The ZCoaster functions more like a cassette hub than a freecoaster when it comes to lubrication. DO NOT apply grease to the driver: Grease in the pawl pockets will prevent the springs/pawls from reflexing.
There is oftentimes a break in period with the ZCoaster: If grease weeps from the bearings into the driver (possibly caused by new usage and or a change in temperature), we recommend cleaning it out with a dry rag.
We do, however, recommend using clear lube (Like Mobil One) on the pawl pocket.
-Make sure the jam nuts are tight. We’ve noticed that loosening of the jam nuts can be caused by taking your wheel off and on and also by the rotation of a hub guard on the nut.
The jam nuts must be tight for the ZCoaster mechanism to work properly.
-Make sure you have good spring tension. The easiest way to increase tension is to remove all driver parts (see the “how to” at the bottom of this article), and flex the spring backwards against the spring pocket.
-Don’t make the assumption that it is not working correctly in your hand. Always bolt it into the frame for proper usage.
-To figure out which slack ring you need, here are some quick videos for reference:
-20/33/45 degree slack ring:
**Note: For most riding styles, 20 and 33 degree slack will not be enough considering the riders feet shift when coasting and or carving transitions. These minimal slack options make the ZCoaster much more like a cassette hub.
-60 degree slack ring:
– 75 degree slack ring:
-90 degree slack ring:
ZCoaster Driver removal:
1. Loosen Jam nut on the drive side.
2. Pull driver out and over the 14mm axle
3. Pull flat spring spacer out of the driver
4. Place a flat head screwdriver underneath lip of the retaining ring 
5. Pry retaining ring out and up and then wind off of driver 
6. Place screwdriver underneath Zpawl and pry upwards 
7. Once pawl is removed, flex spring backwards (slightly) against the spring pocket 
ZCoaster Driver reinstall:
8. Replace spings and Zpawls. Use screwdriver to flex spring back underneath the pawl, then push down on pawl 
9. Use retaining ring tool to replace the retaining ring 
10. Replace slack cam ring and spring.
11. Slider driver over axle and tighten drive side jam nut.