Servicing a rear wheel?

[Fordulike]

My rear wheel has become a bit noisy lately, when spinning it on the bike stand.
It makes a sound like you get when two metal cogs are rotating together.
It's not particularly loud and there's no free play in the wheel to indicate wear.

It makes the noise when spinning the wheel without the freewheel turning, but doesn't when the freewheel is turning at the same speed as the wheel.

Is it a case of removing the freewheel, cleaning and lubing?

I've never ventured as far as stripping a wheel, so be gentle with me


Edit: Ok, I gave the bike a good wash and the noise has disappeared

Is it still worth stripping down a rear wheel as part of routine maintenance, or just leave it well alone?

 

[trex]

the freewheel needed greasing.

 

[Fordulike]

the freewheel needed greasing.

Apologies for my ignorance, will that require removing the cluster, or can I squeeze some grease in the mechanism without removal?

 

[trex]

you don't have to remove the freewheel, drizzle a bit of oil or smear some grease into the gap .

 

[Fordulike]

you don't have to remove the freewheel, drizzle a bit of oil .

Excellent, thanks trex