I put together the freecoaster, well greased, etc. I tightened the cones, and installed the wheel. In freewheel mode, everything works fine. In coaster brake mode, I can pedal forward, but if I go to apply the brake, the cranks just spin around backwards - not like a freewheel mind you, but really tight-like. THere is also a kind of grinding sound. It didn't sound good. When I go to pedal forward, it takes about a quarter rotation for everything to "catch".

I took everything apart (well, I'm stuck on the retainer ring that holds the sprocket on - I need a spanner wrench). I noticed that the spring that is usually nestled snugly inside the brake thing (with the ribbing on it) was not snugly inside anymore. It had come out a bit. Is this the source of my problem?

HELP!! I'm trying to avoid taking it to the LBS.

spring could be the problem. what kind of guts do you have...suntour or shimano?

what kind of grease did you use? i found really thin grease being the key in getting my freecoaster to work properly.

I have suntour guts. Does the spring have to be really tight in there? BTW, it was working before I took it apart and replaced the cog (the cog that was on it never went to freewheel mode).

the spring should be pretty snug inside the clutch cone (barrel-shaped thing the spring fits inside) or it won't return to the "neutral" position. that could definitely cause it to lag when you pedal forward.

also, make sure that the ends of the spring are fit correctly into the appropriate slots of the brake cone (part the arm attaches to). it is possible to get that wrong and then the spring can stick to the brake cone rather than moving back with the clutch cone. my guess is this is what happened to your's, since you mentioned the spring was not all the way in anymore.