freewheel

Also known as overrunning clutch

thumb|Freewheel mechanism thumb|right|Ratchet (device)|Ratcheting freewheel mechanism (van Anden, 1869)

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Commons category: Bicycle freewheels

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Mechanics
Advantages and disadvantages
Uses
Agricultural equipment
Engine starters
Vehicle transmissions
Bicycles
Helicopters
History
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References

thumb|Freewheel mechanism thumb|right|Ratchet (device)|Ratcheting freewheel mechanism (van Anden, 1869)

A freewheel or overrunning clutch is a device in a transmission that disengages the driveshaft from the driven shaft when the driven shaft rotates faster than the driveshaft. An overdrive is sometimes mistakenly called a freewheel, but is otherwise unrelated.