Elitewheels ENT 2.0 4 pawls freehub service - o-ring issue

[SillyMochi]

The freehub on my Elitewheels ENT 2.0 was a bit sticky (pedals and chain kept running like a fixie while freewheeling) which wasn't too surprising, since those are my dedicated "winter wheels" and I ran them in all kinds of weather. So I did a nice little freehub service today. All running smoothly again now.

Only issue: that O-ring that should seal the freehub to the body is way too big. It already came off like that which probably explains why the freehub got sticky in the first place as dirt got inside. I currently have it installed without the O-ring as there was no way for me to install it properly. It just wouldn't fit. Even tried to shrink it in the freezer but that didn't do much. Tried to lay it over and around the freehub but once you install the cassette it would just be squashed to the side by it.

I have absolutely no clue how it got so big in the first place. Heat? But from what? Was only running it since September and didn't see much sun. Or did I completely misunderstand where this O-ring is supposed to be sitting?

Has anybody experienced a similar issue with their freehubs?

[SillyMochi]

Update: talked to Elitewheels on AE where I bought them. They couldn't really provide any help or reason to what happened to my o-ring but they are shipping out a new one. Let's see if that fits then 

[coffeebreak]

My Elite wheels had a different problem - dry bearings. The grease basically thinned out and evaporated? I have no idea. Only about 1600 miles on them. The front wheel started making gruff noises when spinning. I had to open up the bearing seal and repack with grease. No brand marking on those bearings except the type. Not a big deal but I think there are QC issues with their low end wheels. Glad they are taking care of it.

[SillyMochi]

Which wheelset you got from them? Do you also have a pawl-style freehub? If so, can you confirm that the o-ring is supposed to sit on that ledge where I tried to seat it in my picture?

[coffeebreak]

Which wheelset you got from them? Do you also have a pawl-style freehub? If so, can you confirm that the o-ring is supposed to sit on that ledge where I tried to seat it in my picture?

Elite SLT. Yes it has pawls (not star ratchet) I will check and send you a picture tonight.