As a rider, you may need to remove your rear bike wheel from time to time to fix a flat, fit your bike into a car, or avert stealing. And with a quick release, which modern bikes typically come with, this is one easy task that requires no tools.
But what if you don’t have a quick release?
Read on to learn about how to remove a rear bike wheel with no quick release.
Concerns About Removing a Rear Bike Wheel With No Quick Release
The quick-release device consists of two large springs, a cap, lever, and skewer rod. It has a powerful clamping force that gives quick release when you pop open the lever, releasing the wheel.
A common concern about removing the wheel without a quick release is that it will damage the chain or shift, but that’s not true if you follow the correct procedure.
Another worry is that it’s too complicated, but again, as long as you follow these guidelines, it’s a simple process that takes a few minutes.
Tools Required to Remove a Rear Bike Wheel
It’s advisable, especially when riding long distances, to carry with you a bike bag containing tools and spare parts needed to remove a wheel and repair flats.
You’ll require the following tools to remove a rear bike wheel with no quick release:
- Bike repair stand: Where you’ll place the bike while removing the wheel.
- 15 mm wrench: For providing grip and mechanical advantage in loosening and fastening the nuts and bolts
Steps on How to Remove a Rear Bike Wheel
Thru-axle (or non-quick release) is a wheel attachment system that secures the hubs between the dropouts in the fork and frame. These dropouts have holes instead of slots.
Through axles consist of thick solid pins that are threaded on one end. And due to the absence of slots, to remove the wheel from the bike, you must take off the axle.
The following steps show you how to remove the rear bike wheel with no quick release and without causing any damage to the chain or shifting.
1. Let Up the Smallest Sprockets
You’ll want your bike’s rear wheel to “drop out” of the frame in the easiest way possible. Therefore, the first thing to do is to place it down and check whether the wheel stands straight.
A wheel that’s stuck causes tension to develop between the back derailleur, interfering with the jockey wheel and the sprocket. As a result, it makes it difficult for the wheel to come off.
2. Switch the Lever
Switch the lever on the rear into the open setting, then put the lever’s end into the carrier recess and remove the thread by reeling it out of the axle.
Next, glide the axle away from the wheel until it’s removed, and you feel the side’s clunk releasing.
3. Let the Wheel Come Off
Now get hold of the back derailleur and pull it, forcing the back wheel to come off.
If your bike has an SRAM type 2 derailleur, press on the lock button to move the derailleur or arm towards the front to lock it.
The chain will slacken, allowing you to pull the back derailleur. In turn, this will create a pathway for the axle that’s obstruction-free, causing your rear bike wheel to come out of the frame.
Steps to Follow to Refit the Rear Wheel
Now that you’re familiar with the steps to follow to remove the rear bike wheel with no quick release, you’ll need to put it back once you’re done. Therefore, let’s look at how to refit the rear wheel.
Refitting the back wheel is trickier as it entails chaining up the sprockets and guiding the rotor located in the middle of the brake pads and caliper. These are the steps to follow:
- Check to ensure you’ve set it so that both the axle and the frame dropouts are aligned.
- Position the chain and sprocket.
- Ensure the chain is positioned above the smaller sprockets and that it runs underneath the axle.
- Pull the wheel until it falls into place linearly. At this stage, you’ll have to bring back the frame and wheel together, guiding the axle using your fingers.
- Put back the axle by reinserting the thru-axle and gently rotate it to help it pass through the hub.
- Fasten the axle until it’s back in place, ensuring the level is open when the axle end gets into contact with the dropout. At this point, it should begin to lever, engaging the threads of both the axle and frame.
- Make the axle tighter, ensuring it’s taut enough to prevent any movement between the frame and hub, closing the lever.
Take Away
Now you know how to remove a rear bike wheel with no quick release. We hope you find this information helpful and that it eliminates any trepidation you had about removing a rear bike wheel with no quick release. By following the steps mentioned above, you can’t go wrong.
