If you have to unscrew the wheel, put the nut you remove in a safe place so you don’t lose it. If you’re removing a rear wheel, slide the chain off of the freewheel before removing the wheel. The freewheel is the geared part on the rear wheel that the chain loops around.
To keep track of all your pieces, put the spring and nut back onto the skewer in the order you removed them. Then put the whole piece in a safe place.
You can get a freewheel remover tool at a bike shop, a department store that has a bike section, or online. They’re usually around $10. There are also other methods to remove the freewheel. For instance, you could also lock it in place with a chain whip and use a socket wrench to unscrew it. A chain whip is a bicycle tool that wraps around the freewheel to hold it steady. You can buy them at bike shops or online for $15-20. In some areas, the freewheel is called a cassette. Remember that so if you use other instructions besides this article you won’t get confused.
Not all bikes have a spacer between the nut and cone. In this case, just unscrew the nut and cone. The other side of the axle has the same pieces, but you only have to remove the pieces on one side to take the axle out.
You don’t need a very strong magnet to get the bearings out, but you’ll need something stronger than a kitchen magnet. Any workshop-type magnet that can pick up screws and nails will work. Count how many bearings you remove from each side so you know how many to replace. The number is the same on each side, so if you get 2 different numbers, a few bearings probably fell out. The larger number is the correct count.
You could also use a similar solvent like mineral spirits or rubbing alcohol to clean out the hub. If the pieces you removed are greasy as well, then soak them in a can of paint thinner or another solvent for 5 minutes and wipe the excess grease off afterward. These solvents usually don’t cause irritation, so you don’t have to wear gloves unless you have sensitive skin. Wash your hands normally with soap and water when you’re done.
There are many types of bike grease available, but lithium-based products are best to prevent water intrusion. You can buy these at a bike shop or online. [8] X Research source
You can buy new bearings at any bike shop or online. On most bikes, the rear wheel uses 1/4" bearings and the front wheel uses 3/16". If you aren’t sure what type your bike uses, check the user manual and get the appropriate size. Be careful flipping the tire over so you don’t knock any bearings out.
Make sure the axle is loose enough for the wheel to spin smoothly. If the motion seems tight or jerky, loosen up the nut a bit.
If you were working on a rear wheel, loop the chain back around the freewheel as well.
You could also close each end in a vise and pull the whole wheel up if you have trouble getting the ends off. Remember that the ends are plastic, so don’t tighten the vise enough to crack them. Keep all of the parts you remove in a safe place so you don’t lose them.
In some cases, you’ll have to unscrew the freehub instead of pulling it off. This is specific to different bike manufacturers. If there is a nut or screw on the freehub, then unscrew it instead. You can tell the drive side of the bike because that’s the side where the freewheel is. The freewheel, also called a cassette, is the gear section that the chain loops over. On almost all bikes, this is on the right.
You can buy an axle protector from any bike store or online.
Don’t hit the hub directly with a hammer without using an axle protector. You could damage the hub and have to replace the whole wheel.
You can also use mineral spirits or rubbing alcohol to clean the hubs. Wash your hands normally with soap and water after using these solvents. Don’t touch your face until you’ve washed it all off. If you have sensitive skin, you should wear gloves to avoid irritation.
Use a lithium-based grease for the best protection against water damage.
An axle drift is a tool that helps push the bearing into place. You can buy one at a bike shop.
If you’re replacing a rear wheel, the drive side of the axle is longer than the other. Start with the longer side in this case.
If you’re working on a rear wheel, make sure you match the drive side of the wheel with the drive side of the axle. The hub on the wheel is thicker on the drive side.
Don’t worry about pressing the drift into the hub tightly. It just needs to sit on top of the hub opening.
You can tell if the bearing inserts by looking below the wheel where the vise is. When you can’t see the bearing anymore, it’s in the hub. Use either a rubber mallet or a hammer with a rubber covering on the bottom to avoid damaging the wheel.
You may need to push the axle up from the bottom to give the bearing enough space to slide over.
Only apply a thin layer of grease. If you glob it on, it could lock up the axle.
If you’re worried you might forget the correct order of piece while you’re reassembling the hub, try taking pictures as you work to see what everything should look like.
Alternatively, if you want to purchase a bike, consider the purpose for which you are buying it. [31] X Research source Think whether you will use it for recreational rides, fitness, or transportation. [32] X Research source Keep your budget in mind and look for a bike that suits you. [33] X Research source
