Once there is a need to package one’s bike into the car for either a family vacation for the road bike, or you want to hit the beach using your cruiser kind of bike, or to the local trails using the mountain bikes, there will be a need to remove either the front wheel or rear wheels but most often the front wheels. Arming oneself with skills on how to remove wheels from the bike will be an added advantage as it allows one to package his belongings and free up space and at the same time reduce the tendency of damaging the bike.
Removing the front wheel of a bike is not that tasking as all you need is to determine if the bike has a quick-release or thru-axle system or not. Quick-release bikes entail that the wheels will be released without removing the axle. All you need to do is to pull the lever so that opens and loosens the nut on the other side which allows you to take out your wheel without removing the axle. See the video below.
However, some bikes will require you to take out your wheel by removing the thru-axle as well. Most of these bikes come with larger axles that have camming levers on one side and the other side threaded into a fork shape. Such bikes will require you to have a quick release of the wheel but at the same time subject, you to remove the thru-axle without employing the assistance of any tool.
Step by Step on how to Remove the Front Wheel
- The first step in front-wheel removal is the release of the brakes. For those that have a rim brake system, you will need to release the cable tension before you can be able to remove the front wheel.
- For those who don’t have a mechanic stand, it is advisable to flip the bike over because it will be easier, quicker, and safer. Removing the front wheel without flipping the bike over or not having a mechanic stand can cause the bike to fall which can lead to bike damage.
- For bikes with the open quick release, you can open the lever so it can release the wheel. For those with a tight lever, you need to unscrew or pry it by using a tire lever while holding the lever still, carefully loosen the bolt.
- Quietly lift the wheel up and out of the fork without tampering with the calipers if you are using a rim brake or the rotor if you have the disc brakes.