5.1 wheels

Removing a Wheel

Removing a Wheel. Step-by-step procedure for bike maintenance — tools, time, and what to watch out for.

Difficulty ★☆☆ easy
Time ~2 min
Applies to All bikes

Tools

  • Standard workshop tools

Procedure

  1. Open the brake quick release

    if rim brakes (not needed for disc). For disc brakes, no preparation needed.

  2. Unthread the thru-axle

    by turning the lever or hex key (some axles use a 6mm hex). Pull the axle out fully.

  3. Lift the bike

    so the wheel drops out of the dropouts. For the rear, you may need to push the rear derailleur backward to clear the cassette.

For thru-axle wheels:

  1. Open the brake quick release if rim brakes (not needed for disc). For disc brakes, no preparation needed.
  2. Unthread the thru-axle by turning the lever or hex key (some axles use a 6mm hex). Pull the axle out fully.
  3. Lift the bike so the wheel drops out of the dropouts. For the rear, you may need to push the rear derailleur backward to clear the cassette.

For quick-release wheels:

  1. Open the QR lever. It usually rotates 180° from closed to open.
  2. Loosen the QR nut by spinning it counter-clockwise a few turns to clear the dropout’s lawyer lips (safety tabs on the fork).
  3. Drop the wheel out.