5.8 wheels

Wheel Truing — Radial

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

Difficulty ★★☆ moderate
Time ~30–60 min
Applies to All bikes

Tools

  • Standard workshop tools

Procedure

  1. Spin and watch the rim's distance from a fixed reference point above

    (usually the top of the truing stand caliper).

  2. Identify high spots

    (where the rim moves toward the reference).

  3. At a high spot, tighten BOTH the left and right spokes equally

    (1/4 turn each).

  4. At a low spot,

    loosen both spokes equally.

  5. Recheck and repeat.

    > Radial truing is harder than lateral — most home mechanics prioritize lateral truing and accept some radial irregularity. ---

A wheel with up-and-down hop (“egg-shaped”).

Procedure #

  1. Spin and watch the rim’s distance from a fixed reference point above (usually the top of the truing stand caliper).
  2. Identify high spots (where the rim moves toward the reference).
  3. At a high spot, tighten BOTH the left and right spokes equally (1/4 turn each).
  4. At a low spot, loosen both spokes equally.
  5. Recheck and repeat.

Radial truing is harder than lateral — most home mechanics prioritize lateral truing and accept some radial irregularity.