How to Replace a Drive Chain Cassette

The cassette is an integral part of a bicycle's drive train and needs to be maintained just like any other part. If the bike's chain pops in and out of gear in the back and you are positive that the cause isn't the rear derailleur's placement, then it is probably time to change the cassette. It's also a good idea to examine the cassette's teeth. To be absolutely positive that the cassette works optimally, replace it every time you replace the chain.

Things You'll Need

  • Crescent wrench or socket wrench
  • Lock-ring
  • Chain-whip
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Instructions

    • 1

      Loosen the bicycle's back quick-release, and remove the back tire.

    • 2

      Sit in a chair, and place the removed tire in front of your legs with the cassette facing outward. The tire should be upright.

    • 3

      Insert a lock-ring into the center of the cassette, ensuring the handle is lateral or slightly elevated. If the lock-ring has no handle, use a crescent wrench or socket wrench.

    • 4

      Apply a chain-whip to the teeth of the cassette on the opposite side with the handle resting laterally or slightly elevated.

    • 5

      Push downward on both handles or on the chain whip's handle and the wrench. You may need to apply considerable pressure. The goal is to make the chain-whip stop the cassette from spinning in the same direction as the lock-ring.

    • 6

      Remove the old cassette by sliding it up and along the cassette freewheel body.

    • 7

      Slide a new cassette onto the cassette freewheel body from which you removed the old cassette.

    • 8

      Tighten the new cassette with the lock-ring. You won't need the chain-whip because you push against the freewheel locking mechanism for this task.