How to Repair the Rear Wheel on a Bike

Knowing how to repair the rear wheel on a bicycle is an important part of bicycle maintenance for the avid rider because you never know where you will run into problems. You can be alone on a mountain bike trail or with a group of friends riding down the street. Either way, knowing how to fix the rear tire when a problem does arise will get you home faster. Even if the repairs have to wait until you get home, your knowledge can save you the cost of visiting a bike repair shop.

Things You'll Need

  • Wrench
  • Tire
  • Patch kit
  • Pump
  • Rim
  • Tire lever
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Instructions

    • 1

      Shift the gears on your bike so the chains are on the smallest cog on the derailleur (this is the gear system on the back tire consisting of several sprockets). This will create the necessary slack in the chain you'll need to remove the tire without damaging the chain. This step is not necessary for non-shifting bikes, also known as fixed-gear bikes. You can simply lift the chain off the sprocket for these bikes.

    • 2

      Release the brake pad to prevent the brakes from pressing against the tire. This can be done by flipping the small lever on the rear brakes in an upwards position. This will open the brake pads.

    • 3

      Remove all bolts holding the tire in place to the frame of the bike with a wrench. Make sure to have a designated place for the bolts or place them in your pocket for safe keeping. They are small and easily lost if you're not careful.

    • 4

      Remove the rear wheel on a multi-speed mountain bike by grabbing the derailleur and pulling back. This will dislodge the rear wheel from the derailleur and completely remove it from the frame of the bike. Non-shifting bikes are simpler. Simply lift the bike frame from the rear tire once the chain and the bolts have been removed.

    • 5

      Remove the tire from the rim with a tire lever. All bicycle tires hug the rim tightly and a tire lever will give you the leverage necessary to lift the tire off the rim. Begin by placing the lip of the lever between the rim and the tire. Push down on the lever handle to lift the tire off the rim and continue to work your way around until the tire has been completely removed.

    • 6

      Patch any holes in the tire inner tube with a tire patch kit (these kits include tire glue, tire patch, sand paper and rubbing alcohol wipes). Use the rubbing alcohol wipe to clean off the area you will be patching. Next, sand the area down around the hole to create a textured surface. Finally, apply tire glue to the sand papered area and place the patch on top. Fill the tube with air once the glue has dried.

    • 7

      Place the tire back onto the rim. Again, the tire will snugly fit the rim but you won't need the assistance of the tire lever this time. Push the tire onto the rim with moderate force until it is securely fastened.

    • 8

      Install the rear tire by repeating Steps 1 through 5 in reverse. You're bike is now ready to use.