How to Remove the Sprocket from the Back of My Bike

The bicycle's sprocket is also known as a cassette or gear cluster. These are found on the right side of the rear wheel. The cassette, or sprockets, rest in the center of this tire, allowing the derailleur and shifter to change gears. Sprockets come in different ratios for hill climbing, sprinting and touring. To change the sprocket, you need to remove the one currently on the bike. This task is achieved with a special tool.

Things You'll Need

  • Bike work stand
  • Chain whip
  • Hub wrench
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the bike in the work stand. Shift the gears into the easiest and smallest gear. Remove the quick-release from the center of the wheel.

    • 2

      Place the hub wrench into the center of the rear wheel, in the middle of the sprocket. Hold this in a static position.

    • 3

      Wrap the chain whip around the largest sprocket gear. Turn the sprocket to the left using the chain whip. Hold the center hub with the hub wrench so it does not spin when the sprocket is turned with the chain whip.

    • 4

      Hand loosen the sprocket once the chain whip has started the unloosening/unscrewing process. Place one hand over the sprocket because when it is unscrewed, it will fall off in a pile leaving you with a range of gear sprockets in disarray and out of order.