How to Fix a Front Wheel Spoke on a Bike

Replacing a front wheel spoke is simple and will only take five to 10 minutes. Whereas replacing a rear wheel spoke requires specialist tools to remove the sprocket, front-wheel spoke repair only requires one inexpensive specialist tool, a spoke wrench. Any novice mechanic who is comfortable with simple operations such as repairing an inner tube can replace a front wheel spoke.

Things You'll Need

  • 2 Tire irons (tire levers)
  • Pressure relief gauge or screwdriver
  • Spoke wrench
  • Adjustable wrench
  • Replacement spoke
  • Replacement spoke nipple
  • Tire pump
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Instructions

  1. Spoke Removal

    • 1

      Take the front wheel off the bike by releasing the quick release lever or by unwinding the wheel nuts with an adjustable wrench.

    • 2

      Deflate the tire with a pressure relief gauge or a screwdriver. Insert the tire irons side by side between the rim and the inner circumference of the tire. Push down the tire irons toward the spokes, pulling the lip of the tire over the edge of the rim. Holding one tire iron in place, push the other iron around the rim to remove the remainder of the tire. Pull the inner tube and rim tape off the circumference of the rim.

    • 3

      Remove the broken end of the spoke with the spoke nipple still attached through the hole in the top of the rim. Pull the other half of the spoke through the hole in the middle of the front hub. This may require you to bend the spoke.

    • 4

      Measure the length of the two parts of the spoke combined and purchase a replacement of exactly the same length and gauge. If you are unsure of the length or gauge then take the broken spoke to a bike shop and ask a sales clerk to assist you.

    Replacement Spoke

    • 5

      Push the threaded end of the new spoke through the hole in the center of the hub in the opposite direction to that which you removed the old spoke. Follow the pattern of the other spokes if you are unsure which side the spoke should go through. It may be necessary to bend the spoke slightly to get it through the hole.

    • 6

      Weave the spoke through the adjacent spokes as per the pattern of the remaining spokes. On a front wheel the spoke pattern will be the same on either side of the wheel.

    • 7

      Rest the spoke nipple in the hole at the top of the rim and thread it onto the end of the spoke until it is finger tight. Use the spoke wrench to tighten the spoke nipple until the spoke tension is similar to that of the surrounding spokes.

    • 8

      Use the spoke wrench to "true" the wheel. To do this, turn the bike on its back with the front wheel attached and spin the front wheel. Look closely at the gap between the rim and the brake pad on each side of the rim. If the gap narrows on the side of the new spoke then loosen the spoke, if the gap widens then tighten the spoke. The wheel is true when the gap between the rim and the pad is equal around the entire circumference of the wheel.

    • 9

      Pull the rim tape back over the rim. Push one side of the tire over the edge of the rim and place the deflated inner tube between the rim and the tire. Force the other side of the tire over the edge of the rim and re-inflate the inner tube up to the pressure indicated on the tire. Reattach the wheel to the bike, ensuring that it is securely fastened to the forks.