How to Remove & Replace the Rear Wheel on a Bike

Cycling is a popular activity for recreation and exercise. As with any type of sporting equipment, bicycles may become damaged and require repair. Depending on the type of cycling you do, damage to a wheel can easily occur by hitting a curb, pothole or trail debris with force. Wheel rims also wear over time, necessitating their replacement. When rear wheel damage occurs, you can avoid going to a bike shop to have a mechanic install a replacement. Purchase the new wheel at the shop, but replace it yourself.

Instructions

    • 1

      Disconnect the rear brake. Some rear brake assemblies have a clip or housing from which the cable must be unhooked. If this is not the case with your rear wheel, simply deflate the rear tire until it clears the brake pads.

    • 2

      Adjust your rear gear assembly until the chain is on the smallest, outermost gear. Pull the quick release lever to the open position and turn it counter-clockwise until the wheel can be removed from the rear dropouts. You might have to hold the other end of the quick release lever as you do this to effectively loosen it. Make certain the chain separates from the gear.

    • 3

      Place the chain back on the smallest, outermost gear. Slide the rear wheel back between the rear brake pads and its axle into the appropriate position in the dropouts. Pull the quick release lever down to the closed position. The lever should be positioned between the rear chain stay and seat stay on the left side of the bike.

    • 4

      Reconnect the rear brake.