How to Remove a Shimano BMX Freewheel

The BMX freewheel is a single cog that threads onto the side of the rear wheel. During pedaling, the freewheel drives the rear wheel but then disengages from the wheel when pedaling ceases. The design allows the cyclist to "coast," or ride without pedaling. A Shimano freewheel may be removed for occasional servicing of the BMX wheel hub, or replaced in favor of another freewheel. The Shimano BMX freewheel has four hollow notches at the center designed to accommodate a compatible freewheel remover.

Things You'll Need

  • Shimano-compatible freewheel remover
  • Adjustable-type wrench
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Instructions

  1. BMX Rear Wheel Removal

    • 1

      Loosen the bolts at each end of the rear axle, using an adjustable-type wrench. Loosen the bolts enough to allow the wheel to slide out of the horizontal dropouts. "Dropouts" are notches at the end of the BMX bicycle frame and are designed to accept the tips of the axle.

    • 2

      Push the wheel forward to give the chain extra slack. Lift the chain off the sprocket at the front of the BMX bike and place the chain to the inside of the sprocket.

    • 3

      Pull the wheel back. Lift the chain off the freewheel and slide the wheel from the bike.

    BMX Freewheel Removal

    • 4

      Engage the four notches on the side of the freewheel remover with the four notches in the side of the Shimano freewheel.

    • 5

      Grip the end of the freewheel remover with an adjustable-type wrench. Hold the wheel steady with the other hand.

    • 6

      Force the wrench in a counterclockwise direction to loosen the Shimano BMX freewheel. Continue to loosen, and remove the freewheel from the wheel.