How to Install Bike Wheel Quick Release Skewers

The bicycle wheel quick release allows a wheel to be removed or installed without the use of tools. Without a quick release, bicycle wheels must be held in place by a pair of nuts, which require a wrench to loosen or tighten. The quick release is comprised of a lever at one end and a nut at the other. The two ends are joined by a skewer, which passes through the hollow axle of the wheel.

Instructions

    • 1

      Loosen and remove the nut at the end of the quick release. There is a cone-shaped spring that will come loose with the nut. Do not lose the spring.

    • 2

      Slide the quick release through the left side axle. The left side of the bike is the side opposite the chain.

    • 3

      Slide the tapered end of the cone-shaped spring onto the right side tip of the quick release.

    • 4

      Screw the nut onto the right side tip of the quick release. Do not tighten the nut fully.

    • 5

      Swing the lever on the left side of the quick release to the "close" position. "Close" is marked on the lever. The lever should offer moderate resistance when closing. If it does not, tighten the nut further. If the lever cannot be closed because of too much resistance, loosen the nut.