How to Remove a Sprocket From a Bike Tire

Bicycle sprockets are the toothed metal clusters found in the center of the bicycle's rear tire. Sprockets are more commonly referred to as cassettes. To service a bicycle the sprockets may need to be removed. To remove these sprockets, use a specialized tool called a chain whip. The whip grips the teeth of the sprocket during the removal process.

Things You'll Need

  • Bike work stand
  • Chain cracker tool
  • Chain whip tool
  • Adjustable wrench
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the bicycle into the work stand. Hand pedal the bicycle and shift the chain so it rests on the smallest sprocket on the cluster.

    • 2

      Slide the chain cracker over a link in the chain and set it on a pin. Turn the cracker handle to push the pin out of the chain. Break apart the chain and remove it from the bicycle.

    • 3

      Wrap the chain whip around the largest sprocket on the cluster. The chain whip looks like a ruler with a section of bicycle chain at the end. Wrap the chain around the sprocket and hold the tool so the chain stays on the sprocket.

    • 4

      Place the adjustable wrench on the opposite side of the tire, at the hub nut, and hold it in position.

    • 5

      Use opposite force to turn the sprocket so it unscrews off the free hub in the center of the wheel. Pull the sprockets off as they unscrew from the hub.