WRENCHTECH
HOW TO PROPERLY REINSTALL A FRONT WHEEL
NECESSARY ITEMS:
TIME TO COMPLETE:
5–10 minutes
STEP 4
Now, loosen the front axle nut and the right fork
(non-brake side) pinch bolts. Tighten the left-side fork
pinch bolts, as well as the front axle, and compress the
forks using the same technique as in step three.
STEP 5
Again, loosen the front
axle nut and left fork pinch
bolts. Use two fingers and
your thumb to slide the
right fork lug back and
forth on the axle. It should
slide easily; otherwise, the
axle has bound up, meaning
you’ll need to repeat the
previous steps. Remember,
just because the end of the axle is flush with the fork lug
doesn’t necessarily indicate that the axle is properly
centered. If the fork lugs don’t slide on the axle,
something is wrong.
STEP 6
Once you’re sure everything is free, spin the front
wheel and have a friend
slam the brakes on and hold
them. This will center the
brake rotor. Tighten the fork
pinch bolts before releasing
the front brake using the
same method. Finally, release
the front brake and torque
the front axle nut. Spin the
front wheel and make sure
that it spins freely. ❏
Properly aligning the axle through the front wheel is vital for front-end performance. Without care, the forks can bind up due to side loads. This
binding can be detrimental to the fork, brake, bushing,
seal and steering performance. Heed these instructions on
how to properly align the front axle. Pay close
attention as we also address several common mistakes
people make (this probably means you).
STEP 1
Let us remind you that before working on your bike,
it should be clean and sitting firmly on a stand. After
removing the front axle, inspect the axle for wear.
Though it is common practice to grease the front axle
before sliding it through the front wheel, be very careful.
It’s advisable to apply a small film of grease to the axle,
but not on the clamping surface where the axle meets
the lug.
STEP 2
Use your right hand to
line up the front wheel
with the forks, making
sure that the front brake
rotor has slid between the
brake pads. Make sure that
the wheel collars are flush
against the hub and fork
lugs before gently sliding
the front axle through the
right fork lug (non-brake
side). Push the axle completely through the hub until the
axle threads are visible on the opposite side. Do not use
a hammer to drive the axle through the hub, as this can
create issues with the fork lugs and axle ends. A rubber
mallet or hex axle tool ( www.motionpro.com, $18.99) is a
better choice.
STEP 3
Use a torque wrench and 10mm
socket to snug down the right-side
fork pinch bolts (non-brake side). Then,
tighten the axle nut with a torque
wrench and appropriate socket (check
the torque settings in your owner’s
manual). At this point, you’ll need to
ensure that the front end is properly
aligned. Compress the forks by squeez-
ing the front brake lever and pulling
the front end toward you after the wheel makes contact
with the ground. Load and unload the forks several times.
• Grease
• Rubber mallet
• Torque wrench
• Proper sockets
