Front Wheel removal tool ?

GrinningGSer

Infamous old git
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Annoyingly, my 07 removal tool (I believe 22mm male) does not fit the WC front spindle.Can anyone confirm the size for the WC ?
 
I did RTFM and was just confused when I saw the tyre guy use a wheel removal tool as per last GS.
 
I find it VERY hard to believe that you can simply push the axle out, but hey until tried, I don't know. I'd still like the correct sized tool for the axle bolt.Any advances on 19mm ?
 
No need for tool, keep pinch bolts tightened on side where you think you need the tool for, loosen pinch bolts on other side, undo axle nut, loosen the pinch bolts, slide axle out, job done.
I find it VERY hard to believe that you can simply push the axle out, but hey until tried, I don't know. I'd still like the correct sized tool for the axle bolt.Any advances on 19mm ?
 
I find that undoing the large nut on the Left Hand Side a few turns, with the pinch bolts on both sides undone or removed, then GENTLY tap with a rubber hammer or wooden handle of a hammer, the large nut inwards.
This will drive the Right Hand Side nut out about 5mm. You MIGHT have to repeat once again. Another 5mm. However moving the nuts 5mm towards the Right Hand Side is enough to remove the Right Hand Side nut. I have never needed a special tool. But please do not damage those threads. I said GENTLY!
 
The 07 way worked a dream, so why change it to a new mysterious way of doing it ? :Tapping cannot be as precise as unscrewing. Note I haven't tried the new ways yet.
 
The 07 way worked a dream, so why change it to a new mysterious way of doing it ? :Tapping cannot be as precise as unscrewing. Note I haven't tried the new ways yet.

Most older bikes are tap out once the pinch bolt and locking bolt are removed.

I admit I liked the older design for simplicity, but both work fine. Kind of like the old paddle signals versus the new multicontroller. I still can't find the horn!:mad:
 
loosen pinch bolts.

loosen large locking bolt (don't remove). Tap it lightly to get the axle out whilst unloading the front (slightly lifting one fork leg).

remove large locking bolt.

the axle will slide out.

easy peasy.
 
The only reasons the hex-head screw on the left-hand side of the axle is there is to a) help push the axle out of the fork pinch clamps, and b) help locate the axle properly before the pinch bolts are tightened. (There is an 'unseen' part to that, because tightening the right-hand pinch bolt and then tightening the hex-head screw will help remove any play between axle, wheel-bearing inner races, wheel-bearing spacer and outer wheel spacer.)

The only time you might have trouble getting the axle out without using an axle-removal tool is if the axle or forks are bent.
...But by that stage, you'll probably have bigger things to worry about. :eek:

To eliminate removal problems, make sure the axle is squeaky-clean, then give it a LIGHT smear of copper paste before re-installing. Wipe off any excess.
Once the axle has been properly centred and the pinch bolts correctly torqued, the hex-head screw is simply dead weight. It doesn't actually help 'hold' the axle in place - that's what the pinch bolts are for.

Want to get rid of 50g of unsprung weight? Torque your pinch bolts, and leave the hex-head screw in your toolbox. ;)
 


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