Repair guides › Wheels & Tires
Remove and refit a BMX rear wheel
Strong bolt-on hub with thick axles for pegs. The rear has a cassette driver (pedal backward freely) or a freecoaster (roll backward without the cranks turning). Axle nuts (17 or 19 mm) clamp the wheel; hub guards protect the driver on grinds. Freecoasters need slack adjustment with a spacer.
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Tools
- BMX axle wrench 15/17/19 mm: BMX axle wrench 15 17 19 mm ($)
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Steps
- Remove the pegs if fitted.
- Loosen both axle nuts (17 or 19 mm).
- Push the wheel forward, lift the chain off the driver, drop the wheel out.
- Refit: chain on, pull the wheel back for about 1 cm of chain slack, center it between the stays.
- Tighten nuts alternately, then refit pegs.
Torque
| Fastener | Torque |
|---|---|
| 14 mm axle nuts | 35–45 Nm |
Signs it needs doing
- Wheel slips forward in the dropouts (nuts loose)
- Driver skips (worn pawls)
- Freecoaster engages late (slack needs adjusting)