Repair guides › Wheels & Tires

Install a thru-axle wheel

A hub clamped by a 12, 15 or 20 mm axle that threads through the frame. Stiffer and always aligns the disc rotor the same. Cartridge bearings pressed into the shell. Axle threads into the dropout.

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Tools

• 1/4" click torque wrench (about 2–17 Nm) + bits: Pro Bike Tool 1/4 inch drive click torque wrench set (2.2–16.9 Nm) ($$)

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Steps

1. Seat the wheel, rotor into the caliper.
2. Slide the axle through, thread into the dropout.
3. Tighten to the torque printed on the axle or in the fork/frame manual (often 10–15 Nm; some are lower). Lever axles: close firmly as the maker shows.

Signs it needs doing

• Play
• Rough spin

Problems this fixes

• Creaking when climbing or pedaling hard
• Brake rubs or scrapes when the wheel spins
• Shifts by itself
• Wheel knocks or moves side to side
• Rattles over bumps

Related jobs

• Check and replace sealed hub bearings