Troubleshooting › Wheels & tires

Wheel wobbles: causes and fixes

Spin the wheel and watch the rim against the brake or frame. Side-to-side is out of true; a hop is the tire or rim.

Check it on your own bike

1. Wheel out of true · Most likely

   A side-to-side wobble at the rim. True it with a spoke wrench.

   Fix: True a wheel (lateral wobble)

2. Tire not seated evenly · Most likely

   Look at the line on the tire sidewall just above the rim: it should be even all the way round.

   Fix: Replace a tire · Seat a stubborn tubeless bead

3. Broken or loose spoke · Sometimes

   Squeeze spokes in pairs. A loose or snapped one is obvious.

   Fix: Replace a broken spoke

4. Loose hub bearings · Sometimes

   Wiggle the rim side to side with the wheel in the bike. A knock means hub play.

   Fix: Adjust and service cup-and-cone hubs · Check and replace sealed hub bearings

5. Bent or dented rim · Less likely

   A flat spot or bulge you can see or feel needs a new rim.

   Fix: Inspect rims for dents and cracks · Replace a rim (rebuild the wheel)