How do I replace my bike's skewers?

June 25, 2012 6:40 PM

How do I replace my bicycle's skewers? How do I measure my bike to order the correct kind? Is this something better left to a professional?

I have an old mountain bike that works basically fine, except either the rear dropout OR the skewers are stripped, so the rear wheel falls out frequently to the extent that it's not ride-able. I can replace the wheel and tighten the skewer, but it still falls out when I put my weight on it. I was thinking about getting locking skewers anyway-- will they fix this problem?

I am not a bicycle mechanic but can change a tire and patch a tube just fine. I can follow instructions just fine. The thing is, I can't find information about how to tell what part I need, how to measure for and order that part, and how to install it. The dropout appears to be basically fine, but how do I know if it's actually the problem? And finally, should a professional take care of it, or can you recommend a video or instructions for a civilian?

posted by blnkfrnk to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (5 answers total)

Skewers come in standard sizes for front and back, and are easily replaced. You shouldn't have to buy the locking variety, the simple, spring operated type should be plenty. Have a shop check out the problem first. IANABM, IANYBM.
posted by computech_apolloniajames at 6:51 PM on June 25, 2012

If it's an old mtb, it's probably a 135mm (or, less likely, 130mm) rear hub, and something like these (Allen bolts) or these (locking, w/proprietary tool) will do the job. There are other brands, in both cases--those are just some of the more popular ones. The big thing is that you're looking for bolt-on skewers to replace quick-releases, not ones with 15mm bolts like people use on track bikes, BMX bikes, etc.

That said, I'm sorry, but I'm a little lost. I don't think the rear dropout could be stripped, since it's not threaded. And most old mtbs have vertical dropouts, so I'm surprised that the wheel is falling out when you put your weight on it.

Would it be possible to post some pictures? And this is probably a dumb question, but are you sure you're using the quick-release correctly? (That video says 'a bit of force,' but that might understate it--I've also heard, in other places, that, after closing the quick-release, you should be able to see a clear impression of the lever on your hand.)
posted by box at 7:04 PM on June 25, 2012 [1 favorite]

what you're describing shouldn't be happening. there's a piece missing, a cone, a locknut, a spacer, a cam... a something, and whatever it is, it's gone. or been cannibalized. post pics, like box suggests.
posted by RockyChrysler at 8:15 PM on June 25, 2012 [1 favorite]

Yes, something’s wrong. Take the bike to a shop, or at least the part. You should be able to get this fixed for very cheap.
posted by bongo_x at 8:22 PM on June 25, 2012

Totally generic fix. All frames have to fit the same width wheels, more or less, and most of them take skewers.
posted by rhizome at 9:36 PM on June 25, 2012