How to Replace a Broken Spoke

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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Broken spokes are fairly common, especially on the drive side of older rear wheels.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Step 1

Buy a new spoke of the correct length and gauge.
Step 2

Remove the tire, tube and rim tape.
Step 3

Remove the cassette or freewheel if the spoke is broken on the drive side of the rear wheel.
Step 4

Remove the broken spoke. You'll probably need to bend it around to get it out.
Step 5

Thread the new spoke in through the spoke hole in the hub. Again, you'll probably need to bend it around a bit to get it in. Make sure that it weaves around the other spokes in the same way that the old one did.
Step 6

Lube the spoke threads and thread on the spoke nipple.
Step 7

Tighten the spoke until it is roughly the same tension as the neighboring spokes.
Step 8

True the wheel. (See the Related eHow "True a Bike Wheel.")