How to Tighten a Rear Wheel on a Bicycle

A rear bicycle wheel fits into a pair of grooves called "drops," and is held in place by a skewer. Older versions of this skewer will include a nutted axle, while newer versions will feature a quick release. Either design serves to tighten, or loosen, the skewer. According to bicyclinglife.com, nutted axle skewers can work themselves loose over time. A skewer that's not properly tightened will result in a wheel that is not held firmly in the drops, and a loose wheel can be a serious detriment to the cyclist. The following instructions explain how to tighten your rear wheel.

Instructions

1. Loosen the skewer that holds the wheel in place. The skewer is found at the center of the wheel. If the skewer features a quick release, open the release. If the skewer features a nut, unscrew the nut.

2. Ensure that the wheel is firmly in the drops. Your wheel has an axle at its center, through which the skewer passes. The axle tips should be inserted flush against the drops.

3. Re-tighten the skewer. When tightening, be sure that you're holding the nut in place on the other end of the skewer. This will allow the skewer to tighten increasingly.

4. Close the quick release and try rattling the wheel. There should be no rattling or movement in the wheel. If there is movement, either the skewer is not tightened properly, or the quick release is not fully closed.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the tightness of your wheels after every few rides, especially if your wheel includes a nutted axle-type skewer. Tighten as necessary.

References

• How to use a quick release
• Wheel removal and installation