heeeeelp!! How do you take a front wheel off??

**Gremlin** · 29th September 2005, 16:46

Sounds easy... but it ain't...

Tried following the err... what 4 lines in the manual... loosen the two bolts on the right (as you are sitting on the bike) the axle bolt (12mm) and the bolt underneath that, that points backwards, I've removed the speedo cable, removed the brakes... but the wheel stays firm... it won't moooooove...

Is there a trick to this??

**kerryg** · 29th September 2005, 16:52

So (sorry if this is a stupid question_....

Did you remove the axle? If you did, and you've removed the brake calipers, speedo drive etc there should be nothing holding the wheel in place. Just give it a sharp knock with a rubber mallet

**Ixion** · 29th September 2005, 16:58

You say you loosened the axle bolt. Did you remove the axle itself - like a humungeous long bolt ? Should take that right out. Then front wheel falls off. Then bike falls over. Then you think "Should have propped it up before i pulled the axle bolt out"

**Gremlin** · 29th September 2005, 17:07

ahhh... the dumb manual says loosen.... must be lost in translation I guess...

*goes off to try*

**duckman** · 29th September 2005, 17:11

Nah, don't worry about the axle - Just keep hitting it harder!!!

Rep point coming your way for "worst peice of mechanicking today".

**Gremlin** · 29th September 2005, 17:21

OK, got the bit on the left off... but the axle ain't budging...

piccies... first shot - seems like there is a bit on the inside right fork that would stop stuff moving... also, do you just hit it?? there doesn't seem to be any play in the axle. Also, no way to get a grip and pull...

Here I was thinking this would be a nice way to "get to know my bike", introduce yourself nice and easy to "mechanicking" and all that.

**k14** · 29th September 2005, 17:27

There is another bolt holding the bottom of the fork together on the right side fork, can see it in the first pic. At the moment that side of the axle is not moving out of the fork and all you are doing is bending the fork to the side, not really good for it. If you release that bolt (looks like a 8mm or so allen bolt) it should pop out.

**Gremlin** · 29th September 2005, 17:38

First pic with nuts numbered:
1. Brake allen nut, screwed back into brake unit which is loose
2. Brake allen nut, screwed back into brake unit which is loose
3. Tried that, little screw... few drops of liquid came out. Guessed it was fork oil and very quickly put it back in...

**FROSTY:Me** · 29th September 2005, 17:40

as K14 said--loosen that bolt---it had to stay tight tiill ya undid the axle bolt

**k14** · 29th September 2005, 17:42

1 and 2 hold the caliper on, the other empties the fork oil.

Its this one: (I can even see that you have undone the equivalent bolt on the other fork leg).

**Gremlin** · 29th September 2005, 17:43

which bolt?? I think I have undone every bolt in the area...

**Gremlin** · 29th September 2005, 17:44

Originally Posted by k14

Its this one: (I can even see that you have undone the equivalent bolt on the other fork leg).

gone already. it looks like the fork has a split in it, but it doesn't seem to open up...

**k14** · 29th September 2005, 17:46

Is the front wheel suspended above the ground? You could have a problem getting it out if it has weight on it. There must be something you are missing, it should be a 2 minute job.