Bicycle Mechanics - OK to file threads off axle?

My threaded shimano axles have chewed through the driveside dropout one aluminum frame already (yes i tightened the skewer and the manufacturer says its a problem). I just built up a new frame and want to use the same wheelset since they're still solid. Could I just file off the axle threads and would the axle diameter change matter?

thanks

If it's chewing through your dropouts there must be movement there. Maybe you need new skewers......or your axle may be just a tad too long.

I dont think it would be a problem to file off the threads. There will be a decrease in the diameter so you may have so 'tilt' if the wheels not clamped straight. 'The fixer' is on target when he suggests you axle may be too long. Check the length.

Chewing through a dropout is indicative of some other problem. Most likely the skewers do not have enough 'bite'. Millions of cyclists use quick release wheels without having to resort to removing axle threads.

I would replace the skewers with some that have steel biting surfaces. Many 'designer' skewers use aluminum which are not as secure.

If you file down the axle threads at the end, you may have difficulty in rethreading the hub cones and lockwashers when you repack your bearings.

I'll try filing it and see what happens.
I know what you're saying, but I normally tighten the bejessus out of the shimano (the best type) skewers. the locknut teeth marks on the frame are clean. Here's a response I got from the frame maker.

"this is an extremely rare issue that we have not run across in the last few years. A threaded steel axle is very hard and abrasive compared to any aluminum frame dropout, and if the quick release skewer was slightly loose at just one point in the frame's life, the axle could certainly move and cause the initial damage to the dropout.
Once this initial damage that enlarged the axle slot in the dropout has occurred, it is extremely difficult to prevent the axle from moving and causing more wear, even if the skewer is very tight."

too bad. i loved everything else about the bike.

My threaded shimano axles have chewed through the driveside dropout one aluminum frame already (yes i tightened the skewer and the manufacturer says its a problem). I just built up a new frame and want to use the same wheelset since they're still solid. Could I just file off the axle threads and would the axle diameter change matter?

thanks

I think that if you find yourself doing something that nobody else has to do that means that you are having a problem that nobody else has. I'd want to think it through and solve the underlying problem rather than add another variable to the mix.

I had the same thing happen to my cannondale. You could use a longer axle aluminum droupouts are thick enough for this. This will make your frame last a bit longer.

I had the same thing happen to my cannondale. You could use a longer axle aluminum droupouts are thick enough for this. This will make your frame last a bit longer.


... my bike's a cannondale too, lasted 7 years and 4 countries. there ARE helpful people here.
Thanks

Charles, you're the man. tandem axles will fit the bill perfectly.

If you have a new frame and you want to use the same wheels, I would REPLACE both the axle and the QR skewers. Neither are hard (or expensive) to do and you are better off safe than sorry.

If you have a new frame and you want to use the same wheels, I would REPLACE both the axle and the QR skewers. Neither are hard (or expensive) to do and you are better off safe than sorry.

Oh. And I would also replace the lock nuts.