Originally Posted by
habilis
What would be the best way for a home mechanic to accomplish this? […] How does this sound: Find and mark the apex of the bend with a dab of paint. Install the axle nuts to protect the threaded ends, and place the assembly on a bench with the paint mark facing up. Use a hardwood or plastic dowel as a drift and tap on the mark until the axle appears to be straight. Remove the nuts and roll the axle on a flat surface to check for straightness, and continue straightening if necessary.
The axle bends almost always at the drive side bearing. Remove the freewheel and note how the axle is bent. Insert the axle into an
axle vise as close to the hub shell as possible. Using the rim as a lever, bend the axle back into alignment. Remove from axle vise and check for straightness by rotating the axle in the hub and looking for wobble. Repeat as needed.