Rear wheel issues
#1
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Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 46
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From: Spokane WA
Bikes: 1990 Cannondale Criterium 3,
Rear wheel issues
I have a 1975 Schwinn Le Tour that was given to me so I am not sure if it is the original wheel or not. It is however old enough to use the freewheel setup. The chain and freewheel were replaced about a year ago acording to my friend, however I am having a few issues.
My rear wheel seems to make an awful lot of noise. It's kind of a "clickety clack". It makes the noise whether I pedal or coast but it does seem to be louder when I pedal.
The other issue I seem to be having is more troublesome. My rear wheel on occasion will shift forward and wedge itself against on of the chainstays. It seems to do so more on my left then my right. When this happens I have to loosen quick release readjust the tire and retighten. Sometimes this will fix the issue for a while and sometimes I have to immediatly readjust because it will wedge itself against the stay when I start to pedal. For the most part it seems to be random and usualy happens if I hit a pot hole but it has also happened for what seems like no reason at all. It doesn't seem to matter if I under tighten over tighten or find that sweet spot when locking in the quick release so Im not sure if its me or the wheel.
My rear wheel seems to make an awful lot of noise. It's kind of a "clickety clack". It makes the noise whether I pedal or coast but it does seem to be louder when I pedal.
The other issue I seem to be having is more troublesome. My rear wheel on occasion will shift forward and wedge itself against on of the chainstays. It seems to do so more on my left then my right. When this happens I have to loosen quick release readjust the tire and retighten. Sometimes this will fix the issue for a while and sometimes I have to immediatly readjust because it will wedge itself against the stay when I start to pedal. For the most part it seems to be random and usualy happens if I hit a pot hole but it has also happened for what seems like no reason at all. It doesn't seem to matter if I under tighten over tighten or find that sweet spot when locking in the quick release so Im not sure if its me or the wheel.
#2
Senior Member


Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,518
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From: San Jose, California
Bikes: 2001 Tommasini Sintesi w/ Campagnolo Daytona 10 Speed
1. Have the dropout alignment checked to ensure the dropouts are parallel to each other.
2. Make sure the QR lever facing and nut facing are serrated steel - able to engage the dropout facings without bottoming out on the axle itself.
2a. Doesn't hurt to check to see if the axle ends themselves are protruding past the dropouts.
3. Hopefully, the bearings, cones and cup are okay - replace cones and bearings if necessary and re-pack with fresh grease.
3a. If cups are ground out - you're likely out of luck.
4. Also, hopefully your freewheel is not on its last legs.
=8-)
2. Make sure the QR lever facing and nut facing are serrated steel - able to engage the dropout facings without bottoming out on the axle itself.
2a. Doesn't hurt to check to see if the axle ends themselves are protruding past the dropouts.
3. Hopefully, the bearings, cones and cup are okay - replace cones and bearings if necessary and re-pack with fresh grease.
3a. If cups are ground out - you're likely out of luck.
4. Also, hopefully your freewheel is not on its last legs.
=8-)
__________________
5000+ wheels built since 1984...
Disclaimer:
1. I do not claim to be an expert in bicycle mechanics despite my experience.
2. I like anyone will comment in other areas.
3. I do not own the preexisting concepts of DISH and ERD.
4. I will provide information as I always have to others that I believe will help them protect themselves from unscrupulous mechanics.
5. My all time favorite book is:
Kahane, Howard. Logic and Contemporary Rhetoric: The Use of Reason in Everyday Life
5000+ wheels built since 1984...
Disclaimer:
1. I do not claim to be an expert in bicycle mechanics despite my experience.
2. I like anyone will comment in other areas.
3. I do not own the preexisting concepts of DISH and ERD.
4. I will provide information as I always have to others that I believe will help them protect themselves from unscrupulous mechanics.
5. My all time favorite book is:
Kahane, Howard. Logic and Contemporary Rhetoric: The Use of Reason in Everyday Life
Last edited by mrrabbit; 06-08-13 at 08:20 PM.
#4
Senior Member


Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 39,897
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From: New Rochelle, NY
Bikes: too many bikes from 1967 10s (5x2)Frejus to a Sumitomo Ti/Chorus aluminum 10s (10x2), plus one non-susp mtn bike I use as my commuter
It's easy enough to check. Leave the wheel in the bike, but unscrew and remove the skewer. Check that the axle is ends at least 1mm short of the dropout's outer faces (both sides).
While you're at it, make sure the QRs conical springs are installed small ends inward -- pointing toward each other like this [>------<], and not like this [<---------->]. conical springs on backward are a common cause of QR issues and wheel slippage.
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FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
#5
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Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 46
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From: Spokane WA
Bikes: 1990 Cannondale Criterium 3,
When I have the wheel off the bike and spin the tire freely or seems to be much quieter with a much smoother sound. I haven't checked the bearings yet but there is plenty of grease coming from the Axel. I don't see too much wear on the freewheel. As far as I'm aware it was replaced a year ago with little to no usage after that.
#6
Senior Member


Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 39,897
Likes: 3,865
From: New Rochelle, NY
Bikes: too many bikes from 1967 10s (5x2)Frejus to a Sumitomo Ti/Chorus aluminum 10s (10x2), plus one non-susp mtn bike I use as my commuter
When I have the wheel off the bike and spin the tire freely or seems to be much quieter with a much smoother sound. I haven't checked the bearings yet but there is plenty of grease coming from the Axel. I don't see too much wear on the freewheel. As far as I'm aware it was replaced a year ago with little to no usage after that.
__________________
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
#7
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Spokane WA
Bikes: 1990 Cannondale Criterium 3,
If the dropouts are out of alignment is it a fixable issue or do I need to start looking for a new bike? Is this something I can potentially check on my own or is this an lbs issue?
Last edited by moonlessnight; 06-08-13 at 10:06 PM.
#8
Senior Member


Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 39,897
Likes: 3,865
From: New Rochelle, NY
Bikes: too many bikes from 1967 10s (5x2)Frejus to a Sumitomo Ti/Chorus aluminum 10s (10x2), plus one non-susp mtn bike I use as my commuter
BTW- add your city of residency (or a nearby city if you're concerned about privacy) to your profile so folks might direct you to local resources.
__________________
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
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