Reattaching front wheel - issues.

Fifenewbie

I take the front wheel off my bike to get it in the back of my car. When reattaching the wheel, every time without fail, the brake pads are rubbing against the disc. If i spin the wheel, it appears to run freely, but, when i put any weight on the front of the bike, thers rubbing. I then have to spend ages pi##ing about trying to readjust the wheel, but, cant ever get it 100% - is there a `trick of the trade` I could use to ensure its good? I just want to be able to put the wheel back on with no dramas and go!. Does anyone else encounter this? Thanks a lot for any help guys.

cooldad

Don't pull the brakes without the wheel in.
Use a spacer when you take the wheel off.

nicklouse

fit the pad spacer that should have come with the brakes/bike. Or make something to put between the pads when the wheel is out.

cooldad

It's not the wheel that needs readjusting, it's the pads that need pushing back.

winterdancer

a trick I was shown by my dh'er sister was to wiggle/shake the wheel from side to side a couple of times when it is in the dropouts but before tightening skewer. That works for me.

Fifenewbie

Thanks guys - no, i never got a pad spacer with the bike, and, wasnt aware that you should be putting a spacer between the pads when you have the wheel off either :oops: - can I push the pads back using a plastic tyre lever? can i buy a pad spacer then or what could I use instead?

cooldad

Yes, or just stick the tyre lever in, will probably work as a spacer. Or just be careful not to pull the brake lever.

plumpy

Personally I use a small strip of cardboard, pulled off a box* or whatever, and folded enough times to get the right width. Doesn't have to be anything "special" or expensive.

Also it's preferable not to squeeze the brake lever when the bike is not upright, even if you've put a spacer in.


* It's usually off a Wiggle box so I suppose it IS expensive...

gilesjuk

Get a bigger car. I can fit a longtail bike in my astra estate with the wheels on.

Or get roofbars or a carrier.

Anonymous

gilesjuk wrote:

Get a bigger car.

An excellent suggestion, and only slightly more expensive than a piece of cardboard. :roll:

supersonic

You must do the QR up to the same tension each time.