Removing and putting rear wheel back on

[Robik]

Morning all,

Thought I would post this question in the pitstop section. I have never done it before but how easy is it to remove the rear wheel and put it back on. (Cbr125r). I am really eager to learn and don't his myself, however don't want to end up stuck. Thanks everyone.

[Tango]

It's not hard....if you have the right tools.

Is the rear brake a disk or drum? And does the bike have a centre stand?

[Robik]

Thanks for your help Tango

There are brake discs at the rear. I have a rear paddock stand.

[Adam]

Easy peasy put it up on the stand and loosen the nut and bolt either side of the wheel this is the spindle, don't remove it completely just yet. Next you need to slacken the chain which you should be able to do by pushing the rear wheel towards the bike however if that doesn't work loosen the chain tensioners either end of the swingarm, they look like a piece of threaded rod with two nuts on each one.

Next you'll need to split the chain, this could either be held with a split link or riveted together. I've only ever done a split link so let's assume that's what you have. Whilst looking at the chain spin the wheel slowly until you find some thing like this in the video here

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(someone embed it pretty please? ) and do what they do to split the chain.

Once the chain is out the way hold the wheel with one hand and remove the spindle, the wheel should come free fairly easily if it doesn't give it a gentle wiggle to free it from the brake caliper and you're done

Follow those steps backwards to put it back on and tension your chain before doing the spindle up tightly.

Good luck!

[GaryJM]

If it's just removing the wheel you don't need to split the chain.

Otherwise tyre fitters would need to do it.

Just lift the chain off and rest it on the swing arm and do whatever you need to do.

Putting the chain back on is easy.

Just put it on the top part of the sprocket and turn the wheel.

[Tango]

Yeah....no need to split the chain....just move it forwards on the adjusters to slacken it off a bit so you can get it off the rear sprocket....

I would also move the rear caliper.....no need to undo the hydraulic line, just remove the bolts holding it to the carrier and swing it out of the way.....will make getting the wheel out and back in so much easier.....and you can have a look at the pads and general condition of the caliper while you've got the wheel out.....

Then pretty much as Adam says.....undo the wheel nut on the spindle and draw the spindle out.....just put something under the wheel while you're doing this....just to stop the wheel dropping as you pull the spindle out......and mark any washers and spacers so you know what order they go in.....and on which side of the wheel and which way round they go......take piccys as you go along.....just in case you forget something.....

[Robik]

Thanks a bunch everyone, this is so helpful!!

Phew no need to undo the chain

I am not sure how my caliper is mounted, it seems the caliper bracket goes through the rear axle spindle, however not sure if this is slotted? i.e. will it stay in place when I take the the spindle out? I need to take a closer look at the manual and bike again. I wonder if it is the same on most bikes.

This is all a good learning experience for me .....

[Adam]

I never thought about just taking the chain off the sprocket, that'll save me a few minutes and a lot of hassle! As they say you learn something new everyday, which is why I love this forum as I'm learning all the time from it

[Tango]

The caliper will normally be mounted onto the bracket by 2 bolts.....so, if you remove these bolts you should be able to slide the caliper off the disk..... It just makes removing and refitting the wheel easier.....and on some bikes the rim of the wheel won't go past the caliper with it still in place.....

[Grumpy Old Git]

I would also move the rear caliper.....no need to undo the hydraulic line, just remove the bolts holding it to the carrier and swing it out of the way.....will make getting the wheel out and back in so much easier.....and you can have a look at the pads and general condition of the caliper while you've got the wheel out.....

 

Whatever else you do - DO NOT pull the brake lever at this point, or until you have everything back in place. If you do, then you will need to physically push the pads/pistons back in in order to get them over the disc.

Otherwise, as Bob says - simples!

[Robik]

Huge thanks everyone. I got a fresh tyre on the rear!

The trickest part taking the wheel off was derailing the chain. I was concern about getting stuck on this and damaging the chain. I found it was easier to derail the chain towards the tyre and then pull it past the sprocket after taking the axle bolt out.

In terns of putting it back I managed to do this without having to take the caliper off, but i can see how this would be easier with it off.

Thanks again everyone!!

[Adam]

Well done mate, told you it was easy didn't we. If you need help with anything else you know where we are

[Robik]

Thanks Adam!

It was worth investing in some rear paddock stands. Need to get a front one too. This should make jobs like cleaning and lubricating the cgaib much easier.