Removing thru axle

[Joe Riel]

Removing the front axle (thru-axle) is challenging. Because the fork and chain stay are not perfectly aligned, when the axle is unthreaded there is a small but significant perpendicular force making it hard to pull out the axle. I grip it as best I can and turn the axle while continuously pulling. Eventually it comes out. Gripping the end of the axle is not easy. Using the allan key to increase the torque is sketchy in that the allan key will easily fall out. Any suggestions on the best approach? Will replace the thru-axle with one with a handle to improve the grip.

To align the fork and chain stay I loosened the 4 bolts on the bottom bracket clamp and aligned the setup as best as I could. I've seen pictures on this forum where tie-wraps were used to hold the chain stay to the fork, however, that was done with a quick-release, not thru-axles, so doubt it would improve the alignment.

Joe

 

[Robert Holler]

Removing the front axle (thru-axle) is challenging. Because the fork and chain stay are not perfectly aligned, when the axle is unthreaded there is a small but significant perpendicular force making it hard to pull out the axle. I grip it as best I can and turn the axle while continuously pulling. Eventually it comes out. Gripping the end of the axle is not easy. Using the allan key to increase the torque is sketchy in that the allan key will easily fall out. Any suggestions on the best approach? Will replace the thru-axle with one with a handle to improve the grip.

To align the fork and chain stay I loosened the 4 bolts on the bottom bracket clamp and aligned the setup as best as I could. I've seen pictures on this forum where tie-wraps were used to hold the chain stay to the fork, however, that was done with a quick-release, not thru-axles, so doubt it would improve the alignment.

Joe

Joe,

If you have everything a bit loose and install the through axle first, and then make sure the stay and all associated clamps are tight after - the stay should be very well aligned with the fork.

 

[Bo6]

Joe,

If you have everything a bit loose and install the through axle first, and then make sure the stay and all associated clamps are tight after - the stay should be very well aligned with the fork.

I had the same issue and did just what you suggest, and it sure helped.

 

[chicorider]

I often use a wiggling motion with stubborn thru axles. When inserting, push and wiggle. When extracting, pull and wiggle. The wiggle helps break thru axles free when coming out, and helps them find the threads when going in. The V20c design does complicate things, but I've never had to loosen other bolts to deal with the thru axle.

 

[Joe Riel]

Wiggling makes sense. I just turned the axle, like unscrewing it, but the threads were already separated. Will try wiggling when rechecking the alignment. Thanks

 

[Boreen bimbler]

I dont loosen the bolts unless I have to completely remove the through axle. Once it's out of the hub I leave the end in the chainstay/fork and carefully remove the wheel while holding the chainstay/fork/axle in place and then put the axle back through and in a thread or so to hold everything in place. I am careful as I dont want to put any undue pressure on the BB bolts. It often needs a wiggle but I put a small rub of grease on the thu axle (not threads) but am not sure it really helps in any way.