Convert Solid Axle/Bolt-On Wheel To Quick Release Axle

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

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[@georgiaboy1252]

Ian Brown kinda like a manual transmission in a truck its a theft repellent might as well put a huffy sticker on it while your at it

[@georgiaboy1252]

hell yea southern born and raised

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Or you could cable lock the wheels up with the frame when you lock it. Or use locking skewers.

[@williamchavezjr.347]

Hub removal and installation for GMC Denali 6061 road series Rear wheel

[@DrewMillz123]

Hey RJ. I ordered a axel from Amazon not thinking about the difference between the front and rear like a air head… I received a 9 mm and I had intended on placing it on my rear hub. Would you say I shouldn’t or do you think I can safely get away with it? I’m assuming it’s going to leave some play but I haven’t even put them together to test it out. Thanks for your helpful videos! Take care👍

[@michaelmcfadden4397]

I was a recreational cyclist untill Halfords did a terrible job of truing a wheel for me so I went to youtube and found RJ the Bike Guy, I am now the local bike mechanic.

[@bostonj7845]

Don’t he sound exactly like the car guy Scotty Kilmer?

[@user.256z]

@@bostonj7845 he is the Scotty Kilmer of Bikes

[@RanaldCJacobs]

@@bostonj7845 barely. Scotty drags out and tones down his last words for emphasis and he is funnier too! Same range of pitch but not close for recognition of similarity. Trust me. I looked at about five of Kilmer's videos tonight before I got here.

[@RanaldCJacobs]

@@user.256z no. Of cars.

[@nathanmciver6496]

Lol! Brilliant!

[@bosanderspublictheology]

you can't believe how helpful these are. EVERY time that I google how to do something on these bikes I am rebuilding your videos are the first to come up and I get excited. Thank you.

[@qwerty1975ish]

Top man RJ for sure. Just recently completed changing every bearing on a old mountain bike that was destined for the skip. RJ videos guided me every step of the way. Picked up replacement bottom bracket, rear 145mm axle, free wheel and bottom bracket removal tool for €41. I only wish i had the means to access tools and parts as a youngster. RJ certainly demystified the dark art of hub overhauls and all things 2 wheeled. They should teach these maintenance skills to teenager's. Big respecto.

[@burntkat]

As always, whenever I have a bike question, I find you have already answered it. Well done sir!

[@GHOST-gq2ty]

I ditched park tool, this dude is the best

[@Nickskis22]

Yes but it’s nice to have both haha. Park is more when you have the fancy shit and is nice to learn the right way. This is better because he uses tools laying around instead of a 49 dollar wrench that you only use once haha.

[@jubei961]

Yeah RJ is pretty nice and his videos aren't astronomically complex LOL

[@Mario7p]

I'm glad you didn't lose your bearings making this video!

[@ollieh98]

I feel like not enough people appreciate this humour 😂

[@GameplayerSolCley]

17:52 the most important part for me is to know how to instal that thing your left hand is touching at 17:50,51.52,53, your videos save so much money and I get so many tips even it is in english. Thank you very much.

[@charesttube]

Just did this today on a pair of second hand wheels I picked up for $50. Also to note, this is to add a second set of wheels for my home-built 90's Trek Mulitrack 7500 hybrid to gravel bike with road shifters. All was done following your videos. I've learned so much and now master fixing all the bikes in my house for the family. My every day wheels have 42" gravel tires have an 11-42 cassette with a 2x8 50-32 chainrings. I use it to commute to work 20 miles x 2 but the last 6 are on trails in Lexington, MA. Interesting enough, the qr converted set had a freewheel so I found an 8 speed freewheel and everything still shifts great. The QR converted set might be road wheels (with the current tires) or 26 mm gravel tires and I may add fenders that are already bought and in my basement. I haven't decided yet, but know that you make these fixes possible for the world! Thank you RJ

[@charesttube]

42 mm gravel tires!

[@bidkarsalazar626]

I know your video is 6 years plus old but it was the best I found. Thank you. I was able to change my bike to a quick release with your help. Thank you again

[@Hitch179]

Every time I have a problem I come to RJ. He has the answers to all my questions. This man is a bike genius. Thank you RJ. 🙏

[@DavidFraser007]

Thanks, I need to do this. Way back when I lived in London I had my wheels stolen and I has the wheels converted to solid axles. Now I want to change back again.

[@TheRiseley]

This was so helpful. I am converting my bike to an exercise bike. I ran into problems because my back wheel is solid. Now I know I can replace it with a quick release axle. Thanks a million

[@dfield1955]

i wanted to convert from QR to regular because ive had the QR axles come lose. this video still helped me with the opposite. thank you.

[@CanyonWanderer]

Excellent as stated before and this weekend I actually converted a rear wheel to quick release using this video!

[@andrewpintar1620]

I am thinking about this sort of conversion for a SS, scratching my head ho to do it. As always, there's already an RJ video! Amazing work!

[@johnhenrick2298]

I won't be swapping my solid axles for QR, but I like to learn. Great video. Thank you!

[@dominickray5103]

Thank you for this video. I went to a local bike shop to see if they offer this sort of conversion as one of their services. They told me not only did they not do it but its something that can't be done because of the frame of the bike was built for bolt and not quick release.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

LOL!

[@john-di1bn]

i think they didnt do it because maybe you got a stamped dropouts in your frame which is thinner than forged dropouts and qr axles dont hold well on thin stamped dropouts because sometimes the qr axle may stick out beyond the stamped dropouts' thickness thus preventing it to hold well onto the frame also, if you plan to convert into qr on a rear wheel meant for freewheels i wont recommend it because the asymmetrical lengths of the axle on each side may cause the axle to bend due to the leverage of the dropout and the hub (mostly on the drive side because its longer than the nd side) and a qr axle is not as sturdy and rigid than a solid axle because its hollow. a hub meant for cassette type cogs are able to get away with this because the axle spacing are even on each side because the freehub holds the bearings as well, making bent axles much more less common

[@elluardzenus]

Thank you for the video. I've tried to replace my vintage bike's rear wheel with new one but have lost my way how to fit the hub space. It helps a lot!

[@BigBleuDesign]

Your videos are perfect! I have dang near rebuilt my bike without stress thanks to you.

[@SAM-zt2uy]

Just noticed QR axel on eBay and skewer is about £10 looks easy enough with your in depth guide and will make getting the bike in the car so easy with both wheels off

[@christophergreen5735]

As the logging truck owners I know here in B.C. would say... "Grease is cheaper than parts." :-)

[@federicopresti]

I thought you were going to drill out the hole for the skewer on a solid axle :P

[@nowthenad3286]

Great video. I'm going to watch it in reverse now because I want to go back to a solid axle so I can use some security nuts.

[@fed9096]

so well explained thank you..took me 1/2 an hour to switch to a rear quick release, plus 3 days waiting for parts ha ha!

[@OldNavajoTricks]

Hmm, looks like a three beer job and I only have one in the fridge. I'd best buy more before the QRs arrive tomorrow 😂🤘 Great tute, many thanks from the mother country.

[@jasonyoung1898]

If anything else I really appreciate that you showed the world the propose of the holes in rulers. You sir are a national treasure

[@edwinromilly4645]

v good & clear ,plus v good clear filming/editing etc-only Reservation is he makes it look too easy when it is quite skilled..may attempt though & having good tools etc..Always Love the way he improvises and can problem solve...as in the real world you encounter Complications not many manuals cover..This is first class -luv the vids please keep doin them for us apprentices..Toptastic 👍👍👍thanks again

[@bigron26048]

Great video! Very helpful! After seeing it I converted my rear solid axle to a quick release with no problem, THANKS!!!

[@badrfisal]

Ronald Poret hello dude is it functional after these 3 months. did you face any problem with this conversion?

[@Bismuth09]

So how much grease do you want in your wheels? RJ: *Yes*

[@pipermoonshine]

I finally know what a cone is. thanks RJ.

[@dalecs47]

Please: Always lock down the the bearing cone on the drive side first, lock it down tight. Make all bearing adjustments from the non-drive side. Why? Because you can't get to the adjustment on the drive side after the freewheel is installed and if by any chance you did not get the lock nut tight enough on the drive side, it comes loose, you will be sorry later. I recently experienced this out on the road, after having wheel worked on by a shop mechanic. So disappointing.

[@flyingratchet]

Fantastic video-this is better than taking a bicycle repair course! Thank you!

[@andreiguarin1409]

This is not an RJ video unless he's cutting brake/shifter cables! 🤣 Take my like sir, great video as always

[@whitepawrolls]

This was a nice video as all of yours are. I found it helpful swapping my own axles. I however went from qr to solid axles for mine on the rear wheel of my tadpole trike as I wanted to use a bike trailer that was not qr compatible.

[@robindietz5828]

RJ you have some great informative videos. Keep up the good work!

[@IsraelMagalit]

Awesome. I don't understand how people can dislike this 😕

[@bishplis7226]

bmw fans!

[@martyntilley6272]

Cool video RJ, my Dawes Cougar is going to be converted now! I'm sold on the idea of a quick release..thanks for the vid 👍🏼

[@Carlos-the-cyclist]

Nice. I once went to a bike shop & asked if this can be done? They said no but this video showed it can. Also like that vice you got

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

It's a drill press vise. I got it at Harbor Freight.

[@greatmouflon]

You sir have my subscription and my life-long gratitude. Super well done and well explained. Keep up the great work, I'll we watching all the videos :)

[@roadstar499]

Hello,very nice job explaining...i have a 700cc rear wheel on a 2008 schwinn hybrid bike...my axle bearings are a bit different...my cone and dust cover is 1 solid peice that can only be turned on by hand and has no way to hold and lock in place using the next nut...weird...is my hub still the same? Will it be 10mm axel for rear wheel and new parts all work with my hub...thanks again

[@marciooki5820]

I can ride my bike again because of this video.thank you sir!

[@CanyonWanderer]

Super, gonna use that this winter to do some converting, thanks a lot!

[@starlight4649]

Dad bought a crappy bike from Walmart, said it would work just fine he rode it for a few months, rear axle got worn so bad that it made the wheel wobble. Now im replacing it with a quick release as well as replacing all of the bearing balls and grease (which were chock full of metal dust when I removed it)

[@mikel4510]

Crap! Wish I'd watched this video before removing the bolt on axle! That's why I'm a padawan and you are the Jedi Master of bike repair.

[@kroynenno]

Nicely done, RJ. Very practical. I appreciated the tools you were using.

[@DavidCulshawmer-r]

well a mate of mine asked me a few months ago if it was possible to do this so he could put his mtb on a trainer machine , my answer was probably not , I now stand corrected haha , thanks R.J. another great video ;) ( i'll have to show him this video now :P )

[@bigron26048]

On my Schwinn I have a quick release on the front but not on the back, so I'm thinking about putting one on the back to, that's where this video becomes very helpful.👌

[@jonahbert111]

Thanks, very informative about the axle. I always wondered what was in there and how to deal with it. Excellent.

[@m00nbugs]

Revisiting this post because I'm converting an old Raleigh Capri front wheel. The rim is rusted and I used some credits from the LBS to get a new DT swiss wheel. The new axel is too big(thick) to fit in the fork dropout guess I need to do some filing. The solid axels are a bit thinner than the hollow axel the skewer style uses.

[@HobbsBhipp]

RJ, can you do a video of upgrading a cross bike rear axle system to a newer system that uses bearing rings opposed to ball bearings? I checked you website and I couldn't find one.

[@massmanute]

I wonder if this procedure would work for converting the solid rear axle of a Schwinn Continental ii to a quick release rear end, like a regular Schwinn Continental.

[@LvcianoN]

Awesome RJ! Another great video. Would love to do this to my vintage mtb, will look around for parts. Also, I saw your video about the park tool chain cleaner and got myself one, it is awesome! makes cleaning all my bikes much faster.

[@rosemaryr.long-morgan9704]

Is there a way to convert FROM a quick release saddle to a regular bolted saddle/frame. Thanks appreciate it

[@grocerylist]

Thanks for this video. I had called my bike shop and they had recommended buying a new wheel set if I wanted QR for my daughters bike but this seems perfect. Where would you recommend someone look for parts for this? I've looked on Nashbar and can't find anything. Amazon looks sketchy with all these weird Chinese brands and reviews about bent axels with just riding around the block (no jumps or hard bumps). I'm looking for a 110mm length 9mm front axel. I can find some high quality 4130 110mm axels @ $40 but that's only for the axel and doesn't include cone, locknut, spacers.

[@Crediu]

I found a quick release axle for 6€ so this is perfect for me. Thank you

[@derekhobbs1102]

I bought a 5 pack of shimano QR axles today, I plan on converting my beach cruiser to quick release for ease of transport without tools.

[@davehen4289]

Cheers RJ, nice to see what's involved.

[@OldTimer]

Thanks RJ - but how do I start from scratch when I've stupidly removed all nuts, cones, spacers etc? 🙄

[@surajdubey2740]

Hey, thank you for the informative video. This just opens up so many avenues for me for cycling. I can't tell you how happy I am feeling right now. I have a question: the total length of my current solid rear axle is 175mm. However, I see that all the hollow axles options for purchase are only 145mm. Do I need to look for a 175mm hollow axle and a corresponding skewer (don't see any options in the market as everything is just 145mm axles)? Or am I missing something here? Also, what are "through axles" they seem to be an innovation over skewers. Can you please make a video on through axles?

[@paulconstantin2673]

I learn alot from you RJ,watching you how to fix,good video and a big up for you

[@jedisentinel1499]

Can you do the same for replacing a quick release to a through all thread bolt? I’ve heard of a through axle is not an option the all thread bolt should

[@trentbolduc2323]

Quick question, do you know by any chance how long the old axle was?

[@greatvedas]

Thanks for the video. I need some advise. I have an old bike with solid axle. Can I buy another wheel that comes with QR axle and use it straight away?

[@memphisddeb]

Oh crap. Think I'll just get a new bike.

[@m00nbugs]

Nice video. I predict, that in time, this will become one of your more popular videos. Would have been a whole lot easier if you reused the old cones, spacers and locknuts. Glad you didn't though. I'll be using this guide to convert my old commuter bikes so I don't have to haul around a wrench to fix the occasional flat tire. Thanks again for all the great videos.=)

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

The solid axle cones have a different threading.

[@m00nbugs]

Really, I did not catch that in the video. Maybe that's why you had to file down the drop outs? =)

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Solid rear axles I think are 3/8" 26tpi. The QR rear axle 10mm with 1.0mm threads. The QR axle is just a touch larger.

[@christophergreen5735]

3/8 = 0.375", while 10mm= 0.39370078". About 0.0187" or just over 1/64th " difference. So some judicious filing is probably necessary. And maybe spray on some quick drying clear acrylic coat after...

[@harishraj3076]

My axle is broken it would be helpfull if you can provide me buying link and also please suggest the balls size used in free wheel , i would appreciate if you can also suggest me any tool to remove free wheel to replace axle

[@Wireman134]

Important to use a serrated lock nut on both sides of the OLD. Solid axles use torque to tighten more.

[@deltafour1212]

I want to turn my old hybrid/mountain bike into an indoor trainer for winter. Do they make a universal axle nut for non-quick release wheels for bicycle trainers?

[@tmayberry7559]

My bolt on axle will not stay in the drop outs if I tighten it too much the wheel won't turn not enough too loose and the wheel want to fall out. I noticed the axle is longer on the non drive side it seem to be too short on the drive side

[@kottelkannim4919]

Thank you for the video! I noticed you have you have as many threads on the DS as there are on the NDS of your axle. The hollow axle I bought (Shimano) does not have as many threads on the drive side as on the non drive side. It seems there are too few threads on the non drive side, so when I turn the NDS cone nut all the way in and make sure there is equal spacing on both sides of the axle, the drive side is too far from the dropouts, so the wheel is not centered between the dropouts. Did I buy the wrong hollow axle or am I making some installation mistake here? Thank you!

[@jsaintclair1]

I notice your bike has an almost horizontal dropout so I would definitely keep the solid axle. Why? When pedaling the hub wants to move forward, especially on the drive side, and you can never tighten the axle hard enough with a QR skewer as you can with a good old solid axle and bolt combination.

[@carlosflanders518]

You can get plenty of tension with a QR, the advantage of the axle nut and solid axle is increased surface area digging into the dropout. That's what keeps the hub in place without slipping. The older all-steel skewers are good for this as well.

[@liutang]

What to do if original wheel has dust cap press-fitted into cones? I didn't realize this when I ordered QR axle. I try reusing old cones w/ dust cap, but the thread pitch is slightly off.

[@SuperMixedd]

So what do I do if i have an extra-wide front fork (I have a cargo bike, Yuba Kombi, i measured ~ 120 mm) and want to install a hub-motored electric wheel which has a "designed for standard 100 mm forks" mention on it? Do I put some kind of axle extender (bolt coupling nut?) over one of the sides of the motorwheel's axle so that it can reach both dropouts?

[@awlonghurst]

"Grease is the word" - hahaha. Nice one. Great informative video, thank you so much I'm about to do the same to one of my bikes.

[@ANonymous-xj3pf]

hello, my rear skewer broke. It looks like the frame sliced it off. I bought a new one and same thing, it sliced it off. Should the tire be resting on the skewer? Or maybe my frames cricked

[@udmbfckx2916]

The 78 dislikes, a breakdown: 1) Trolls - There are always no-reason trolls. It is a part of youtube, just like anything else. 2) Rich snobs who can't understand that someone is on a budget and appreciate the cheap mods. 3) Meant to press the like but by mistake pressed the dislike and didn't notice. 4) Competitors. Other youtubers with similar channels. Competitor's friends and families doing them 'a favor'.

[@Gojira_Wins]

5) People who dont like using lots of grease.

[@lukeb4632]

I almost disliked your comment, good thing you mentioned ppl that dislike and don't notice😂

[@Bikeops2021]

Might have been a couple years ago but still very useful & thanks.

[@JB-qj6jh]

I have quick release on my rear wheel,should the actual axle move spin? I undid the bolt on the axle and when I screwed the but back on seemed my wheel didn't spin for very long as in too tight,I struggle with these things I pull apart then reassemble wrongly

[@bigron26048]

RJ The Bike Guy..."you rock"!

[@JackNatti]

Scotty Kilmer of bicycles!

[@guadarrama353]

Ja ja ja ja

[@ehcelikok2267]

Endless money pit. One of my customers back and in the day and all, it was just endless headache.

[@Loudes012]

"Giant" brand bikes are endless money pits as they age. Buy a Toyota bike! Ha!

[@walkerbolden4010]

What do I do if I lost my measurements of the spacers and the cone and lock nut

[@daydodog]

Where do you find replacement parts for older bikes like this that aren't terrible in quality? I can't seem to find new axles/cones that aren't basically broken out of the box.

[@Roland26778]

Is it possible to convert quick release hubs to solid axle?I have old Shimano Xt 780 hubs Hubs lying and would like to build up better wheels with them for my old city bike

[@dhananjaypatil17]

I have rear disc brakes the mechanical ones. What adjustment do I need to make?

[@rogerdutton9930]

I just finally refitted everything on my touring ebike and found most of the problems highlighted here. I just regressed the existing stuff and refitted, with matching axle protrusion on both sides (+-1mm) Now my freaking rear hydraulic brake does nothing, lever back to the bar, zero braking. No sign of fluid leakage anywhere either? It just never ends huh?😁👍

[@johnmcmahon5967]

Totally informative, RJ! Thanks!!

[@creepergamingboy]

I have bent axel so I am converting it to qr at the same time am I just wondering how would I work out how long of a qr skewer I will need to go through it

[@romanmentor9238]

I prefer solid axle as it is harder to steal the wheel.What are the reasons solid axle is less popular these days?

[@bidarvandi]

is it first time you made,Convert Solid Axle/Bolt-On Wheel To Quick Release Axle

[@alexgarrod9093]

Hi there just purchased some my self only problem is one side rear axle shorter and the wheel cessest rubs on fream how would I fix that thanks

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Can't tell you without working on it. If you did this work, and then it rubbed, you goofed somewhere.

[@astritzyberaj6132]

Well done bud,,I found it very helpful the way you explained it,,,thanks..

[@gideonilm4983]

amazing explanation. that was exactly what I was looking for.

[@matthew7843]

I’m trying to do the same exact thing to the front wheel hub on my mountain bike. But I have been having a problem getting the two 17mm nuts off the original wheel hub that has the quick release on it. I’ve tried to put some PB-Blastser on each one with no luck so far. Even tried to put a little heat on them hoping that might help. So I’m basically stuck trying to figure out how to get them off without damaging them. I guess for now I’ll just keep riding with the new wheel that has the bolt and nuts on it. Until I can find a better way to get the original wheel hub quick release off. Unfortunately I don’t think I have the ability to post some pictures of what I am talking about. But hopefully everyone understands what I am trying to accomplish.

[@ZanaKush]

Good job RJ! nice video

[@theflubbybear]

Hi RJ. Fantastic video! Great info. I just have one question. Would I be able to use a 10mm axle in a front hub? I intend to take two front hubs (one 6 bolt disc) and build a fixed gear wheelset for a bolt on cog. Both hubs are QR, so I would have to convert both to bolt-on axles. I would like to use a 10mm for the disc brake hub (which will be built as a rear wheel), but I'm not sure if it will fit. If not, would a 9mm axle be okay on a rear fixed gear wheel?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Not really.

[@sw-tf8rr]

Do you have any suggestions to make this work? Is it possible to have a bushing turned to use the 9mm in the 10mm dropouts?

[@theflubbybear]

@@sw-tf8rr I already did it a couple months ago and have used the wheels heavily. They've been fantastic. No issues. Only thing is I can't remember if I have two 9mm axles or if I have two 10mm axles. I'll let you know when I get back after work.

[@vaporainwaves]

Actually 9mm width axle works in the rear of track bikes. But it's avoided because of how much force you need to apply to the nut, (it might shear if bad quality). 10mm front works but only if it fits in your fork drop outs.

[@DemiGod..]

my through axle is 12mm, but i need a 10 mm quick release axle?

[@jezztech]

filling frame dropouts to get an axle in ?? why not dremel - rubber wheel a very small flat in the axle either side?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Why not just a few passes with a file?

[@jezztech]

@@RJTheBikeGuy kind of rough shod,but you inviting corrosion, supposing you have campagnolo chrome drop outs on a Colnago, , kiind of ragamuffin style, if you over do it you can't reverse it, I think you should discuss that approach with your client, you would not do that to any frame of myne. !!!

[@fighterguy0]

i have rear QR axle diameter 10 mm, can i convert it to solid axle 9.5 mm ?

[@Giuseppe_coachgius]

was there a play due to the bent axle?