Update: I took it to the shop and they are going to hack saw the axle off, and get me a new wheel, new axle, degrease the brake pads (since I now have PB Blaster all over everything) and put my new tires on. I certainly could have done these things myself, but I just reached my limit and decided to pay someone else to deal with it.
@spliffcrabby43183 жыл бұрын
The Q-lock axle is the worst axle ever, I have to use a rod and hammer to get it out
@LifeIsForEnjoying3 жыл бұрын
I've started lubing it every now and then, ever since I got it replaced from having this issue. Now that I know to do that, I haven't had any issues with it!
@Red-ju4mi3 жыл бұрын
You had to replace the whole wheel?
@LifeIsForEnjoying3 жыл бұрын
@@Red-ju4mi yea... I could have replaced just the hub and re-spoked it, but I was willing to pay for a new wheel to avoid that hassle, haha
@jrpanis39243 жыл бұрын
@@LifeIsForEnjoying do you still use the same hub?
@JSoulrock3 жыл бұрын
Thanks...liquid wrench (spray didn’t work, loosened it just a bit)...garage door lubricant 💯completely saturated then pliers and a strategic bang with hammer on the pliers got it out with NO damage to the fork ! I hope this helps someone 🤘🏼
@Scottx125Productions7 ай бұрын
Mine was a solid aluminium thru-axle. Got some help from my dad and we drilled into the centre to make it big enough for some large screw tappers. We then wound the thread tapper in till it was super tight and used a hollow metal bar as leverage. It came undone eventually.
@LifeIsForEnjoying7 ай бұрын
Wow! That's an interesting strategy, for sure! Nicely done
@mmmsssy9984 жыл бұрын
Thank you to the original poster. Really helped me. I too wasn't aware of the potential problem until I too wanted to change tyres. I had the same problem. The video shows the skewer removed and on the table.. Be careful doing this as the non lever end (i.e. the end nearest to the disc brake) has lots of little bits to it which can be easily lost. Also the bit that expands to hold the skewer in (see pic of parts at 0.37 in the video) tends to fall apart and is held together with thin rubber o-rings. That end also has a circlip and washer on it which can be easily lost. You will also notice a spring. At approx 1 min into the video, you will see a view down the seized tube. Note that there is a narrowing and lip further down the tube. This holds the spring which can then tension against the non lever end. My solution was to remove the skewer and add loads of WD40 or similar to the ends of the seized tube (not inside as no point in that). By using a large screwdriver for some leverage, I was able to get the forks to move on the tube, see the video where this is done by hand. This also let me get some WD40 on to the lever end of the tube. Be careful at the brake disc end however as you could bend the disc. As per the partial solution shown, I then hit a socket exactly as shown, but did it for longer and very often and only after giving the WD40 time to act (overnight). This released the tube by about 2cm only and then of course, the socket would not fit further down. I then used the extension bar upside down without the socket, pushed into the tube, but located onto the spring lip further inside the tube. A few bangs with the hammer and a BIG sigh of relief followed as the tube came out. Note that as in the video, proper support of the fork at the bottom end is very important. There didn't seem to be much corrosion, the job may well have been impossible if there had been. I cleaned what I could, re-assembled the skewer and set the locking part to enable it to push through the tube. I then used a load of grease on the outside of the tube and it fitted easily. Crucially, it also came out easily again! I did have an idea to bung up one end of the seized tube and to fill it with very hot water to see if the expansion would help free it. Didn't need to do this however. Be careful, a new QLOC is not cheap! However, if you do damage it but can still get it out, that will be cheaper than a bike mechanic, as long as you do not damage the forks or wheel! I have diaried regular removal and re-greasing from now! Also, I have read that QLOC is specific to the forks, so cannot be replaced with some other mechanism.
@LifeIsForEnjoying4 жыл бұрын
No problem! Glad to hear it helped out! Everything you said definitely seems true and agrees with what I was dealing with... I did a night of letting PB Blaster do its thing to no avail. Even taking it to the shop, they agreed that it was seized to the point of cutting it off with a hacksaw, meaning I needed a new wheel and q-loc! Definitely an expensive lesson to learn, so I will be regularly greasing it now, haha... Thanks for the additional info, and hopefully that helps someone else in a similar situation
@GeloVillanuevaMTB2 жыл бұрын
I was going to service my fork and adjust its travel when I couldn't get my wheel out, ended up removing the lowers with the wheel attached to it. Now I want to setup my wheels for tubeless, yet I still haven't figured out how to get the damn QLOC out. Really worried about what would happen if I get a flat out on the trails, not being able to remove my front wheel. From watching the video and reading all the comments, I'm sure this will be a great hassle to sort out. Wish my luck ya'll. Thanks for posting the vid mate.
@messijr51452 жыл бұрын
Qlocs are the WORSE
@madronaldsalvador4 жыл бұрын
oh man, i can feel you! i have that same problem now on the front wheel of my 29er mtb. the Suntour thru-axle is stuck on my fork. tsk!:'/
@JSoulrock3 жыл бұрын
I have a 2020 GIANT Stance2 ...sans situation with the quick release...I dare not bang it out..did you manage to get the axel off ?
@backyardmuna77683 жыл бұрын
Man, is it repaired now?
@LifeIsForEnjoying3 жыл бұрын
After lots of hammering, greasing, and clamping, I took it to the shop and they had to chop the axle with a saw and replace the whole wheel :-/ hopefully others have better luck than I did!
@madronaldsalvador3 жыл бұрын
@@LifeIsForEnjoying aw sad.:'( anyway, the fork is saved.Ű
@LifeIsForEnjoying3 жыл бұрын
@@madronaldsalvador yep! Thankfully the fork survived!
@chamnabkong64724 жыл бұрын
Had the same problems with a voodoo 29er with the same forks. Got the tool bit that attaches to the socket and put it in the dropout, got the hammer 🔨 out then we was off to wonderland ☀️🌈 . If that doesn’t work use something like an allen key tool and hammer that into the socket tool thing. Because sometimes the tool that attaches to the socket isn’t long enough. Make sure to use lots of WD-40 on the outside of the stuck axle this helps a lot👍
@LifeIsForEnjoying4 жыл бұрын
Good tips! After going through quite a bit of wd-40 and PB blaster and wearing myself out with hammers and clamps, I ended up taking it to the shop and they had to cut it with a hacksaw :-( I wish I had the same luck you did!
@iamcyberpunk684 ай бұрын
KEEP CLEAN AND USE SYNTHETIC GREASE DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN
@mrhongmei2 жыл бұрын
Hi all appreciate the helpful advice. Like many others here, I used wd40 to loosen the axle before hitting it out. Soaked each side with wd40 for about 2 hours each. Supposed to use a rubber mallet but I used a heavy base small saucepan with thick towel to hit the non quick release side. Managed to release it. *important*. Before spraying wd40, cling wrap your brake rotor. Multiple layers. Otherwise, it will get on and contaminate the pads. Brakes won't work properly.
@LifeIsForEnjoying2 жыл бұрын
Good advice! I probably should have covered my brakes, too...didn't even think about that
@ricardodeorgazmo4 жыл бұрын
Had the same problem and managed to get it out with a little persuasion. Whatever you do, do not dismantle the locking mechanism, use the pin running through the axle as the hammering point, this pushes through the whole through axle with the tube. All you’ll need is a hammer and a 12mm round bar. Unlock the weird locking mechanism and place the round bar on the circlip that’s on the opposite end of the leaver, start smashing away. Worked for me!
@LifeIsForEnjoying4 жыл бұрын
I actually started with that approach and tried for quite a while that way, but was afraid something with the locking mechanism as still holding things in place or seized up, or that I would damage the locking mechanism by hammering/clamping on it, so I decided to remove everything I could and break it down to just the tube and then use a socket as my hammering target. Unfortunately none of that ended up working and the final solution was a saw and a new axle & wheel :-/
@ricardodeorgazmo4 жыл бұрын
Life Is For Enjoying luckily worked for me. Even saved the whole thing and it still works....although it’s looking a little battered.
@sararyd15442 жыл бұрын
exactly the same senario has happened to me! thought I was alone in the world to succeed, the difference for me is that it is the rear wheel, have tried everything, even cried. am no mech expert so now I have to stop before I break the whole bike.
@LifeIsForEnjoying2 жыл бұрын
Hopefully you don't break it! The solution for me ended up being a hack saw, so hopefully it doesn't come to that for you
@JSoulrock3 жыл бұрын
Update...I got the thru axel out by using garage door lubricant and pulling it out with pliers...luckily fork not damaged...holes in the forks are not damaged 🙏🏼...currently waiting on a New “quick-release” thru Axel directly from SRsuntour in Madison, Wisconsin !
@LifeIsForEnjoying3 жыл бұрын
Nicely done!
@seanholland38213 жыл бұрын
I just used a hacksaw as close as I could to both sides of the axel by the shocks, no damage to the important parts. Worked like a dream. The thru-axle is the worst design ever!!
@LifeIsForEnjoying3 жыл бұрын
That's exactly what the bike shop ended up doing! I probably could have done it myself, but I was just tired of dealing with it and happy to pay someone to get it taken care of, haha
@johndarch54394 жыл бұрын
I have just had mine sorted by the dealer that sold me the bike. After removing the bolt and all its bits and pieces, he made a 'wheel' puller that went through the barrel and purchased on the far end of same. The puller was then tightened against the forks at the other end and, eventually, out came the barrel. Nothing to show why it had seized in the fork at the lever end.
@bena69342 жыл бұрын
I have similar problem at the rear, i kick it really hard and wont come out, its like the triangle frame is splitting apart as i unscrew the axle.....i think should not put a grease on the thru axle.... oil lube should be enough....i used a food grade on the axle cuz tha's what available that time and through time it react badly with water and cease to release
@mikeavison53833 жыл бұрын
WARNING FOR EVERYONE ..... poor OP, i also feel for you, but you made a fatal error (you couldn't have known really). At 1:45 you put a socket that appeared to fit the "axle" and pressured it. But that wasn't the axle, that was a bush pressed into the forks which is supposed to stay in place. If you look down the hole from the side where the clever nut thing was located (not the lever side) you will see that part way down the hole, the walls get narrower, i.e. there is a shoulder. THAT is the end of the axle you need to remove. So you need a drift (a rod or stout pipe) that is small enough to go through the bush in the fork, but big enough to locate firmly against the shoulder further down (i.e. the end of the axle). The one I found in my junk box was 12.5mm diameter and I reckon that is about just right. Then either press out the axle or (as I did because I don't have the wit to rig up a press) hit it with a soft mallet, of course using lots of thin oil (WD 40 or GT 85 etc). While doing this you need to support the lower fork with a soft block just as the OP was doing (I used a heavy chunk of firewood). Make sure to support it as close to the axle as possible but not of course under the axle, it has to be free to come out! When I got it out I discovered the axle is chrome plated steel and the corrosion had eaten a few tiny holes in the chrome but I cleaned it, and the forks and the wheel, greased it all and put it back. All these fat axles will be susceptible to this problem so keep them greased very regularly. So easy to do compared with this nightmare!
@LifeIsForEnjoying3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the tips! I was curious about what you said about me pushing against the wrong thing and just pulled my (very well-greased) axle out to investigate. On the fork, there is no such 'shoulder' as you speak of, and the exact same 3/8" socket I was using for my clamps and hammers in this video now slides through both sides of the fork with ease. Perhaps your fork is setup slightly differently, but in my case, I was definitely against the axle, it was just so seized up that it was basically welded to the hub :-(
@LifeIsForEnjoying3 жыл бұрын
... And yep, lesson learned about keeping thru-axles lubed up!
@jamowie4866 Жыл бұрын
Put a cone spanner under the lever cam and open and close it repeatedly so it ratchets itself out, once it has moved enough put a second cone spanner and repeat. Then third etc... I realise this is too late but this has never failed for me. Only really works on the QLoc axles
@LifeIsForEnjoying Жыл бұрын
That's an interesting idea, thanks! I'll remember if there's ever a next time!
@orenish-shalom8132 жыл бұрын
I have a very similar problem - was too afraid to apply too much force with a hammer - will just take them to the local shop ...
@Nick-gl6vu3 ай бұрын
I've got the same problem but I have no clue how to do it.
@gordonhall33313 жыл бұрын
I have successfully removed a thru axis how I did it was to tap out the axil on the thread side with an M12 start tap then used a 12mm high tensile bolt to remove axil First drill axil with 10.3mm drill from axil threaded side (taping size for M12 1.5 tap) Using M12 tap carefully thread the tap in about 90 degrees and back out 60 degrees until you have threaded 25mm deep use lots of oil and do not force. Remove tap and screw in 12 mm bolt to remove thro axil to a point you can get mold grips around the toque side (hex key side) then replace axil with new axil with grease on and remember not to over tighten axil from if using M12 X 1.5 pitch first tap The
@LifeIsForEnjoying3 жыл бұрын
Wow, that's definitely some dedication and an approach I had not thought of!
@DH-uq1zw5 ай бұрын
This happened to me!
@JSoulrock3 жыл бұрын
I have the same situation with the quick release And was looking for help Found your video 😩
@LifeIsForEnjoying3 жыл бұрын
Haha, yep, not much help now, but I've learned my lesson and started lubing the quick release at the end of every season
@nobeczekable3 жыл бұрын
I had the same problem with this qloc. I used big hammer and smashed on the orange part few times and it went through :D
@LifeIsForEnjoying3 жыл бұрын
Lucky you! No matter which hammer I grabbed or how hard I smashed, mine refused to come through, haha
@willshawyer72804 жыл бұрын
Can you please tell me how to fix, my thru axle lever broke how do I remove the wheel
@LifeIsForEnjoying3 жыл бұрын
Unfortunately, mine was so seized that I took it to the shop and they ended up cutting the thru-axle with a hack saw and replacing the whole wheel and axle :-(
@willshawyer72803 жыл бұрын
@@LifeIsForEnjoying rip
@notmyjob18013 жыл бұрын
Got the same issue. You think it's worth leaving it on and repairing the inner tube that is on already?
@LifeIsForEnjoying3 жыл бұрын
You have the same broken lever issue or seized axle issue? If it's the seized axle, I would give it a try as soon as you can to break it free, since it will just get worse over time. For the broken lever issue, I have no idea
@Pizzahutbaby4 жыл бұрын
I'm haveing the same problem
@LifeIsForEnjoying4 жыл бұрын
You can see some of the methods that can help to get it free, like sockets, clamps, etc, and with enough penetrating lubricant and time, you may be able to get it... But I ended up having the shop cut it off with a hack saw, which meant replacing the axle and wheel
@anhthonyy4 жыл бұрын
I have a bmx bike and my back wheel won’t come off how do I fix it I found the issue when I tried tightening my chain it wouldn’t tighten because my wheel wasn’t going back
@YouTubeMushyPeas3 жыл бұрын
I’m having that exact problem right now on my brand new rims 🤬🤬
@LifeIsForEnjoying3 жыл бұрын
Eek...hope you can solve it without too much damage!
@YouTubeMushyPeas3 жыл бұрын
@@LifeIsForEnjoying thanks bro any suggestions on getting it out it’s the exact same thru axle you had it’s currently sitting in break fluid as lube
@LifeIsForEnjoying3 жыл бұрын
I recommend some PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench...take it apart so all that's stuck is the outer tube of the thru axle, and then find the right size socket to push against that tube, but nothing else (I forget the size, but I think I mention it in this video) and put a bigger socket on the other side to let it come through. Then use a C clamp to give it some pressure...it didn't work for me, but if yours is brand new, it shouldn't be too bad, yet
@YouTubeMushyPeas3 жыл бұрын
@@LifeIsForEnjoying thanks I’ll give that a try hopefully I can get it out with my rims safe
@rnylerafael27163 жыл бұрын
how to remove the part that have to use a Allen key? i hope you give me an answer
@LifeIsForEnjoying3 жыл бұрын
Probably with an Allen key... Which part is that?
@rnylerafael27163 жыл бұрын
the lever side of the q loc
@LifeIsForEnjoying3 жыл бұрын
Oh gottcha...I don't think I needed to take that apart, but it seems like an Allen key twisted against the lever should do it. That doesn't work?
@rnylerafael27163 жыл бұрын
I'll update you if it works, thanks 😊
@rnylerafael27163 жыл бұрын
HAHAHA, i try to get it out but now its rounded. do you think if i get rid of qloc can i replace it with another tru axle?
@andyb29202 жыл бұрын
Hi all I have problem with my through axle, no problem getting it in or out but the small flat and the small locking washer fell off whilst taking the wheel off looks like the locking washer has opened up slightly. Anybody know if it can be repaired.
@LifeIsForEnjoying2 жыл бұрын
I'd have to take mine apart to know for sure, but it seems like washers would be something easy enough to pick up at a hardware store, instead of trying to bend it back into shape...or is it a super specialized one?
@andyb29202 жыл бұрын
@@LifeIsForEnjoying going to have a think🤔 about it. If I try to straighten the locking washer it might break. I can still ride my bike without it . I just to tight fisted to part with the brass for a new axle that costs over £30 for the sake of a 10 pence washer 😉👍
@andyb29202 жыл бұрын
@@LifeIsForEnjoying Fixed it both washers sit in a groove on the end of the screw thread, managed to use original locking washer and closed it up into afore mentioned groove using long nose pliers. Will let you know if they are still there when I take the wheel off again. Tried not use to much pressure when straightening and fitted the little bugger.
@LifeIsForEnjoying2 жыл бұрын
@@andyb2920 awesome! Good work!
@andyb29202 жыл бұрын
@@LifeIsForEnjoying Hi mate, just done about 20 mile on my push iron, nothing to rough, roads, farm lanes and canal tow path, both washers are still hanging in there. I is a happy bunny😁🐇.
@peterzelenka98163 жыл бұрын
I got the same issue with my rear through axle, it won't come out. Sooooo anoying.
@LifeIsForEnjoying3 жыл бұрын
Lots of PB Blaster, Liquid Wrench, hammers, clamps, elbow grease, and luck might get it free... Hopefully you don't have to cut the axle and replace the wheel like I did!
@peterzelenka98163 жыл бұрын
@@LifeIsForEnjoying I finally got it after smacking it with a hammer.
@nennytriana19873 жыл бұрын
@@peterzelenka9816 you hit the frame or only just the axle... i got the same problem with you
@LifeIsForEnjoying3 жыл бұрын
Use a socket or another pipe to hammer just the axle, not the frame... And obviously have something supporting the frame to hit against
@peterzelenka98163 жыл бұрын
@@nennytriana1987 So I slid a bolt through the opposite side of were the axle is supposed to come out of the frame and hit it with a hammer.
@tarquingaylord3 жыл бұрын
Hi, is it the brake that is stuck and holding the wheel in, also I think you may have pushed the axle bush into the wheel hub by by using the socket ?
@gileswhclark3 жыл бұрын
No
@asisrahman53133 жыл бұрын
that maybe because of corrosion of q loc main cylinder
@dinnyconway6954 жыл бұрын
Get a new wheel
@nylesledwith34393 жыл бұрын
That won’t work genius you need a new fork too
@LifeIsForEnjoying3 жыл бұрын
I actually did end up replacing the wheel and axle since the shop had to cut it off... But the fork was thankfully fine and didn't need replaced!
@dinnyconway6953 жыл бұрын
Brilliant
@fixhead5624 жыл бұрын
Mine is stuck too wtf so annoying
@LifeIsForEnjoying4 жыл бұрын
Apparently you have to lube those guys once or twice a season... The more you know!
@JesseMawhinney4 жыл бұрын
Joining the club here... I've already spent hours trying to get mine out and find myself in this exact situation.
@kev75644 жыл бұрын
Mine too 😣
@madronaldsalvador4 жыл бұрын
same here!:'/ if only i knew that thru-axles have this issue, then i shouldn't have changed.
@fixhead5624 жыл бұрын
I fixed it I got a mallet and a flat head and snacked the edge lip of the thru axle of course counter clockwise. I undid the brake caliper too because it was stopping the wheel from coming off