Easy Guide: Removing Shimano Nexus or Alfine Hub Equipped Bike Wheel

Easy Guide: Removing Shimano Nexus or Alfine Hub Equipped Bike Wheel

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Tools required for removing the wheel
3. Setting the shifter position
4. Removing the gear change cable
5. Loosening the locking bolts
6. Removing the rear wheel
7. Removing the chain
8. Taking off the gear change cable cowling
9. Fixing the puncture or maintenance
10. Putting the back wheel back on
11. Attaching the chain and gear change cable
12. Tightening the bolts
13. Reattaching the gear change cable

Introduction Do you have a Shimano Nexus or Alfine speed hub attached to your bike? If so, you may need to remove the wheel with the hub for repair purposes like fixing a puncture. In this article, we will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to remove the wheel with the hub attached. We will also guide you through the process of reattaching the wheel and ensuring everything is properly secured. So grab your tools and let's get started!

How to Remove the Wheel with a Shimano Nexus or Alfine Speed Hub Attached

Setting the Shifter Position Before we begin the process of removing the wheel, we need to set the shifter to position number four. This will ensure that the gear change cable is properly aligned and ready for removal.

Removing the Gear Change Cable To make the removal of the wheel easier, turn your bike upside down and stand over the back wheel. Take a look at the hub and locate the gear change cable, the point where the cable connects to the pulley, and a small lug with a hole. This lug helps add some slack to the gear change cable. Insert an allen key or a spare spoke into the hole in the lug and push it in until you encounter resistance. Hold the bike steady and rotate the pulley anti-clockwise until it's pointing straight up at you. This will create slack in the gear change cable, making it easier to remove. Use a pair of pliers to grasp the bolt from the gear change cable and rotate it clockwise. Pull it towards you, and the gear change cable should easily come off. Practice will make it even easier to remove the cable with time.

Loosening the Locking Bolts Once the gear change cable is removed, we need to loosen off the two main locking bolts that hold the hub in place. These bolts are tightened enough to keep the hub steady. To remove them, you'll need an adjustable spanner or a torque wrench. Start with the right-hand side bolt and turn it clockwise with your spanner to loosen it. Once loosened, remove it fully with your finger. Repeat the procedure for the left-hand side bolt but turn it in the opposite direction.

Removing the Rear Wheel Now that we have disconnected the gear change cable and loosened off the bolts, we can remove the rear wheel completely. However, there are still two things holding it in place - the chain and the gear change cable cowling. If you have vertical dropouts, pull the wheel upwards towards you to slide it out easily. For horizontal dropouts, pull the wheel backward and then out. Make sure the locking bolts, colored ones next to the main bolts, release enough to let you remove the wheel. Once the wheel is out, remove the chain from the hub by sliding it over gradually. Be mindful of not getting too much grease on the gear change cable. After that, gently slide the gear change cable cowling away from the hub and remove the rear wheel.

Taking off the Gear Change Cable Cowling After fixing the puncture or doing the necessary maintenance on the rear wheel, it's time to put the wheel back on the bike. Start by sliding the wheel back into the frame, ensuring the little routing channel for the cable is in the right position. For bikes with disc brakes, make sure the disc is properly aligned and insert it into the brake itself. Reattach the gear change cable cowling, slotting it back into the little channel. Now, it's time to put the chain back on. Grab the chain, slide it over the hub gradually, and work it back onto the look. Be cautious not to get too much grease on the gear change cable and wipe it off if needed.

Attaching the Chain and Gear Change Cable With the chain and gear change cable attached, slide them back into the dropouts. Pay attention to the colored locking bolts on the outside of the frame and make sure they are in the right position. Once the wheel is back in place, slide the gear change cable cowling fully into the hub, securing it in place. To reattach the gear change cable, insert an allen key or spare spoke into the hole of the lug and push it until you encounter resistance. Then, pull the entire assembly around until it's pointing straight up. Slide the bolt back into the pulley and push it into place. The cable should be firmly secured without the need for pliers.

Tightening the Bolts Now that the wheel is securely in place, it's time to tighten the rear bolts and reattach the gear change cable to the hub pulley. Start by tightening the bolts with your hand and then use an adjustable spanner or torque wrench to fully tighten them. Keep in mind that these bolts need to be tightened very tight to ensure the wheel is secure. If you use a torque wrench or wrench to tighten the bolts, you may not be able to remove them with a spanner by the road in case of any issues. Make sure to apply enough force to tighten the bolts as much as you can without causing damage.

Reattaching the Gear Change Cable The last step is to reattach the gear change cable. It's a similar procedure to when we removed the cable. Take your allen key or spare spoke and insert it back into the lug. Push it all the way until you encounter resistance and then pull the entire assembly around until it's in place, pointing straight up. Slide the bolt back into the pulley and push it into place. No pliers should be needed at this stage; the cable should easily slot straight in with a bit of pressure. Remove the spoke or allen key, ensuring the cable is firmly in place, arched around the pulley, and running in the designated channel.

That's it! You have successfully removed the wheel with the Shimano Nexus or Alfine speed hub attached to your bike. Remember to follow these steps in reverse order if you ever need to re-remove and reattach the wheel for maintenance or repair purposes. With practice, you will become more confident in performing these tasks efficiently and effectively.

Highlights:

• Learn how to remove the wheel with a Shimano Nexus or Alfine speed hub attached to your bike
• Step-by-step instructions on setting the shifter position, removing the gear change cable, loosening the locking bolts, and taking off the rear wheel
• Proper techniques for removing the chain and gear change cable cowling
• Detailed guidance on fixing punctures or performing maintenance on the rear wheel
• Tips for putting the back wheel back on, attaching the chain and gear change cable, and tightening the bolts
• A comprehensive guide on reattaching the gear change cable and ensuring everything is securely in place
• Practice and gain confidence in performing these tasks effectively and efficiently

FAQ:

Q: Do I need any special tools to remove the wheel with a Shimano Nexus or Alfine speed hub? A: Yes, you will need an adjustable spanner or torque wrench, a pair of long nose pliers, and a 2 mil allen key or a spare spoke.

Q: Which position should I set the shifter to before removing the wheel? A: Set the shifter to position number four.

Q: How do I remove the gear change cable from the hub? A: Insert an allen key or spare spoke into the lug, rotate the pulley anti-clockwise, and pull the cable towards you.

Q: Are the locking bolts tight enough to secure the hub in place? A: Yes, the main locking bolts are tightened enough to keep the hub steady and prevent any movement during wheel removal.

Q: How should I remove the rear wheel from the bike? A: If you have vertical dropouts, pull the wheel upwards towards you. For horizontal dropouts, pull the wheel backward and then out.

Q: Is it difficult to reattach the chain and gear change cable? A: With practice, it becomes easier to slide the chain over the hub and slot the gear change cable back into place.

Q: How tight should I tighten the bolts? A: The bolts need to be tightened very tight, using the tool you would typically use to remove the wheel by the side of the road.

Q: Can I use a torque wrench or wrench to tighten the bolts? A: Using a torque wrench or wrench may make it difficult to remove the bolts with a spanner on the road, so keep that in mind while tightening them.

Q: Is it necessary to reattach the gear change cable securely? A: Yes, properly reattach the gear change cable, ensuring it is arched around the pulley and running in the designated channel.

Q: Can I reuse these instructions for re-removing and reattaching the wheel? A: Yes, these instructions can be followed in reverse order for re-removing and reattaching the wheel for maintenance or repair purposes.