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Loose Skewer


andyfev's picture

By andyfev - Posted on 20 April 2011

NB: Originally posted elsewhere on the Global Riders Network and appears via syndication.

Can anyone tell me why my front skewer keeps running loose? Since having the bike serviced 6 weeks ago my front skewer runs loose during rides. It loosens so much that the whole skewer shifts position (from pointing upwards to pointing downwards). I keep forgetting about until I look down whilst flying through the trails to see it pointing the wrong way... Impending wheel detachment and a superman over the handlebars is most likely:)

The skewer is a DT Swiss and came with the bike, which I've only been riding for 6 months. When I tighten the skewer to super tight the front disc rubs on the disc pads grinding them away. On the service they never trued the front wheel as it didn't need doing.

Anyone had a similar issue or got any advice?

Discodan's picture

You may need to re-align the caliper to get rid of the rub but I'd rather that than losing the front wheel

browny's picture

Sounds odd. Is it a normal type of skewer or a RWS?

If it's a normal type can you rotate the skewer when the lever is closed? If you can then something must be binding up somewhere so it gives you the impression it's pulling tight but isn't actually gripping the fork.

Are the springs in the right way around? If not then a bit might be getting caught somewhere which allows a bit of movement under load and then it works itself loose.

How are your dropouts looking? If the skewer nuts have worn a deep groove then maybe the knurling is no longer gripping properly.

First thing I'd be doing is pulling everything out, clean an inspect for wear, bends, something jammed in it etc

andyfev's picture

Thanks for the advice guys. It's an RWS system, which I've never actually liked. Think I'll give the bike shop that serviced it a call in the morning and ask them to give it a going over. I'm not all too good at adjusting callipers and pulling things apart with the intention of rebuilding it better than it was Smiling

browny's picture

Can't go too wrong disassembling a rws skewer. The lever and skewer is all one piece. Nut just screws off the end. A spring on each side which sit skinny end inwards.

It might also be a RWS through bolt which will be a 9mm thick alloy shaft vs a normal skewer which is 5mm steel.

I reckon wheel off, skewer out and see if you can spot any obvious issues before you take it to the shop.

andyfev's picture

Correct, it's a 9mm alloy shaft. I'll pull it out in the morning and inspect it.

Thanks for your help Smiling

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