Skewer

Replacing the Skewer

The skewer is the "axle" of the wheel. It holds the wheel hub in the dropouts. A bent skewer can make the wheel rotate unevenly.

Flip the quick-release lever to loosen the skewer. If you're simply removing the wheel to fix a flat or change a tire, this is all you need to do. You don't need to pull the skewer completely out; just loosen it enough that the tire can be pulled from the drop-outs.

Quick-release on the skewer.

Unscrewing the cap.

Unscrew the cap on the opposite end of the skewer enough to drop the wheel out of the dropouts.

Now continue unscrewing the cap until it releases from the threads on the skewer.

Withdraw the skewer by pulling it out from the quick-release side. Inspect and clean the skewer. If the skewer is bent, replace it.

Note that the springs fit on the skewer with the WIDE ends aiming outward, towards the cap and quick-release.

Many high-performance bikes have a Thru-Axle. This is a large wide cylinder that gives greater stability. But the method of removal varies with the type. If your wheel attachment isn't a simple skewer, you'll need to research how to remove it.