Quick release help

[neil180]

Hi
I need to replace the bearings on my rear wheel, while I'm doing it I plan on changing the Axel as well. The Axel measures 170mm, I was thinking of changing to a quick release one.
My question is how do I know what size Axel do I buy, how do I measure for this.
Cheers
Neil.

[cny-man]

Easiest to take to a bike shop or co-op, but you need to know the axle diameter and thread pitch in mm. Rear q/r axles are generally 10x1mm. The length of the axle needs to be at least 5 mm longer than the distance between dropouts - if slightly too long it can be cut or ground down to size. If your current axle isn't 10x1 or another size available in q/r then changing becomes much more complicated. Note that if you have a freewheel equipped bike, and especially if it's 6 speed in the back a q/r axle will bend or break more easily than a solid axle, and it's much easier to steal the wheel.

[neil180]

Hi cny-man
Thanks for the reply, It is a seven speed freewheel (screw on), by the sounds of it I would be better off sticking with the solid Axel.
Just another quick question, what in your opinion is better loose or caged bearings, I have both. And what greese is the best, I have the Weldtite grease with teflon .
Thanks
Neil

[1FJEF]

(09-29-2014, 07:30 PM)neil180 Wrote:  Just another quick question, what in your opinion is better loose or caged bearings, I have both. And what greese is the best, I have the Weldtite grease with teflon .

Hey Neil, I'm not sure, but I don't think that's wheel bearing grease. If you stick with that brand you would want the TF2 Lithium Grease.
I use loose balls, rather than caged for rear wheels, but I rarely find caged bearings in a wheel. Quality bulk 1/4" & 3/16" are inexpensive here.
I prefer a solid bolted rear axle for strength & security. I spoke with an industry icon who told me that quality hollow axles were stronger (!) but I'm heavy & abusive so I convert most of my QR to solid bolted.

[neil180]

Hi 1FJEF
Thanks for your reply, I have a tub of that grease, I will use your advice and stick with the loose bearings, I bought a tub of 200 1\4 inch off Amazon their made by weldtite too.
Cheers
Neil

[DaveM]

(09-29-2014, 08:52 PM)1FJEF Wrote:  I spoke with an industry icon who told me that quality hollow axles were stronger (!)

I think the big difference is the quality of the material rather than whether or not it is a hollow axle. Since higher end parts tend to be quick release, they also tend to have better steel than solid axles.

If you can find cromoly axles, they are much stronger than plain steel.