rear wheel alignment

[shrewedpunter]

Excuse my Noob question

Could anyone hazard a guess as to why the rear wheel of my marin bike is slightly to the left?

I don't think the wheel is bent.. but im no expert.
Is it something to do with the axle? Have i messed up regarding washer placement or something

 

[legrandefromage]

You could always re-align it yourself if you are handy with a spoke key

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a25vC5zsf6A

 

[shrewedpunter]

You could always re-align it yourself if you are handy with a spoke key

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a25vC5zsf6A

I was kinda hoping it wasn't the wheel per se, rather the axle or something :facepalm:

 

[mattr]

How close is the smallest sprocket to the drop out? Might give you some indication if you've mucked up the axle spacing. Also, is the wheel in straight?

 

[FluffyChicken]

Re:

Put it in back to front.

You should also align with no tyre on and use the rim. Tyres are not perfect especially cheap ones and retro tyres tended not to be aligned very well. Even some expensive modern ones come slightly wobbly.

 

[02gf74]

Check the rims are spaced evenly in frame, not the tyre. Both fitted nirmally and back to front.

If tou have messed with the axle, then are the spacers in correctly?

Else live with it or use spoke key to pull rim over.

 

[Uncle Grumpy]

Put the wheel in the other way around (i.e. cassette to the non drive side). If the wheel is across to the right, then it's the wheel. If it's still off centred to the left, then it's the frame that's out of alignment.

Or drop in a different wheel.

If it's the frame that's out, you can cold set it by gently and precisely bending the rear triangles into alignment. I've done it on frames where I've had nothing else to lose.

If it's just the wheel, then you can redish it.

But yes, don't rely on the tyre to be molded symmetrically.

Grumps

 

[shrewedpunter]

Put the wheel in the other way around (i.e. cassette to the non drive side). If the wheel is across to the right, then it's the wheel. If it's still off centred to the left, then it's the frame that's out of alignment.

Or drop in a different wheel.

If it's the frame that's out, you can cold set it by gently and precisely bending the rear triangles into alignment. I've done it on frames where I've had nothing else to lose.

If it's just the wheel, then you can redish it.

But yes, don't rely on the tyre to be molded symmetrically.

Grumps

Great suggestions thanks. I will try them tomorrow.. it's freezing in the garage now.

I took some bad photos.. probably useless but worth a shot..

 

[marc two tone]

Re:

^^ that looks wrong^^

Typically there is one chunky spacer and then 2 penny washers, then locknut.

Without seeing it in the flesh, i'd say that non driveside is 2-3mm too long.

 

[mattr]

Which is exactly what the problem isn't. The non drive side is too short! As the wheel is over to the left. And 2-3 mm would quite possibly leave the small sprocket grinding against the other drop out.