All tips
Rear wheel has play
The rear wheel moves sideways or rubs on the brake.
1. Problem
If you grab the rear wheel at the top of the tyre and push it sideways, it clicks or moves noticeably. Often the wheel then rubs on the brake, wobbles or the bike feels vague in corners.
2. Cause
- Hub bearings have play (cone bearings adjusted too loose or worn)
- Quick release or axle nuts not tight enough
- Broken axle – common with freewheel hubs and heavy loads
- Loose or broken spokes, rim is out of true
3. Solution
- First check the quick release or axle nuts and tighten them firmly
- Remove the wheel and turn the axle by hand: rough or with play → adjust the cones or replace the bearings
- Check the axle for cracks – a broken axle must be replaced
- Feel the spokes: tension loose spokes and have the wheel trued
4. Workshop tip
A bearing with play slowly eats into the hub. Adjusted early it takes a few minutes; later it often means a new hub or a new wheel. Drop by and we'll check it straight away.
— Bike Haus Freiburg
Rather have it repaired?
Come to our workshop at Heckerstraße 27 without an appointment – small repairs are often done right away while you wait.