Discovery Cycle
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Quick Release Wheels
Many bicycles have quick release devices that allow easy wheel removal. It is important to operate the quick releases correctly, and it is very important to check your quick releases often to make sure they are properly attached.
Quick Release Skewers
The axle of a quick release wheel is hollow. The quick release device is a skewer that goes through the hollow axle. The skewer is threaded on one side and the other side has the quick release cam device permanently attached. There are several springs which are useful but not absolutely necessary. The quick release nut is shown at the right in the picture.
Let's walk through removing and replacing a wheel.
First, note that an inflated tire will not clear the brake pads. To get brake pad clearance, release the pads as shown in the photos.
Opening Linear Pull Brake Release
Opening Road Bike Brake Release
Second, open the quick release lever. Inside the lever where you cannot see it is a cam device. When you close the lever, the cam causes the device to pinch down. It is this pinch that holds the wheel on. Open and close the lever while watching the gap open and close between the quick release device and the bike.
Quick Release in Closed Position
Quick Release Being Opened
Opened Quick Release
Note the Small Gap between Quick Release and Fork Drop Out
Notice the surface on the bike that the quick release meets. We call that a drop out. Observe that the surface of the drop out where the quick release meets is recessed, so that even if the quick release lever is released the wheel is not free to fall off the bike. These are safety tabs to try to prevent accidents if your quick release is disengaged. To remove the wheel, you must unscrew the nut on the opposite side from the quick release lever enough to gain clearance from the safety tab. Despite there being a "safety" tab, it is absolutely necessary to securely close the quick release before every use of the bike.
Drop Our Safety Tab
Third, remove the wheel. Once the quick release lever is disengaged and the nut backed off enough to clear the safety tab, it is easy to remove the wheel.
To remove the rear wheel, use the same procedure, but first shift the rear gears into the smallest gear. That makes it easier to clear the rear derailleur and to replace the wheel.
Fourth, replace the wheel in the dropout. Make sure the axle is squarely in the dropout and that the surface of the quick release nut and lever will be securely centered in the safety tabs. This is easiest with both wheels on the ground and the bike standing straight up. The quick release lever should be open at this stage.
Fifth, engage the quick release: Tighten the nut on the threaded side until it is firm on the inside of the safety tab, and then loosen it a little to give the lever room to pinch down. Close the lever. Do this a number of times so you feel it too tight, too loose, and just right. You want the lever to fully close and to make a substantially firm pinch, but you don't want to have to force the lever down with a great deal of force. Some good solid firmness is necessary, but not a ton of force. There must be no looseness. You must be personally absolutely satisfied that the quick release lever is firmly down and will stay down. Remember, it is the final pinch that holds it down. You do not bolt the quick release all the way tight, you pinch it on for the final tightness. Frequently check your quick release. If you did not pinch it tight enough, it could come loose. Somebody might think it is funny to release your quick release. Better safe than sorry. Point the lever up or against a part of the bike, not straight forward where it could hook on something and spring open.
Point Closed Quick Release Lever Up
Sixth, reattach the brake releases. If they seem too tight, examine the brake cable and housing all the way back to the brake lever--they are probably out of place. On linear pull brakes (mountain, comfort, and hybrid bikes), make sure the male part is all the way in. Do not make the mistake shown in the second photo.
Pointer Shows Brake Noodle in Correct Position
Pointer Shows Brake Noodle in Wrong Position
Finally, pick the bike up and rotate the wheels. Make sure the brake pads engage the rim correctly and that nothing rubs anywhere, especially on the tire. If something rubs, reseat the wheel by loosening the quick release lever, sitting the bike perfectly upright, and reengaging. If the brake pads still rub, you may have knocked them out of line, and they may need adjustment.