Tutorial: How to Remove Your Disc Brake Bike Wheels

In this tutorial, we will explain how to remove and reinstall your disc brake road bike wheels. This guide is applicable for road bikes, gravel bikes, and mountain bikes.

1. Loosen the chain on your bike to remove the rear wheel.

To begin, place your chain on the smallest chainring in the front and the smallest cog in the rear. If your rear derailleur is equipped with a clutch, set it to the “off” position.

2. Remove the Thru-Axle from the Wheel

Unscrew your rear wheel axle by turning it counterclockwise. If your bike is equipped with a speed-release axle, you will need to pull it slightly to the left. Then completely remove the axle from the wheel.

3. Pull Back the Derailleur and Remove the Rear Wheel

With your right hand, pull back the rear derailleur, then lower the rear wheel with your left hand to remove it.

4. Remove the Front Wheel

For the front wheel, unscrew the thru-axle by turning it counterclockwise to remove it. In the case of a speed-release axle, slide it slightly to the left.

You can hold your wheel and lower it to complete the operation.

5. Reinstall the Rear Wheel

To reinstall the rear wheel, place the chain on either side of the smallest cog. Pull back the derailleur with one hand and align your disc with the brake caliper. Then lift the rear wheel into place until it is properly seated. Once the wheel is positioned, screw in your rear wheel axle without forcing it.

Don’t forget to set the clutch of your rear derailleur to the “On” position if it is equipped with one.

6. Reinstall the Front Wheel

To reinstall the front wheel on your disc brake bike, perfectly align your disc with the caliper. Then lift the front wheel into place until it is properly seated. Screw in your wheel axle to secure the wheel, without forcing it.

Your disc brake wheels are now perfectly mounted.

All that’s left is to go ride and enjoy your bike.