Disc Rotor Sometimes Centered, Sometimes Not
#26
Senior Member
Finish tightening the axle while applying some weight to the bike and center the caliper in that position. That way you're going to ensure the axle will end up in the same position it tends to sit when riding. Otherwise the axle tends to move slightly to that position when riding and the rotor rubs. I've had this happen on all my through-axle bikes.
#27
Senior Member
If it is a (non-thru-axle) drop-out, Retro Grouch would be right, in my experience. The only way to reproducibly get a conventional quick-release absolutely positioned reproducibly every time is to weight the bike on the wheel. (The same issue can happen if you do it on a stand -- it isn't the upside-won part per se). With thru-axles, the round hole is symmetric, so it shouldn't matter at all. The only variable (unless you cross-thread it) is the torque.
But it’s not a press fit.
One would have to have VERY good consistency in production to have tool less installation and removal and zero play fit.
And of course no wear.
A common suggestion on a local site for people having issues with front wheels and thru-axle not staying put is to ALWAYS tighten the t/a with the wheel off the ground. That way, brake force can’t shift it any further.