TigsTrike

When I rec’d my new bike the rear axle got bent. They sent me a new one and I’m having difficulty getting the sprocket to ove off the key. How do I do this without damage? I’v thought maybe a punch and hammer. Can someone help this 66 yrold woman that just wants to ride?

veganbikes

Did you ask your local shop, they might be a good place to ask for help and service and get you riding a lot faster.

TigsTrike

No I haven’t done that yet. Everybody wants money for everything and I believe I have the capability with the right info. Thanks for answering.

CliffordK

I'm surprised if this was a warranty replacement that it didn't also include installation.

Can you upload some photos of the problem area to your album, along with a better description on where you are stuck?

https://www.bikeforums.net/g/user/542948

TigsTrike

I’m a new user and I can’t post pictures until I’ve done 110 posts 😞. I see you’re from Oregon, I grew up in CA years ago now on the coast in MS. Can I send pics somewhere else?

TigsTrike

That should say 10 posts.

CliffordK

When you try to upload the photos, they go to your album as above: You also get 5 posts a day until you get 10+

https://www.bikeforums.net/g/user/542948
https://www.bikeforums.net/g/album/22065910

CliffordK

Hmm... It looks like somebody has been pounding on that sprocket. I think I see the offending hammer in a couple of the photos.

I can't see what is in the bottom of the hole where you removed the lock screw. On occasion there could be two. I'd feel the bottom of that hole with a small screwdriver to make sure there isn't an Allen head set screw down there. Or clean and get a better picture straight down the hole.

Sometimes adding a penetrating oil will help wherever you can get it (along sides, perhaps in the hole for the set screw) (WD40, Liquid Wrench, whatever you like).

Ideally a gear puller would help, but there may not be any place to get a good grip.

A hammer with a copper head or brass head will do a lot less damage to the steel. Make sure you pound evenly around the sprocket. If it is as clean as that looks, with some oil, and all the set screws out, it shouldn't take much force. A block of wood or aluminum can also help protect the steel.

You've hit the key a couple of times. Did you get a new key with the replacement axle?

TigsTrike

Yeah I know. That was my brother-in-law while I was at work 😞. No new key was sent yet and I believe it won’t be a problem. I will try wd40 before going to bed and check inside the set screw hole. I will get back to you. Thanks again.

JoeTBM 

Yes, you need to punch the key out first. I have found replacement keys for them in the hardware parts drawers in Lowe's and Ace Hardware but not Home Depot if you need to get another one but most times they are reusable.

dedhed

https://www.autozone.com/tools-and-e...r-rental-tools

​​​​​​https://www.google.com/search?q=keye...w=1366&bih=617

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Bill Kapaun

WD-40 works kind of good for a lot of stuff, but is seldom the best for a specific task.
Get a genuine penetrating oil such as PB Blaster, Kroil, Liquid Wrench etc.
Let soak a bit and then take a smaller box wrench or similar and tap the joint.
You want to "ring it", not mash it.
The vibes help the PO to migrate through capillary action to where you need it.
Repeat every couple hours.

Maybe flipping the trike on its side to let gravity help?

veganbikes

Yes that is how things work, you pay money for goods and services. If you haven't built a trike and are having issues a professional might be handy. Yes one can wrench on their own and there are videos and books but in the end if you are just looking to ride or you are unsure of something you might want someone to put it together and make sure it is safe. I know I probably wouldn't want to work on an adult trike at my house even with the tools and knowledge I have picked up over the years. They are heavy and awkward to work on especially on the ground.

dedhed

Honestly I'd suspect an auto, MC, or small engine shop would have way more experience and tools for this type problem than most "professional" LBS staff.

veganbikes

Depends on the shop but potentially.