Wheel axle won't fit in fork dropouts
09-14-22, 06:33 PM
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Wheel axle won't fit in fork dropouts
Hi there, I have an old 80's Schwinn. I recently bought a new wheelset. The axle diameter on the front wheel seems to be a bit too wide to fit in the dropouts on the front fork. Any tips? Should I try to file down the insides of the drop outs?
09-14-22, 07:56 PM
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Odds are you have a fork made for a 5/16" nutted axle, and the new wheel is a more modern 9mm, either QR or a solid analog.
Assuming you have decent hand skills, go ahead and file the dropouts. However, file only one (same) sides of the slots, either front or back, whichever has more meat. DO NOT file the tops of the slots. Filing only one side and no top will keep you from changing where the wheel sits.
Lastly, if you you have the skill, you can take the advanced course and use the opportunity to tweak things and correct for slight fork misalignment.
Assuming you have decent hand skills, go ahead and file the dropouts. However, file only one (same) sides of the slots, either front or back, whichever has more meat. DO NOT file the tops of the slots. Filing only one side and no top will keep you from changing where the wheel sits.
Lastly, if you you have the skill, you can take the advanced course and use the opportunity to tweak things and correct for slight fork misalignment.
Last edited by FBinNY; 09-14-22 at 08:05 PM.
09-14-22, 08:25 PM
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While Francis's advice is much what I would do filing dropouts is a non replaceable change. So instead I will suggest filing the axle. Two flats filed to about the depth of the thread root is usually enough. Andy
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