Convert Solid Axle/Bolt-On Wheel To Quick Release Axle

I show how to convert a solid axle to a quick release axle on a bolt on bike wheel. I do the conversion on a rear wheel in the video, but the process is about the same for the front. I ordered the quick release axle from eBay and it came with the cones and nuts. You may had to add or subtract some spacers to get the spacing correct. I also installed new bearings. Check your local bike shop for any parts you might need.
BTW, the freewheel is a Suntour Powerflo and the teeth are supposed to look like that.

A question often asked is can the cones/spacers be used on the new axle. Not usually. Solid axles and quick release axles often have different sizes/threadings (see below). So the cones won't likely fit. And the spacers may or may not fit.

Common (not complete) axle diameters/threadings:
Front solid axle 5/16" x 24 TPI
Front QR axle 9mm x 1mm thread
Rear solid axle 3/8" x 24 or 26 TPI
Rear QR axle 10mm x 1mm thread

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[michaelmcfadden]

I was a recreational cyclist untill Halfords did a terrible job of truing a wheel for me so I went to youtube and found RJ the Bike Guy, I am now the local bike mechanic.

[GHOST-gqty]

I ditched park tool, this dude is the best

[burntkat]

As always, whenever I have a bike question, I find you have already answered it. Well done sir!

[qwertyish]

Top man RJ for sure. Just recently completed changing every bearing on a old mountain bike that was destined for the skip. RJ videos guided me every step of the way. Picked up replacement bottom bracket, rear 145mm axle, free wheel and bottom bracket removal tool for €41.
I only wish i had the means to access tools and parts as a youngster. RJ certainly demystified the dark art of hub overhauls and all things 2 wheeled. They should teach these maintenance skills to teenager's. Big respecto.

[bosanderspublictheology]

you can't believe how helpful these are. EVERY time that I google how to do something on these bikes I am rebuilding your videos are the first to come up and I get excited. Thank you.

[charesttube]

Just did this today on a pair of second hand wheels I picked up for $50. Also to note, this is to add a second set of wheels for my home-built 90's Trek Mulitrack 7500 hybrid to gravel bike with road shifters. All was done following your videos. I've learned so much and now master fixing all the bikes in my house for the family. My every day wheels have 42" gravel tires have an 11-42 cassette with a 2x8 50-32 chainrings. I use it to commute to work 20 miles x 2 but the last 6 are on trails in Lexington, MA. Interesting enough, the qr converted set had a freewheel so I found an 8 speed freewheel and everything still shifts great. The QR converted set might be road wheels (with the current tires) or 26 mm gravel tires and I may add fenders that are already bought and in my basement. I haven't decided yet, but know that you make these fixes possible for the world! Thank you RJ

[Mariop]

I'm glad you didn't lose your bearings making this video!

[christophergreen]

As the logging truck owners I know here in B.C. would say... "Grease is cheaper than parts."
:-)

[dalecs]

Please: Always lock down the the bearing cone on the drive side first, lock it down tight. Make all bearing adjustments from the non-drive side. Why? Because you can't get to the adjustment on the drive side after the freewheel is installed and if by any chance you did not get the lock nut tight enough on the drive side, it comes loose, you will be sorry later. I recently experienced this out on the road, after having wheel worked on by a shop mechanic. So disappointing.

[GameplayerSolCley]

17:52 the most important part for me is to know how to instal that thing your left hand is touching at 17:50, 51.52, 53,
your videos save so much money and I get so many tips even it is in english.
Thank you very much.

[dfield]

i wanted to convert from QR to regular because ive had the QR axles come lose. this video still helped me with the opposite. thank you.

[CanyonWanderer]

Excellent as stated before and this weekend I actually converted a rear wheel to quick release using this video!

[TheRiseley]

This was so helpful. I am converting my bike to an exercise bike. I ran into problems because my back wheel is solid. Now I know I can replace it with a quick release axle. Thanks a million

[Hitch]

Every time I have a problem I come to RJ. He has the answers to all my questions. This man is a bike genius. Thank you RJ. 🙏

[DavidFraser]

Thanks, I need to do this. Way back when I lived in London I had my wheels stolen and I has the wheels converted to solid axles. Now I want to change back again.

[bidkarsalazar]

I know your video is 6 years plus old but it was the best I found. Thank you. I was able to change my bike to a quick release with your help. Thank you again

[Bismuth]

So how much grease do you want in your wheels?


RJ: *Yes*

[ian-dr]

Thanks for the great video. It's a much easier job if you replace the original 9.5mm 3/8 inch axle with an identical hollow, then you can swap the cones, spaces and nuts without having to fuss around making the new axle match measurements.

[elluardzenus]

Thank you for the video. I've tried to replace my vintage bike's rear wheel with new one but have lost my way how to fit the hub space. It helps a lot!

[johnhenrick]

I won't be swapping my solid axles for QR, but I like to learn. Great video. Thank you!