NBD for my wife today. I was setting it up for her and noticed I had trouble pedaling when I was checking the indexing. After checking multiple things I narrowed it down to the rear wheel area. I removed the brake caliper to make sure rubbing was not affecting my test, then started to turn the wheel in both directions and tighten the thru axle. The wheel turns freely when removed from the bike.
I already started the claim to the bike shop that sold us the bike, but I really like mechanical topics, so I wanted to share this with this community and ask if anyone has any ideas?
Bike is a Cervelo Caledonia with 105 Di2.
NBD – Rear wheel brakes when thru-axle is tightened
byu/London2510 inbikewrench
by London2510
5 Comments
You have your wheel too tight. Just loose it a bit, it will not go anywhere.
Are this cup and cone or industrial bearings? Still, it’s weird…
I’d suggest the hub bearings were pressed in at a slight angle, causing excessive and uneven preload at one point in the bearing’s rotation. Most common cause of resistance on a new wheel that I’m aware of.
Can generally be fixed by removing the end caps and any dust seals until you can see the bearings. Have a feel of their smoothness. If they’re rough, give a few light taps across the bearing at opposing intervals (think tightening bolts in star pattern).
You’re almost certainly missing an end cap off the hub, they often get stuck in the packaging on bikes shipped in boxes.
Random though, when you tighten it up is it pushing caliper against the disc enough to slow the wheel? If so just undo the caliper bolts and re center when hub done up tight