Mountain bikes require a multitude of gears because you are likely to encounter everything from a rocky climb to a swift trail descent when you are riding off road. Most mountain bikes have a rear gear cassette that houses all of the sprockets for the various speeds. If the teeth of the gear cluster become worn or excessively dirty, you may need to take the cassette off for cleaning or replacement. Installing the cassette back on the rear wheel of your bike is a relatively simple process.
Step 1
Shift the chain on your mountain bike unto the smallest sprocket on the gear cassette. Push the derailleur arm forward to gain some slack in the chain. Take the chain off of the gear sprocket and rest it on the bottom bracket of the bicycle. Squeeze the handlebar control for the brake pads and unhook the brake cable from the upper post of the brake arms.
Step 2
Turn the quick release lever down so the side facing away from the bicycle says “open.” Lift the back seat of the mountain bike up with one hand and pull the rear wheel out of the forks to remove it. Rest the wheel on your workbench or lap so you can remove the gear cassette.
Step 3
Wrap the chain portion of your chain whip around one of the largest two sprockets in the gear cassette. Slide the spline lock ring tool into the center of the cassette with the splines on both components aligned. Adjust your wrench to fit the nut of the lock ring tool. Turn the lock ring in a counterclockwise direction while you push the chain whip handle in the opposite direction for leverage.
Step 4
Take the lock ring off of the gear cassette and then lift the cassette off of the wheel hub. Line up the largest spline on the wheel hub with the largest notch in the new gear cassette. Slide the cassette into place and then complete the assembly by placing the smallest gear sprocket and the lock ring on top.
Step 5
Place the spline lock ring tool back into the cassette and stand the wheel up normally to prevent it from turning while you tighten the lock ring. Place the adjustable wrench over the lock ring nut again and turn the wrench clockwise until the lock ring is securely in place. Spin the new cassette a few times to ensure it turns freely on the wheel hub.
Things You'll Need
- Chain whip
- Spline lock ring tool
- Adjustable wrench
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