[bullymadison]

Got a flat this weekend and walked out.

Has anyone else had an issue with the rear axle (150mm , aluminum) being "frozen" in the bike? The wheel has only been in there for a month so its not like there is corrosion or anythging...

I even brought it to the LBS and they tried a bigger torque 8mm Allen and cant get it to budge. Now they are afraid they are going to snap the axle and then have to grind it out or something...

Anyone have these issues with the 150mm axle?
What makes it worse is that Im about to go on vacation and there are 3 DH/FR spots within an hour!

thanks for any advice,
BM

 

[NEstinkyrider]

I've had my rear axle be a bit tricky to get out, but never so bad that I thought I'd snap the axle.

I don't torque the axle as much when installing and haven't had the issue since.

Have you tried wd-40 or other penetrating lubricants?

 

[6thElement]

Need to make sure your grease the threads...Once you get it out.

 

[JustMtnB44]

^ second that, I always grease the threads and the underside of the bolt head. Mine sometimes makes creaking sounds when I tighten or loosen it, even with grease. It is a snug fit but shouldn't freeze in there.

 

[Endomaniac]

Mine gets sticky If I don’t grease it every time I install it and even then it makes lots of creaking sounds tightening and loosening. I have had it stuck tight enough that I used a 2’ breaker bar to get it off but it didn’t damage the head or any of the threads.

 

[bullymadison]

We had to grind down the outside edges of the Allen bolt (it was starting to strip) and use a hex. Had to pactically stand on it to get it off and it smelled like melted aluminum and made that godawful creaking sound as it came loose. No damage to the threads. The new axle is a hex.

Anyone know if there is an aftermarket maxle type of axle I can use instead?
thanx for the input,
BM

Incidentally, Ive now had 5 or 6 rides on this bike and I love it. Got on my (now) neglected 5 Pack the other night and the geometry was almost unfamiliar. Nothing like a new bike to renew the stoke...

 

[6thElement]

The Rockshox Maxle is compatible.

 

[scepticshock]

Bully- I had the same exact issue with my Highline. I had no reason to take my rear tire off for several months. And then it wouldn't come off. My Allen bolt cracked without moving. Somehow my LBS got it off by clamping to the outside.

I would try a maxle. My axle was always sticky and hard to slide out. I'm just glad I ran DH tires and got very few flats.

 

[ride_nw]

Maybe try the Shimano Saint M815 axle. It's hollow cro-mo and has a washer built in. I think the threads are the same.

 

[turnerbikes]

axle

Yes the Saint will fit as the threads and length are compatible. The Maxle will fit, the non relieved 'big one' with adjuster on right side, or you can use another aluminum axle from us, use a washer and a little grease and don't kill it when you tighten it. A really cool set up that never took off was the first gen Saint derailer with Maxle! Super tough derailer combined with tool free wheel changes.

DT