rear wheel axle switch

[brentville]

I am switching from a multiple speed rear wheel and sprocket to a single speed rear wheel and sprocket. The axle on the new rear wheel is too short to span the dropouts.

So how difficult is it to switch to a longer axle? I have visions of wheel bearings going everywhere.

 

[johnny nightwolf]

It's actually pretty straight forward once you get in there. Check the coaster brake hub diagram section on here, and it'll give you an idea of what you're going to be looking at. Wheel bearings are more or less the same design as typical headset or chainring bearings, so unless they're incredibly worn and in need of replacing anyway, they won't be going anywhere. Just be neat while you're disassembling and make sure the TPI count on the new axle is the same as the old one, and it'll be smooth sailing.