Frame-spacing / drop-out issue on Peugeot Clubman

[Hip Priest]

I've 'finished' the refurb of a relative's 80s Peugeot Clubman with modern wheels, cassette...etc, but it has now developed a catastrophic problem, the rear wheel is coming loose from the right-hand drop-out (pic below)



Now, I'm wondering what could be causing it, and I'm beginning to worry it might be a frame spacing isssue. The drop-outs do measure 130mm (see pic one below), and the wheel has a 130mm hub, but when I put the wheel in it seems very tight (see pic two below) almost as if I'm prising the drop-outs apart a little.





Obviously, it is unrideable at the moment, and I need to give it back to its owner, so I was wondering if anyone could advise me on what could be causing the issue, whether it be that the frame spacing is wrong, or something else...

 

[goody]

First things I would check are that there's no oil of grease on the dropout, the axle nut has its 'rough side' to the frame and that the skewer is tight enough. I used a qr skewer on a similar frame which I ran fixed and had to do the skewer quite tight. Also check that the axle hasn't been adjusted to far to that side and the qr is tightening up against the axle rather than the frame (prob best to check that first)

 

[boydj]

You need a good quality q/r skewer, preferably with an internal cam to hold the wheel firmly in the semi-horizontal drop-out. I had a similar problem with a Mercian frame which was cured by using a set of Shimano skewers.

I doubt that the width is a problem if the wheel is a tight fit. A steel frame can easily take a few mm of springing out.

 

[Hip Priest]

First things I would check are that there's no oil of grease on the dropout, the axle nut has its 'rough side' to the frame and that the skewer is tight enough. I used a qr skewer on a similar frame which I ran fixed and had to do the skewer quite tight. Also check that the axle hasn't been adjusted to far to that side and the qr is tightening up against the axle rather than the frame (prob best to check that first)

Thanks. I'll head out now and check those suggestions out.

 

[Hip Priest]

The above was unfortunately unsuccessful, however, I did remove these two little plastic things (pic 1) from the drop-outs, because one was loose, and now the axle goes right back into the drop-outs (pic 2).

The problem is now fixed, but I have two questions:

What are those plastic things?
Will it cause problems to ride without them?

 

[biggs682]

they look just like spacers and shouldnt cause any issue if not being used

 

[Hip Priest]

they look just like spacers and shouldnt cause any issue if not being used

That's what I thought, but why would someone use them?

 

[fossyant]

Does the drop out have a small hole at the back. If so you need drop out spacer screws which are common on steel bikes The plastic things are a bad attempt at a spacer. The wheel should be clamping much further forward, near the original point. The drop outs need cleaning up though.

 

[fossyant]

Also hass been said, good QR skewers are needed, they dont slip.

 

[Hip Priest]

Does the drop out have a small hole at the back. If so you need drop out spacer screws which are common on steel bikes The plastic things are a bad attempt at a spacer. The wheel should be clamping much further forward, near the original point. The drop outs need cleaning up though.

Oh dear. Nothing is ever simple is it? Ha.

Here is the drop out, and there is a loop above the drop, is that what you're referring to?

 

[Hip Priest]

Oh dear. Nothing is ever simple is it? Ha.

Here is the drop out, and there is a loop above the drop, is that what you're referring to?

View attachment 24644

 

[Hip Priest]

This bike is actually causing me severe stress now. I think thd only solution is to return it to its owner to take to an LBS and simply lose all the money I've sent on parts.

I've had enough of bikes to last me a lifetime. I'm going to take up running.

 

[fossyant]

Oh dear. Nothing is ever simple is it? Ha.

Here is the drop out, and there is a loop above the drop, is that what you're referring to?

View attachment 24644

No - that's the mudguard/rack attachment. There is usually a small hole on the rear of the drop out - it runs parallel to the drop out and a screw is usually inserted here, for which the axel butts upto so you can adjust the wheels' placement.

Like this

 

[Hip Priest]

Cheers. I'll have a look.

What is the purpose of drop-out spacers? Is there a reason why the wheel should not be mounted right back in the drop outs?

 

[Rob3rt]

Cheers. I'll have a look.

What is the purpose of drop-out spacers? Is there a reason why the wheel should not be mounted right back in the drop outs?

To get the wheel square in the frame.