Quick Release Problem

[Cedric]

I'm a total novice in terms of bicycles and I've been given an old bike from a friend. Half way through cycling home I had to dismount because the back wheel slipped out of alignment and jammed against the chainstays on the left hand side. The back wheel has the normal QR lever on the left hand side, but is held on on the right by a tiny silver nut just over half a centimeter in diameter, sitting behind a little washer. Can anyone confirm that this is, as it seems to me to be, a cowboy "mend" and is it likely that this is the cause of the wheel drifting out of true? Is there any other reason this might happen and can I buy a proper fastener or a new pin anywhere?

 

[summerdays]

No idea - can you post a photo?

 

[Cedric]

I'll just go and resurrect my photobucket account.

 

[Cedric]

Hope this posts ok!

 

[Brock]

That looks very wrong, I'd take the skewer to your local bike shop and ask for a proper nut for it, failing that a new skewer.
I wouldn't ride it till you've got that.

 

[HLaB]

You're missing the Acorn nut off the opposite side.

 

[Cedric]

Bingo! Thanks guys. How much does a new pin cost BTW?

 

[gavintc]

Not a lot - if you are in Edinburgh, I could give you a spare nut for the end of your current skewer.

 

[Cedric]

I really appreciate that offer Gavintc, I am in Edinburgh as it happens. I'll pop down to Portobello Bikes tomorrow and see what they say....if I have no joy I'll PM you, thank you very much. There seem to be a few people from Edinburgh posting here, cool!