Rear axle loose in drive side dropout

[Cyclenon]

Hi,

I've realised that the reason I'm having to tighten my rear QR massively to keep the rear wheel in place, is that the drive side dropout is simply to wide for the axle. Therefore there is noticeable play when the QR is released.

Confusingly, the non drive side is fine and the axle fits snugly in the dropout.

I read that a washer could solve the problem.

Are there "special" kinds of washers for this kind of problem?
If so can you suggest something?

Thanks

 

[mrandmrspoves]

Is the hollow axle equal on both sides when the wheel is in the drop outs? If you or someone else has adjusted or serviced the hub bearings it may be that it was not replaced correctly (generally only undo one side of the axle so its positioning remains unaltered when replaced)
If that seems to be the problem it is a simple case of loosening the lock nut and cone on the side that has got too much and tightening (after loosening the lock nut to free it) the cone and lock nut on the side with too little, until the axle sits equally in both drop outs.

 

[Tim Hall]

When you say the dropout is too wide, do you mean the slot in the dropout is, umm, too wide (like 15mm compared to the 10mm diameter of the axle?), or too thick (say 8mm compared to the 5mm of axle stub sticking out beyond the locknut?)

 

[TheDoctor]

Sounds like the actual dropout width is too wide for the wheel. Are you missing a locknut?
Or trying to fit an older / narrower wheel into a newer frame?

Try getting a photo that shows the problem.

 

[Cyclenon]

Hi all and thanks for your replies.

Perhaps the photos below will help.
In fact I just noticed how much shorter the axle seems to be on the drive side.

Also, as discussed here this is a brand new hand built wheelset.

Any suggestions welcome.

 

[mrandmrspoves]

Axles come in different lengths - and you need a slightly longer one.
Take it out and measure it and order one 5mm longer.

 

[fossyant]

That's OK - the QR is probably no good !

 

[Andrew_P]

Hi,

I've realised that the reason I'm having to tighten my rear QR massively to keep the rear wheel in place, is that the drive side dropout is simply to wide for the axle. Therefore there is noticeable play when the QR is released.

Confusingly, the non drive side is fine and the axle fits snugly in the dropout.

I read that a washer could solve the problem.

Are there "special" kinds of washers for this kind of problem?
If so can you suggest something?

Thanks

The non drive side looks like it has a gap to the rear of the dropout allowing lateral movement?

 

[Cyclenon]

Thanks for your replies.

Having spoken to the wheelbuilder, this much clearance is necessary as any more and the QR will not clamp down properly.
The axle end cap is 5.5mm and this is OK apparently.

I've resorted to a bigger cam QR; it's a bit ugly but it clamps down well.

 

[Ajax Bay]

Worth checking that your hanger is firmly secured with the two little bolts.