worn / damaged rear dropouts (steel frame)

[ultrazenith]

I'm afraid I've gone and done something quite stupid - getting a new rear wheel built for my retro bike without giving a thought to whether the axle diameter will fit my rear dropout...

The hub is a Shimano XT T870, which I selected on the assumption of reliability, because of its cleaner look, and lower price than the XT M788. It has a 10 mm QR axle according to the box, but I can't slide the axle fully into position in the drop-out, because at the drop-out entrance, the diameter narrows enough to prevent it. However, I have checked that the axle fits into the back of the drop outs by sliding them in sideways.

Any ideas about what I can do? Should I force the axle in, with the help of some grease?

 

[walleater]

Re: wrong size rear axle diameter? - any advice?

I can't think of a rear QR wheel that isn't 10mm. Some axles do tend to be very slightly thicker than others in reality so you might need to file off some paint (or even a bit of metal) off the inside of the dropout. I've had to do this on brand new frames in the past.

 

[NeilM]

Re: wrong size rear axle diameter? - any advice?

This is a pretty common problem and I have had to take to several frames with a file to get wheels to fit.

If you can, check the drop out internal width with vernier calipers, this might help you find the tight spot.

 

[MikeD]

Re: wrong size rear axle diameter? - any advice?

Does it fit in either side? Sometimes a slightly bent derailleur hanger makes the entry to the drive-side dropout narrower than it ought.

 

[ultrazenith]

Re: wrong size rear axle diameter? - any advice?

Thanks for the info guys! I was starting to panic a bit there.

I'll have to check definitively today in daylight, but it does appear that the axle gets stuck on the way into both dropouts.

 

[ultrazenith]

Re: wrong size rear axle diameter? - any advice?

OK, I've identified the problem areas, and will buy a file tomorrow.

 

[ultrazenith]

On reflection, I'll actually take the frame up to a trusted bike shop to show them.

I'm guessing that many retro bikes eventually end up with worn or damaged rear dropouts, right? The insides of mine (where the axle nut thing contacts the frame) have a noticeable amount of material missing, but should I be worried?

 

[RadNomad]

If you don't want to file the frame you could file the threaded portion of the axle. Some hubs are made this way, with a flattened section running along the thread. You just have to line up the 'flats' with your dropout when fitting the wheel to the bike. You are effectively just eliminating the thread so axle strength isn't affected.

 

[ultrazenith]

I had a trusted (but not so local) bike shop file down the dropouts, for the princely sum of 3 Euros.