important: Nuts and bolts on your bike should always be tightened to the manufacturer's specifications.

How to Replace a Cassette Cluster

Applies to most Shimano cassette/freehub combos (not freewheels).

Today we’re going to replace a common rear cassette cluster. It’s actually quite a straight forward procedure, but you will need a couple of special bike tools for the job: a chain whip and a lock ring tool. Some lock ring tools have a built in handle, but the one we are using today is most common, and requires the use of a large wrench or vise clamp to hold it in place.

Cassette Removal

The first step is to wrap the chain whip around one of the bigger sprockets. This basically holds the cassette body firmly in place while we loosen the lock ring. Next, insert the lock ring tool into the lock ring’s inner notches and place a wrench securely over the hexagonal fitting.

As you can see in the video, I’ve positioned both tools to give me maximum leverage. Now simply push the handles toward each other until the lock ring loosens. Once you remove the lock ring the rest of the cassette should easily slide up and off the freehub body. Since the cassette is removed, it’s a good idea to check the freehub body to make sure it spins freely and is not loose.

Click on this image to visit Sheldon Brown’s page on this topic:
Cassette Freewheel

Cassette Installation

Installing the new cassette is basically the opposite procedure. Take a close look at the splines on the freehub and cassette. You’ll notice that one of the notches on the body and cassette is wider than the rest. Once the notches are lined up, simply slide on the cassette body, spacer and outer sprocket, and then thread the lock ring into place.

This time we only need the lock ring tool for tightening. We certainly don’t want the cassette coming loose, so it’s a good idea to stand the wheel up, so we get enough downward leverage to tighten it properly. You’ll hear the lock ring ratcheting as it tightens.

Once installed, check again to make sure the cassette spins freely and is not loose. It’s also a good idea to examine your sprocket spacing to make sure all of the sprockets are correctly positioned. If it all looks good then you’re ready to reinstall your wheel and go for a ride!

Related Links

Recommended Tools

Categories

Discuss this topic in the Bicycle Repairs and Mechanics Forum

Patching a tire

Latest post 2 weeks ago

In the past I have had a lot of punctures. When they happened, I patched the tube, but the holes in the tire were so small, they did not need patching. After many more kilometers, rubber started coming away around two of the holes in the tire, exposing the chords. If I did not do anything, a rock could cut the chords, destroying the tire. I wanted to get more use out of the tire. I cut patches fr...

Read more

Hi, So I bought a used Schwinn Meridian sight unseen online auction for $59 & drove 8 hours round trip to get it. It appears to be brand new actually. When I got it home, the next day I checked out my score. When I sat on it and pressed on the pedals, they moved but the bike did not. I inspected the bike and realized that whoever put this trike together, forgot to put what appears to be ...

Read more

I had a previous incident with my bike, and the front brake got bent. Now when I try to use the front brake, it is very weak (when I ride the bike and fully depress the front brake, the bike does not stop quickly). I tried to fine-tune the disk brake caliper (I did it many times before), and it looks good and tight, but the front brake. What could be the reasons for this?...

Read more

Full Rebuild vs Service

Latest post 1 month ago

Hi, I've had my Giant Defy for two years now and have done about 4000 miles on it. I keep it clean and generally only ride in dry or damp conditions (never pouring rain). Apart from a potentially stretched shifter cable (won't go in highest gear despite adjusting barrel adjuster and limit screws) the bike rides fine. I keep on top of basic maintenance, cleaning, checking for chain wear etc... an...

Read more

Sloppy front deraullier

Latest post 1 month ago

Hi there how do i tell if my front deraullieur needs to be replaced on my hybrid it has a ton of play back and forth....

Read more

Hi, I got a cracked shimano DI2 front derailleur (see picture attached). I try soldering it but no luck (probably don't have the right solder). Any suggestions on how to fix that please? Thanks   20230206_170038.jpg (Size: 47.7 KB / Downloads: 33) ...

Read more

Hello, I’ve got an old set of square taper FSA tempo cranks (2x) that I want to swap from a single speed 120 OLD bike to a 1x10 135mm OLD one. Any tips on how to calculate the spindle width for correct chain line? I can’t find anything for that model on the manufacturers website, and i don’t think measuring the one on the single speed will work with the different chain line....

Read more

Help with headset preload

Latest post 2 months ago

First time adjusting a headset and I'd like to get it right. Brand new giant reign with a carbon frame, that I do not want to damage I finally have the preload set to where there is no play but I'm concerned that it is to tight... Stage 1- obvious play/clunk Stage 2- no clunk, but if I lock up the brake and push and pull hard, I can feel some very slight movement Stage 3 - no play or movemen...

Read more

8 Speed on 7 Speed Freehub Body

Latest post 2 months ago

Awhile back, I was able to hack a 7 speed freehub body and get an additional speed out of it by using a 9 speed cassette with the narrower spacing. Note that these older freehub bodies are 7 speed exclusive. They do not typically have the space to fit a larger cassette on them. To do this, I took a 9 Speed Dura Ace 11-23 cassette and I simply removed the final combination cog from the back, then...

Read more

How often do you wash your bike?

Latest post 2 months ago

Ciao. I know that some bike riders overexaggerate the 'cleaning part' and wash (or spray) their bikes at least once a week. I know, it's mandatory after a muddy trail ride. But I'm thinkging more about daily commuters. It gets dusty here and there, but how long is too long without a shower for a bike? For a bike that rides almost every day....

Read more

I made a video of what my bike is doing. Can someone please watch and help? https://youtu.be/NTu-831CuGM...

Read more

How to lubricate my bike's D-lock?

Latest post 2 months ago

Looking for advice. I have repeated problems with my D-lock sticking. I've used standard light bike oil which then leaks all over my hands when I handle the lock. I have some 3-in-one PTFE spray: would that be better?...

Read more

Hi everyone! I hope you're enjoying a great start to 2023. I'm curious to hear your go-to method for getting a chain truly clean. I don't mean, just looks shiny or is good enough for a quick clean after a ride. I want to know what you do when you want to get every last morsel of ground-up, link-destroying, roller-eating, tooth-gnashing crud out of your chain. The Best Chain-Cleaning Recipe Ever?...

Read more

Obviously, this doesn't speak for them all, but they certainly might fit! And not even just barely (as suggested by some sources), but with a lot of room to play with. This is another GT Tempest frame that I recently purchased. It's originally a 26" alloy touring bike. As you can see, there's lots of head room, and plenty of clearance to increase the tire size up to probably 38c—maybe even 40c....

Read more

hello I, I just bought a e-trike that has a shimano derailer: Tourney RD-FT35A , is there a higher quality replacement ? thanks tee...

Read more