How to Replace a Wheel Rim
Learn how to replace a worn out wheel rim (rim transfer).
In this tutorial we will learn how to replace a worn out rim. This repair is often called a rim transfer.
What You’ll Need
For this job you will need an appropriately sized spoke wrench, a wheel truing stand, an optional nipple driver, waterproof grease and a toothpick, linseed oil, rim tape, and some tape or zip ties to fasten the rims together. You’ll also need a replacement rim. The new rim must be the exact same size and spoke count as your old rim.
Grease Spoke Holes
Using a dab of grease on a toothpick, grease all of the spoke holes on the new rim. You’ll only need a tiny bit. This helps the nipples turn easier when you’re tensioning the wheel.
De-tension Old Wheel
Next you’ll need to loosen all of the old spoke nipples. The safest way to do this is to start at the valve hole and loosen all of the spokes by turning clockwise 1/4 turn each. Repeat this step until all of the spokes in the wheel are de-tensioned but still attached.
Attach New Rim
Tape or zip-tie the new rim to the old rim in 2 places directly across from each other. Make sure that the valve hole and placement of the spoke holes in the rims match up exactly.
Transfer Spokes
One at a time, you’ll need to move each spoke from one side of the wheel over to the new rim. Turning counter-clockwise, unthread each nipple from the old rim and place a drop of linseed oil inside the nipple threads. This will keep the nipples tight while still allowing them to be turned in the future. Move the spoke over to the corresponding hole on the new rim. Thread the nipple on most of the way, but leave 2 spoke threads showing.
Once all of the spokes on the first side of the wheel are transferred, repeat the process and transfer the spokes on the other side of the wheel, until all of the spokes have been threaded onto the new rim.
True and Tension Spokes
You can now undo the tape or zip-ties and remove the old rim. Starting at the valve hole, tighten all of the nipples by turning each 1/4 turn counter-clockwise, all the way around the wheel. Repeat this until all of the spokes are fairly tight, and then tension and true the wheel. See the video titled how to true a wheel. In the next video we’ll learn how to properly tension your spokes.
Related Links
Recommended Tools
- Park Tool SW Spoke Wrenches
- Park Tool TS-2.2 Home Truing Stand
- Park Tool Nipple Driver
- Park Tool TM-1 Spoke Tension Meter
Categories
Discuss this topic in the Bicycle Repairs and Mechanics Forum
Broken Bottom Bracket
Latest post 18 hours agoAfter 6,000 or so touring miles, the bottom bracket on my Trek 920 broke. Does anyone know what is compatible for a replacement? If I were to choose to replace the entire drive train, what would be compatible? Finally, if I were to replace the drive train, should I go with a 1x for gravel?...
Read moreMavic XM319
Latest post 3 days agoHello. I have a Mavic XM 319 rear wheel with a 10 speed Shimano/SRAM free hub which I want to convert to 11 speed. Which replacement free hub do I need and will it fit/work? Understand Mavic uses a particular freehub/pawls arrangement so I want to get it right....
Read moreCan't center front hydraulic break caliper
Latest post 1 week agoMy dad gave me his Scalpel 29 4 2013 and I've been working to get it to a good riding state since it sat unused for a long time and the challenge I'm struggling with is disc brakes rubbing. I learned to gravity bleed the brakes, and in the process I cleaned the bike, the calipers and equipped it with new shimano disc rotors and pads (my dad had uberbike ones, they were a little rusted and I wante...
Read moreShimano TZ replacement/adapter
Latest post 2 weeks ago20240529_144516.jpg (Size: 40.86 KB / Downloads: 36) 20240731_104315.jpg (Size: 52.87 KB / Downloads: 35) 20240731_104315.jpg (Size: 52.87 KB / Downloads: 35) Hi All: I have been using Shimano and VGsports freewheels on my ebike to get a 34t low gear. The gearing is cool but these hubs suck for beach work, one little splash of salt water and they ar...
Read moreHow should a wheel hub feel turning?
Latest post 2 weeks agoHello, I'm new here, my dad has given me his 2013 Scalpel 29 4 since he no longer rides and I'm gradually learning how to maintain it because it feels like a bike well worth learning repairs and maintenance for. I'm slowly figuring out what it does and doesn't need to have maintained, what has and hasn't stayed in good condition in the time since he used it. While doing some unrelated work (takin...
Read moreSchwinn Meridian (Adult Trike) Back Wheels Stopped Turning
Latest post 2 weeks agoHi all, I just got a Schwinn Meridian Trike and went on a nice short uneventful ride today - it worked well - and then after doing something else for a bit, I got back on the bike and the pedals wouldnt turn the rear 2 wheels. Both chains seem to be attached and turning, but for some reason the front chain isn’t moving the rear 2 wheels. I don’t understand what could’ve possibly happened. D...
Read moreSturmey gearing.
Latest post 2 weeks agoHi ... the Sheldon bike calculator does not address changing a 3 speed hub input gear that I could find. Example: 34t crank - 24t input 3 speed - 22t output 3 speed - 28t cassette. I'm getting nowhere trying to juggle 4 gears. Can someone help this tired old biker? Thanks, Zene...
Read moreBottom bracket
Latest post 2 weeks agoI have Shimano BB -UN72 mm110. I’m sure it’s British thread. What is a compatible shimano part number....
Read moreTrike drive.
Latest post 2 weeks agoHi ... odd question, but is there any difference between rear adult trike wheel right or left wheel drive? All are right, but I have the keyway to do either. Not sure why right, must be a good reason. I tend to travel around town counterclockwise. Left drive seems as if it would be better. Thanks, Zene...
Read moreE-Bike Power Goes OUT
Latest post 2 weeks agoI have had a ViVi MT20 e-bike for over a year.I recently changed the worn out brake pads. With a fully charged battery, I rode on throttle only for about a mile. After that, the power went completely out. I turned the key on and off. The LED lights came back on. I twisted the throttle and went about 10 feet and the bike completely shut off.again. Any idea what might be the problem? Thank you!...
Read moreSingle speed conversion issue
Latest post 1 month agoFirst post, be gentle. I'm in the process of converting a 2019(ish) Trek FX 2 Disc to a single speed. I'm using the DMR revolver kit in the back and up front I bought a Shimano Nexus FC-C6000 crankset. I bought it on eBay but I feel like it may be a European model because I never see it on US sites. I removed the derailers, changed the shifter/brake combos to just brakes (Shimano Sora) and re...
Read moreFreehub pawls or ratchet : Grease or oil?
Latest post 1 month agoHi guys. What are your thoughts on putting heavy viscosity oil on a freehub pawls? Would it work better than using grease?...
Read moreUpgrading The Vilano Diverse 3.0 DriveTrain
Latest post 2 months agoI bought this Vilano Hybrid in 2020 as my “old person’s Chinese Cheapie”. It was - (and is) - FAR from equaling the “serious” bikes that I owned back in the 1990’s. The first Trek I had was a gorgeous blue road bike - worthy of all the gawkers it inspired. My Klein Pro Race MTB was the finest all-round “terrain-chewing animal” I ever mounted. It never failed. It never said...
Read moreSchwinn meridian fork replacement
Latest post 2 months agoHi I want to replace the fork on my dads schwinn meridian. I’m looking for one with suspension. What size is the fork I should buy? I been looking on internet for the fork size but couldn’t find anything. Thanks in advance...
Read moreNBD: 2004 Brompton 6 speed
Latest post 2 months agoNBD (New Brompton Day) As my other Brompton is going to need a full restoration, I bought a newer version. This is a 2004 6 speed with rack. It has the Sachs/SRAM 3pd rear hub and Brompton 2sp gear cluster. 449871542_464409869643387_6008118043075040837_n.jpg (Size: 201.62 KB / Downloads: 13) Was in pretty good condition when I got it, with everything mechanically running quite w...
Read more
