How to replace a bike cassette

• Chain whip or cassette pliers
• Cassette removal tools (socket-style or complete tool)
• Torque wrench (optional)
• Grease (optional)
• Cleaning cloth (optional)

Do you have everything you need to replace your cassette? Let’s get started!

1. Shift the chain onto the smallest chainring at the front and the smallest sprocket on the cassette.
2. If your bike has rim brakes, open the brake caliper using the quick release.
3. Remove the quick release or thru axle. On very old bikes, you may need to loosen the axle nuts with a wrench.
4. Pull the rear derailleur cage slightly back and lift the rear wheel out of the frame.

Expert tip: Do not operate disc brakes with the rear wheel removed. Without a rotor in place, the brake pads can be pressed together unintentionally and may need to be reset before reinstalling the wheel. Using a pad spacer helps prevent this.

1. Place the rear wheel on the ground in front of you so it’s stable and easy to work on.
2. Position the chain whip on one of the larger sprockets so it holds the cassette in place opposite the freewheeling direction.
3. Insert the lockring tool into the cassette lockring. Hold the chain whip firmly with one hand and turn the lockring tool counterclockwise with the other to loosen the lockring.
4. Once the lockring is removed, slide the cassette off the freehub body. Remove any spacers located behind the cassette as well.
5. Clean any dirt or old grease from the freehub body and the spacers.

1. Apply a thin layer of grease to the freehub body to help prevent creaking noises later on.
2. Reinstall any spacers onto the freehub body, if required.
3. You’ll see guide splines on the freehub body that match the inner profile of the cassette. One spline is narrower than the others. Align the narrow groove on the cassette with the narrow spline on the freehub body, then slide the cassette fully into place.
4. Thread the cassette lockring in by hand, turning it clockwise.
5. Place the lockring tool onto the lockring and tighten it to the manufacturer’s recommended torque.

Expert Tip: If you’re working with a threaded freewheel, simply screw it onto the hub axle clockwise. Pedaling will tighten it automatically during your first ride.