Calling Wheel Builders. Replacing a single spoke method.

[CoolC]

Following on from my snapped spoke thread, the replacement arrived today, so this evenings job is to sort that.

Having not replaced a single spoke before (only ever replaced a hub, a LONG time ago) what is the "best" method?

Slack off all the other spokes a single turn, replace broken spoke, tighten and adjust until true?

Just replace the broken spoke, then true up?

Completely strip the wheel and start from scratch?

Another method?

Any tips on reducing the swear count?

[gazza285]

Just replace and true-up.

[AyBee]

gazza285 said:

Just replace and true-up.

This. Then give the wheel a squeeze!

[CoolC]

A squeeze? how do you mean?

[upsidedownmark]

Work around the wheel putting your hands through the spokes around about where they cross and squeeze spokes from opposing sides together then release. You're just trying to settle the wheel down.. usually it wants a bit of a tweak after this step just to bring it fully true.

[AyBee]

upsidedownmark said:

Work around the wheel putting your hands through the spokes around about where they cross and squeeze spokes from opposing sides together then release. You're just trying to settle the wheel down.. usually it wants a bit of a tweak after this step just to bring it fully true.

Basically just trying to flex the wheel enough to settle the spokes (the other way is to squeeze the whole wheel against your stomach/legs and work your way around) so that you relieve the tension in the spokes that have been carrying the load of the one that snapped and avoid snapping another one shortly afterwards.

[CoolC]

Ah gotcha!

Just about to have my tea, then off to the garage for a swear

[CoolC]

All done.

One issue was that once the spoke was getting tight it was rotating with the nipple.

All sorted now though, and the wheel is well within 1mm of true. Good enough for me.

[upsidedownmark]

Trick there is either a bit of tape or just hold it lightly between your fingers; it will rotate so far, twisting the spoke as it goes, then (the spoke will) stop turning - you then count the number of turns you want to put into it, then turn it backwards enough to unwind the twist you put in at step 1 (otherwise it will unwind it's self in use and go out of true)

Unless you meant it's a straight pull which is spinning at both ends, then I don't know - I've always built with j bend spokes.

[CoolC]

Yes, straight pull.

I was able to put a piece of tape around the spoke and use some smooth jawed pliers to hold it steady. Once it had a couple more turns it was tight enough to stay put.

It was an OE Shimano spoke with some thread lock on it. In hindsight it would probably have been better to remove that before assembly.