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First Spree - the Front wheel is wobbling and seems off center suggestions?

Posted: Sun Mar 31, 2019 7:52 pm
by huck271
I just bought a 1986 Spree and it seems to run great, the breaks squeak so might need new pads or to be cleaned. The only issue (so far) is that the front wheel wobbles a bit and when i look closely it appears to be off center. It seems to have a large spacer on one side not sure if this is the issue or something else. The forks don't seem bent or anything, possibly the wheel itself? Any help is appreciated.

Jason
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Re: First Spree - the Front wheel is wobbling and seems off center suggestions?

Posted: Sun Mar 31, 2019 9:24 pm
by huck271
After further inspection definitely seems like the wheel is warped. I bought a used wheel off ebay hopefully that one is straight. Is a warped wheel a common problem?

Re: First Spree - the Front wheel is wobbling and seems off center suggestions?

Posted: Mon Apr 01, 2019 12:51 am
by Meatball
Bent wheels happen occasionally. Maybe from a boo boo hitting a curb or something. Ive actually straightened a wheel or two by pulling the wheel off and using the axle to spin it in my hand to try and pinpoint the warp. If the warp is in the outermost rim/tire area...the wheel is done. However, mine have always simply been a tweaked “spoke” if you will. Its the 3 steel supporting members that connect the center hub to the outer circle.

Once I locate the tweaked spoke (some are so bad it can be spotted by eye) I use a variety of wood chunks or an axe handle and force it back to where I think it should be. Anything to jam in there and bend it straight. A series of small tweaks and test spins got them spinning nice and true after a few minutes. Even if its not 100% perfect, a slight wobble isnt noticed while going 25-30 on a Spree.

Re: First Spree - the Front wheel is wobbling and seems off center suggestions?

Posted: Mon Apr 01, 2019 12:54 am
by Meatball
Quick question: have you recently replaced the tube in your front tire?

Re: First Spree - the Front wheel is wobbling and seems off center suggestions?

Posted: Mon Apr 01, 2019 8:58 am
by noiseguy
Bent front wheels are pretty common. Sometimes means fork is bent too, so you should check that. You can see the wobble by putting the bike on stand and rolling front wheel; it will have a spot where it goes to one side or other, consistently on same spot. I've had little luck fixing bent wheels...

That spacer opposite brake... that look large to anyone else? Does the wheel slip into the fork or are you having to press the legs apart to get it in?