Impossible to remove my front wheel :o

[Flupke]

I am a bit desperate as it appears impossible (at least for me) to remove my front wheel: it is completely blocked. I tried to put a bit of WD40, I used a pipe to extend the tool and have more force: no success. I just managed to deform the tool and I am afraid that my wheel axis is now a bit "round".

I am actually worried the axis would be "stuck" for good. I have no clue about the solution -. I must go to the bike shop but I really wonder what more they will be able to do.

Fyi it is a Cannondale Habit Neo 2.

 

[RustyMTB]

Have you tried undoing it from the other side if possible? Some axles are handed & only loosen from one side of the bike. Otherwise, I have had this happen to me. The maxle was under lubricated & electrolytic corrosion welded it to the hub. It had to be drilled out in the end.

 

[Rubinstein]

GENTLY apply heat If you have a heat gun or torch around the bolt area on both sides, not directly to the head. As I say GENTLY and slowly, it doesn’t take much to heat up that area. I maintain RC engines and it’s a trick to remove seized bearings from aluminium engine cases.

 

[Flupke]

Thanks a lot for the hints.

It requires an hexagonal tool that can only be used on one side.

I was scared about how strong had to try but a professional friend advised me to go really really strongly and not to worry if I hear (as I was) some sudden cracks: it is not an issue provided that the hexagonal part do not "jumb" 60° which is extremely rare.

I persisted in putting some WD40 on the end of the axis and finally managed. Really scary! I put some grease before mounting it back and did it carefully close it "by hand", not using too much strength.

 

[Rubinstein]

Sorted, well done. Might be worth changing the bolt if the end has been opened out where the tool fits

 

[Beaker2135]

GENTLY apply heat If you have a heat gun or torch around the bolt area on both sides, not directly to the head. As I say GENTLY and slowly, it doesn’t take much to heat up that area. I maintain RC engines and it’s a trick to remove seized bearings from aluminium engine cases.

Boiling water is usually enough when working on bikes and much safer than a heat gun or torch IMHO

 

[eMullet]

Hair dryer works fine. Doesn't make it so hot that something melts or paint takes damage.