Remove the wheel by loosening the axle nuts or quick-release lever
To remove a rear bicycle tire, you first have to remove the wheel from the frame. Flip your bike upside down so it rests on the handlebars and seat, or use a bike stand. This gives you space to work underneath.
If your bike has axle nuts (the most common setup on older or budget bikes), use a wrench that fits the nut on each side of the axle. Turn counterclockwise to loosen both nuts, then unscrew them by hand and set them aside. If your bike has a quick-release lever, flip the lever open and unscrew the opposite end a few turns until the wheel lifts free from the frame.
Before you pull the wheel out, shift the chain to the smallest cog on the cassette (the stack of gears on the rear wheel). This gives the derailleur — the mechanism that moves the chain — slack, so the wheel comes out without the chain catching.
Unhook the chain and pull the wheel free
With the chain on the smallest cog, pull the derailleur backward by hand to create more slack. Lift the wheel up and out of the frame, guiding the chain away from the cog as you go. The wheel should come free without force.
Set the wheel on the ground or a clean surface. The tire is now accessible, but the wheel is still attached to it. You will remove the tire from the wheel in the next steps.
Key Takeaways
- Loosen the axle nuts with a wrench or flip open the quick-release lever, then unscrew the opposite end a few turns until the wheel lifts free.
- Shift the chain to the smallest cog before removing the wheel so the derailleur has slack and the chain does not catch.
- Pull the derailleur backward by hand to create more room, then lift the wheel up and out of the frame.
- Once the wheel is out, you can remove the tire from the rim using tire levers to pry the bead away from the wheel.
- Deflate the tire completely before using tire levers, or the tire will be harder to pry free.
Deflate the tire completely before prying it off
Press the valve to release all air from the tire. If your bike has a Schrader valve (looks like a car tire valve), press the center pin. If it has a Presta valve (a thin, threaded valve), unscrew the top and press it to release air. Let all pressure out — a fully deflated tire is much easier to remove.
Once the tire is flat, the bead (the edge of the tire that sits on the rim) will have slack. This is when you use tire levers to separate the tire from the wheel.
Use tire levers to pry the tire bead away from the rim
Insert a tire lever — a flat plastic or metal tool — under the tire bead, about 6 inches away from the valve. Pry the bead up and over the rim edge. Slide the lever around the rim to loosen the entire bead on one side of the tire.
Once one bead is loose, you can usually pull the tire off by hand. If it is tight, use a second tire lever on the opposite side of the wheel and work your way around. Do not use a screwdriver or knife — these can puncture the rim tape or damage the rim itself.
After one side of the tire is off, the inner tube will be exposed. You can now remove the tube by pulling it out from under the tire. The tire itself can stay on the rim or come off completely, depending on what repair or replacement you are doing.
Remove the inner tube and inspect the tire
Once one bead is loose, reach under the tire and pull the inner tube out. Start at the valve and work your way around the rim. The tube should come free without resistance.
Before you reinstall or replace the tire, inspect the inside of the tire for thorns, glass, or sharp objects that may have caused a puncture. Run your fingers carefully along the inside surface, or wipe it with a rag. If you find debris, remove it. If the tire itself has a large cut or the sidewall is damaged, the tire will need to be replaced rather than patched.
Reinstall the tire and tube or install new ones
If you are patching the inner tube, do that now and let the patch cure for the time the patch kit specifies. If you are installing a new tube, inflate it slightly so it holds its shape, then tuck it under the tire bead all the way around the rim, starting at the valve.
Once the tube is in place, push the tire bead back onto the rim by hand, working your way around. Start opposite the valve and work toward it last — the valve hole is the tightest fit. If the tire is very tight, use your palms to roll the bead onto the rim rather than pinching with your fingers, which can pinch the tube.
Inflate the tire to the pressure printed on the sidewall. Check that the bead is seated evenly on both sides of the rim before you fully inflate — an uneven bead can cause the tire to wear unevenly or fail.
Reinstall the wheel on the frame
Guide the wheel back into the frame, threading the chain onto the smallest cog first. Make sure the derailleur is pulled back enough that the chain sits on the cog without tension. Lower the wheel into the dropouts (the slots on the frame where the axle sits).
If your bike has axle nuts, thread them onto the axle by hand first, then tighten them with a wrench. Tighten both sides evenly so the wheel sits straight. If your bike has a quick-release lever, close the lever and check that the wheel is snug. If it is loose, open the lever and screw the opposite end a quarter turn tighter, then close the lever again.
Spin the wheel to make sure it does not rub on the brake pads or frame. Flip the bike right-side up and test the brakes before riding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need special tools to remove a rear tire?
You need a wrench if your bike has axle nuts, and tire levers to pry the tire bead off the rim. Tire levers are inexpensive plastic tools sold at any bike shop. A wrench is likely already in your toolbox. If your bike has a quick-release lever, you do not need any tools at all.
What is the difference between a Schrader and Presta valve?
A Schrader valve looks like a car tire valve and has a removable center pin. A Presta valve is thin and threaded, with a small cap you unscrew. Most road bikes use Presta valves; most mountain and hybrid bikes use Schrader. Your pump must match your valve type, or you will not be able to inflate the tire.
Can I remove the tire without removing the wheel from the frame?
No. The tire sits on the rim, and the rim is part of the wheel. You must remove the wheel from the frame first to access the tire. Trying to pry the tire off while the wheel is still on the frame will damage the frame or brake components.
What should I do if the tire bead is stuck and will not come off?
Make sure the tire is fully deflated — even a small amount of air pressure will make the bead tight. If it is still stuck, let the tire sit for a few minutes so the rubber relaxes. You can also try working a tire lever around the entire rim to loosen the bead gradually rather than forcing one spot.
How tight should the axle nuts be when I reinstall the wheel?
Tighten the axle nuts until the wheel does not move side to side, but do not over-tighten — you should not need to strain with the wrench. A good test is that you cannot move the wheel with your hand, but you can still spin it freely. If you over-tighten, the bearings inside the hub can be damaged.