Spokes Keep Getting Loose

GoldenMotor.com

Tyler6357

Well-Known Member
Mar 15, 2012
1,293
294
83
Santa Barbara, CA
Hey everyone! I have a 2 stroke, China girl, center mount direct drive, 69cc. My spokes on my rear rim keep getting loose and I have to keep retightening them to get the wheel true again. I'm using a sprocket adapter so I'm not using the rag joint set up. It must be caused by the torque or the vibrations. My wheel is just a basic 26" rim with 36 spokes, 7 speed cassette mountain bike wheel, I don't have double sided rims or anything. I'm using a rubber rim strip on the inside already.
To solve this I was thinking of using blue locktite on the spoke threads, getting it true and then letting it dry but I'm wondering if doing this is a waste of time? Has anyone tried this or possibly come up with another solution? I have plenty of grease on my bearings and axle.

drn2
 
Last edited:

sbest

Member
Nov 3, 2015
343
2
18
Nova Scotia
Don't do the locktite!
It is not the threads moving, it is stretch and strain.
Do not over tighten, that will not help.

Steve
 

Venice Motor Bikes

Custom Builder / Dealer/Los Angeles
Mar 20, 2008
7,266
1,797
113
Los Angeles, CA.
Actually, the Loctite is a good idea!!
Many professional wheel builders use a special 'glue' on the spoke threads to keep them from getting loose.
 

Kioshk

Active Member
Oct 21, 2012
1,152
10
38
Connecticut
Do some research on "linseed oil". I personally haven't needed to treat my nipples (tee hee), but I wouldn't recommend LocTite since you'll have a ***** of a time getting the wheel trued after it sets. I hear that linseed dries tacky, and is ideal for lightly locking spoke-nipples. In my experience though, it's boiled down to multiple minor adjustments and patience. Once the spokes are properly balanced, they have a tendency to stay-put.
 

Tyler6357

Well-Known Member
Mar 15, 2012
1,293
294
83
Santa Barbara, CA
Ok, I will do some more research on it. I was thinking of replacing the nipples with a slightly different style ones I have from an old wheel and see if I have better luck but I will look into the linseed oil too. I was going to use the blue loctite which they describe as a medium bond. It's good to know some pros do it though, I'm sure I'm on the right track. Thank you!