Installing the cassette is yet another bike maintenance task every cyclist should know. It’s an easy task that only takes a few minutes to get done.
This article covers the step-by-step installation of Shimano cassettes. The same steps can be used for SRAM, Campagnolo, SunRace, and SunTour.
Tools needed :
- Lockring removal tool (cassette tool)
- Adjustable wrench / 24mm wrench
- Torque wrench with 40Nm setting
How to install a Shimano cassette
- Ensure the freehub body and cassette are clean.
- Apply a thin layer of grease to the freehub splines.
- Insert the cassette into the freehub body. Take note of the spline’s width and insert the cogs accordingly.
- As you continue to insert the cogs, don’t forget to insert spacers. If the cogs are touching each other, you’ll need a spacer to separate them.
- Gently screw the lockring in once all the cogs are inserted. Make sure the lockring is threaded properly, and don’t use excessive force.
- Handtight the lockring.
- Insert the lockring removal tool into the freehub.
- Set the torque wrench to 40Nm and continue to tighten until you hear a click.
- If you don’t have a torque wrench, an adjustable wrench will do the job. Tighten until you feel a click.
- Give it another slight push until you feel another 1 or 2 clicks.
- Visually inspect the cassette to make sure all the cogs are installed correctly. A common mistake is to have the cog facing the wrong way. The cog-size engraving should be facing you.
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