If the front wheel on your FavoriteBikes StormX feels loose or wobbles while riding, especially during hard braking, the front axle nuts may need to be re-tightened.

This guide explains how to identify the loose side, adjust the inner axle nut, tighten the outer lock nut, and check that the axle rotates smoothly without side-to-side play.

Safety note: If you are not comfortable performing this adjustment, or if the wheel still feels loose after tightening, please stop riding and contact FavoriteBikes Support before riding.

Video link: https://youtu.be/sVl6v2fxU64

Tools Needed

You will need:

• One 15 mm open-end wrench, approximately 3 mm thick and at least 100 mm long
• One 17 mm open-end wrench, at least 100 mm long; thickness is not critical
• Protective gloves
• An alcohol wipe or lint-free cloth with a small amount of rubbing alcohol
• Optional: a torque wrench set to 15 Nm

Canada tool option: If you do not already have these tools, a metric super-thin open-end wrench set that includes both 15 mm and 17 mm sizes may work. Example: Amazon.ca super-thin metric wrench set. Please check the product size list before ordering, as Amazon listings and availability may change.

Wear gloves during the full process to protect your hands from the brake rotor.

Step 1: Identify Which Side Is Loose

Use the 15 mm wrench to hold the smaller inner nut in place. Then place the 17 mm wrench on the larger outer nut and gently test whether the outer nut is loose.

If that side is not loose, switch to the other side of the axle and repeat the same check.

Step 2: Loosen the Outer Nut Slightly

After locating the loose side, loosen the larger outer nut slightly, but do not remove it from the axle.

Step 3: Adjust the Inner Nut

Use the 15 mm wrench to hold and adjust the smaller inner nut. With your other hand, hold the opposite end of the axle, then turn the inner nut clockwise until it reaches the proper position.

The inner nut should not be too loose or too tight:

• If it is too loose, the axle may have side-to-side play.
• If it is too tight, the bearing may bind and the axle may not rotate smoothly.

The correct setting is when the axle can still rotate by hand, with slight resistance, but does not have noticeable play when moved side to side.

Step 4: Bring the Outer Nut Into Position

Use the 17 mm wrench to turn the larger outer nut until it is close to the smaller inner nut.

Do not over-tighten at this stage. Over-tightening may prevent the axle from rotating smoothly.

Step 5: Tighten the Outer Nut While Holding the Inner Nut Still

Use the 15 mm wrench to hold the smaller inner nut in place. While keeping the inner nut from turning, use the 17 mm wrench to tighten the larger outer nut.

Important: The smaller inner nut must stay still while the outer nut is tightened. If the inner nut turns with the outer nut, the axle may become too tight and may not rotate smoothly.

If you have a torque wrench, tighten the outer nut to approximately 15 Nm.

Step 6: Check Axle Movement

After tightening, rotate the axle by hand and check for both of the following:

• No side-to-side play or looseness
• Smooth rotation without binding or excessive resistance

A small amount of resistance while turning the axle by hand is normal. The axle should not feel stuck or locked.

Step 7: Repeat on the Other Side

Once the first side rotates smoothly and has no play, rotate the wheel 180 degrees and repeat the tightening process on the other outer nut.

Again, make sure the smaller inner nut does not turn while tightening the larger outer nut.

After tightening the second side, check axle movement again to confirm that there is no play and no binding.

Step 8: Clean the Brake Rotor

After the axle adjustment is complete, clean both sides of the brake rotor using an alcohol wipe or a lint-free cloth with a small amount of rubbing alcohol.

Pay special attention to the outer braking surface where the rotor contacts the brake pads.

When to Contact Support

Please contact FavoriteBikes Support before riding if:

• The front wheel still feels loose after adjustment
• The axle does not rotate smoothly
• The wheel has side-to-side play
• You are unsure whether the nuts are tightened correctly

When contacting support, please include a short video showing the axle or wheel movement so our team can review it.