AboutPat Palmer Expertise I feel I can answer most questions regarding the sport. I`m a registered Artistic Roller Skating Coach and have taught at various rinks for over 20 years. I coach competitive dance teams and teach anyone from the beginner skater to the very advanced skater.
Experience I'm a registered coach and have credentials from both the Roller Skating Association and
USA Roller Sports which is recgonized by the US Olympic Committee.
Expert: Pat Palmer Date: 6/27/2008 Subject: Change break from right to left
Question Dear Pat,
I saw your website when trying to find some help...
I've bought a Rollerblade Spark 4.0 women's training inline skate last week. I was quite excited about it, but found out, that I need to change the brake to the left skate (originally it is on the right...) I checked their website, but I got stuck. The rollerblade tool wasn't in the pack (what would be the three tools on it any way, maybe I have them at home...), there was only a spare screw, and an alan key... I had no problem removing the left rear wheel, but the right one, the one that has the brake on gives me a hard time. There is a plastic ring looking thing around the screw outside, on the break element. When I try to unscrew the screw, the whole thing just starts rotating around together with this plastic ring... I've tried to hold on to the other side of the screw, but it is not working...
They mention an inside screw on the rollerblade website that I didn't find... should I try to remove the plastic ring somehow? Is it just a cover? Is the inside screw underneath? I didn't want to break anything, so I thought I will ask you first, and would be grateful if you could help.
Thank you in advance
Eva (from Belfast UK)
Answer Hi Eva,
I think I found what you need. Here's a link that's on the Rollerblade website that has pictures and a description on how to remove the brake.
If you have trouble with the web site I've typed the instructions below.
1) Use the Rollerblade™ BladeTool™ or a 4mm Allen wrench to remove the inside screw of the rear wheel axle.
2) Then unscrew the axle from the outside of the rear wheel and remove the wheel from the frame.
3)Locate the metal pin that holds the upper arm of the brake housing to the frame. It can be found directly below the heel section of the shell.
4) Once the pin is free, the brake housing can be removed from the frame. At this time, a new brake housing can be installed or the rear wheel can be replaced to skate without a brake. A shorter axle will be needed if the brake housing is not used.
5) Using a nail and hammer, gently tap the pin out of the frame. Be careful to support the frame from underneath so as not to bend the frame.
