Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Prepare your case for the replacement
• Method 2 of 3: Replace screwed wheels
• Method 3 of 3: Replace nailed wheels
• Tips
• Warnings
• Necessities
• Replace screwed wheels
• Replace nailed wheels

If your suitcase has a broken wheel, you may be tempted to throw it away. In most cases, however, it is quick and easy to replace a wheel. As long as the suitcase brand and wheel type are known, any amateur handyman can replace a wheel. Try to replace the wheel instead of throwing your suitcase away, it's a cheaper solution!

To step

Method 1 of 3: Prepare your case for the replacement

1. Wipe the wheels before replacing them. Sometimes a wheel does not work because it is full of dirt. Clean the wheel with a damp cloth and look for anything that might get stuck in the wheel before replacing it. A good cleaning and removing any obstructions from the wheels may correct the problem.
   • Washing the wheels also ensures that you have a clean work surface if you do need to replace them.
2. Place your suitcase upside down on a flat surface. Choose a surface that your suitcase can lie flat on while you work on it - a table or desk is ideal. Turn your suitcase over so that the wheels are facing up so you can see the wheels while you are working on it.
   • If you need to make an emergency replacement on the way, you can also put the suitcase on the floor.
3. Determine if your suitcase has screws or nails. Bolted and nailed wheels are replaced in various ways. Bolt-on wheels are attached with small screws on each side, while nailed wheels are nailed down the center.
   • Knowing what kind of wheels you have will help you buy the right replacement materials.
4. Buy a wheel of the same brand and size as the old one. The replacement wheel is best attached and will work best if it matches the original wheel. If you are unsure which wheel model your suitcase has, please contact the manufacturer for more information.
   • Buying the wrong size can make installation impossible or cause the case to tip over due to uneven wheel sizes.
   • You can also use inline skate wheels as alternative replacement wheels. Look for inline wheels that are roughly the same size as the old wheel.

Method 2 of 3: Replace screwed wheels

1. Unscrew the screws that hold the wheel in place. Use a screwdriver to loosen the screws securing the wheel. When the screws are undamaged, set them aside. While the replacement wheel will likely come with screws, you can use the old one if needed.
2. Push aside the clamp that secures the wheel to the trunk. Once you've loosened the wheel, the wheel should still be secured with a small metal clamp. This has a bolt on both sides. Pull out the clamp bolts and set them aside, near the screws.
   • The clamp should be in the center of the wheel.
3. Remove the old wheel and replace it with the new wheel. Take out the old wheel and throw it away. Place the new wheel in the recess and test the placement. When it seems to be in place, you can screw the wheel to the case.
   • The recess for the wheel is the hole left after you remove the parent wheel.
   • If the wheel seems to be too tight or loose, you may have selected the wrong wheel size.
4. Clamp and screw the wheel to the case. Reinstall the bolts on both sides of the wheel and install the clamp to secure them. Then use the screwdriver to tighten the screws back into place. Test the new wheel by rolling the case back and forth - if it glides smoothly, you've replaced the wheel correctly.
   • If the wheel seems to wobble, try tightening the screws a bit. If it still wobbles or doesn't move, you may have chosen the wrong size.

Method 3 of 3: Replace nailed wheels

1. Put on safety glasses and hearing protection. Nailed wheels should be replaced using a hacksaw. Before using a hacksaw, put on safety glasses to protect your eyes. If you have sensitive ears, put on earplugs or put on noise isolating headphones.
   • Nailed wheels are more difficult to remove than bolted wheels.
2. Cut completely through the nail with the hacksaw. Cut through the end of the nail with the hacksaw. Use your hands or a screwdriver to pull apart the old nail and the bearings or washers that hold the old wheel in place.
   • Also remove the old trunk wheel from the recess. You can throw away the wheel, unlike the bearings or washers.
   • Set the bearings and washers aside for use when installing the new wheel.
3. Place the old bearings on the new wheel. Place one bearing on each side of the wheel. These will help keep the wheel in place while you mount it in the recess.
4. Place the new wheel on the case. Place the replacement wheel in the recess, then slide a 5 cm screw through the wheel and bearings. Place a washer on both sides to keep it in place.
5. Tighten the nut and test the new wheel. Screw a nut onto the end of the screw to secure the new wheel in place. Test the wheel by rolling the case back and forth on a flat surface. If the suitcase glides smoothly, you have the right wheel for your suitcase.
   • If the case wobbles too much, you can try tightening the nut further. If the wheel can't move or still wobbles after tightening, you may be the wrong size.

Tips

• If you've tried to replace the wheels on your suitcase but don't want it to work, you can go to a shop that repairs suitcases. Contact local repair shops to find out if they can replace the wheels for you.
• Contact the case manufacturer for more information on the type of the replacement wheel and the best replacement method.

Warnings

• Avoid overcrowding your suitcase to prevent further damage to the wheels and future replacements.

Necessities

Replace screwed wheels

• Screws
• Screwdriver
• Clamp
• Bolt
• Replacement wheel

Replace nailed wheels

• Safety glasses
• Earplugs or noise isolating headphones
• Hacksaw
• Screws
• Nuts
• Replacement wheel