How to Replace Luggage Wheels

Convenience is the feature that man seeks in every product. It is convenient to carry your luggage, if it has wheels, isn't it? A broken luggage wheel can spoil a visit to your favorite holiday spot. Broken luggage wheels are a very common sight (thanks to the airline staff). If you do not replace the wheels, you cannot even think of carrying heavy luggage! Replacing luggage wheels is not a difficult task, but if you do not fix it right, then you will surely end up breaking the replaced wheels too, and you may also damage your luggage set.

Replacing Luggage Wheels

Examination of the existing luggage wheels will be a precursor to the replacement process. You should examine the wheels, and infer whether they can be replaced by you. Proceed only if you are sure that you can replace the wheels. Once you are certain, follow the steps mentioned below:

Removing the Wheels
The first step is to remove the existing wheels. Take a screwdriver (or any other tool you will need), and remove the wheels. If screws are stuck, then spray WD-40 on them, and try to loosen them after some time (you will be able to remove the wheels easily). You will need these wheels, when you order the new wheels. Once you have removed the wheels successfully, go to the next step.

Choosing the Right Wheels
In order to "replace", you should get new wheels for your luggage. The new wheels should be with respect to the model of your luggage. If you end up buying the wrong wheels, then you will have trouble when you try to fit them. So, I advise you to carry the old wheels when you go to buy the new ones. This will make things easier for you and the storekeeper. If you want to purchase it online, see that you state the right wheel measurements, while ordering.

Note: Buy high quality wheels, else you will have to go through the replacement process frequently.

Attaching the Wheels
Now, that you have brought the new wheels for your luggage, the next task it to attach the wheels. Here you will need the same tool(s) which you used to remove the old wheels. Now take the luggage, and carefully install the new wheels. See that you do not apply too much pressure while attaching the wheels, or else you'll damage them. This is the most important step, you should be patient here.

Inspecting the Wheels
This is the final step of the replacement process. Most of the people ignore this step, and end up damaging their luggage. Check whether the wheels are properly fastened (see that they do not wobble). After you are done with that, check the direction of the wheels. If the wheels are not properly aligned, you will have trouble in carrying your luggage, also check whether the wheels move smoothly. Once you ensure that there are no problems, you are done with the replacement!

Sometimes, you may find that the wheels are attached in such a way that it cannot be replaced (not even at the repair shop); in such cases, you should approach the manufacturer to find a solution to your problem.

I recommend you to inspect the wheels on your luggage, before you embark upon your travel, this will reduce the probability of them being damaged on the trip. As I mentioned earlier, replacing the luggage wheels might seem an easy task, and thus you are prone to make careless mistakes. Always remember, even if the task is small, you should be dedicated while doing it, to get the best result!