fashop1
Coach Class
Joined: 07/12/07
Posts: 13 |
Wheel Replacement
09/21/07 1:12 PM
The first step in replacing your luggage wheels is to make sure that you have luggage that has wheels that can be replaced. Ideally, your luggage will have a wheel housing that is easily removed by removing one or two screws. Most Travelpro styles are built this way. If your luggage is riveted together or if you have wheels that are not supported on both sides with the housing, then replacing the wheels might not be as easy as you think and you might have to order a wheel assembly from the manufacturer. Since The Flight Attendant Shop deals mainly with Travelpro FlightCrew2, then that is to what these instructions will be tailored.
Step 1.
Remove the small screws that hold the wheel housing to the bag. These are usually small screws in close proximity to the wheel, not the larger screws that hold the corner piece to the bag.
Use a minimal amount of downward pressure when removing the screw. There is a nut on the backside that is embedded in the plastic of the corner piece and you do not want to push that nut out of its place.
Step 2.
After removing the screws, pull the housing away from the corner piece and push out the axle.
Step 3.
After pushing out the axle, remove the old wheel from the housing. If your wheels are in serious need of replacement, then the wheel will probably just fall out with the bearings in many pieces. If your bearings were that bad, then you will want to check the housing for any damage caused by the overheated axle. In some cases, you will need new housings which you can order from Travelpro at 800-741-7471. Refer to the appropriate parts catalog at www.travelpro-atlantic-retailers.com/partscatalogs.html so you can tell the CSR what parts you need.
Step 4.
Assemble your new wheels. The bearings will usually already be on the wheels. Just place a plastic bushing on both sides of the wheel, insert the wheel into the housing, and push the axle back in. If there is excessive space between the bushing and the side of the housing, you can use the spacers as needed.
If you are installing lighted wheels, it is very important that the wheel fits snugly in the housing. You should use at least one spacer to accomplish this. It is this pressure that ensures that the magnet rotates around the axle at all times.
Step 5.
Re-attach the housing to the corner piece. Again, use minimal pressure when replacing the screws so you don’t push the nut out of place. You are now ready for smooth rolling!
In the event you push out the nut, you will have to unzip the liner of the bag and find the nut. It may still be seated in its place, but not aligned right. In that case, try to get it realigned. You may have to do some cutting of the plastic to get to the nut if it is severely out of place. Long-nosed pliers will come in handy here. Using the pliers, hold the nut in place while you put the screw back in.
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