If you come across a suitcase with broken wheels, you may be tempted to throw it away. But in most cases, changing wheels is simple and convenient. As long as you know the make and wheel type of your suitcase, any amateur repairman can perform the replacement. Instead of buying new luggage, try replacing the wheels, which is easy and affordable. Check out this guide to learn how to replace screws and rivets on luggage wheels!

Be Prepared to Change Wheels

Wipe the wheels clean before replacing them. Sometimes wheels don’t work just because they’re stuck in dirt or debris. Clean the wheels with a damp cloth to see if there is anything stuck in the wheels and determine if they need to be replaced. After thoroughly cleaning the wheels and clearing out any stuck objects, the problem may be resolved.

• Even if it turns out the wheel is beyond repair, cleaning it will make it easier to replace it later without getting your hands dirty.

Turn the suitcase upside down on a flat surface. Find a flat place and place the suitcase in a stable position so you can work on it later – a table or workbench works well. Turn the suitcase over so the wheels are facing up so you can see better when changing clothes.

• If you’re out and about and have to change in an emergency, just leave the suitcase on the ground.

Determine whether the suitcase is secured with screws or rivets. Suitcases that are screwed and riveted have different methods of replacing wheels. Screw-mounted wheels are attached via small screws on both sides, while rivet-mounted wheels are attached via a bolt in the middle.

• Find out what type of wheel you have so you can buy the right repair materials.

Purchase wheels that are the same size and brand as your old wheels. If the wheel type is the same as the original one, it will fit better after replacement and will be smoother to use. If you’re not sure what type of wheels your suitcase has, you can ask the manufacturer.

• If the wheels you buy are of the wrong size, it may not be installed or the box may tilt.
• You can also use rollers instead of wheels. Look for rollers that are about the same size as your old wheels.

Replacing Screwed Wheels

Loosen the screws holding the wheels in place. Check the screws on the wheels. Use a screwdriver to remove the retaining screws. If the screws are not damaged, set them aside – your new wheel probably came with the screws, but you can use the original ones if needed.

• You may need to open the suitcase and unzip the lining to access the nuts that hold the screws in place.

Pull out the wheel clamp holding the wheel. After loosening the screws on the suitcase, there is a small metal wheel clamp on the bolt on both sides. It is usually located in the center of the wheel. Pull out the wheel clamp and bolt and place them next to the screws.

Remove the old wheels and replace them with new ones. Remove the old wheels and throw them away. Place the new wheel in the wheel well and test the position. Once it feels like it’s in place, you can secure the wheels to the suitcase.

• The wheel hole is the hole exposed after removing the old wheel.
• If the wheels feel too tight or too loose, they may be the wrong size.

Clamp and screw the wheels to the suitcase. Place the bolts on both sides of the wheel and secure the wheel clamps through the wheel. Use a screwdriver to screw all the screws back. Slide the suitcase back and forth to see if the new wheels work well. If they slide smoothly, the replacement is successful.

• If you feel the wheel is shaking, try tightening the screws. If it still shakes or cannot turn, you may have chosen the wrong wheel size.

Replacing Riveted Wheels

Wear goggles and ear protection. Replacing a riveted wheel requires a hacksaw. Before use, wear goggles to protect your eyes. If you have sensitive ears, wear earplugs or noise-canceling headphones.

• Of the two types of wheels, rivet-mounted wheels are more difficult to replace than screw-mounted wheels.

Use a hacksaw to completely remove the rivets from the suitcase. Use a hacksaw to cut off one end of the rivet. Use a screwdriver or your hands to separate the old rivets from the bearings or washers that hold them in place.

• Take the old suitcase wheels out of their wheel holes. Leave the bearings or washers behind and the wheel can be thrown away.
• Set the bearings and washers aside for use when installing the new wheels.

Install the original bearings into the new luggage wheels. Each wheel is equipped with a bearing. This will hold the wheel in place when you install it into the wheel hole.

Pack the new wheels into the trunk. Install the replacement wheel into the wheel hole, and then insert a screw about 5cm between the wheel and the bearing. Place a washer on each end of the screw for fastening.

Tighten the nuts and try the new wheel. Thread a nut into one end of the screw to secure the new wheel. Slide the suitcase back and forth on a flat surface to see the effect. If the suitcase slides smoothly, it’s a good fit.

• If the trunk is wobbly, try tightening the nuts a little. If the wheel won’t turn or still wobbles after tightening, the wheel may be the wrong size.
• But don’t tighten the nut too much, otherwise it may affect the rotation of the wheel.

Tips

• Some repair shops specialize in repairing luggage. If you’ve tried changing the wheels yourself but can’t do it, ask the repair shop staff if they can do it for you.
• Contact the manufacturer of your suitcase to find out what type of replacement wheels are available and the most appropriate replacement method.