From my own experience, replacing wheels is not always as straight forward as this video would imply. I too replaced the wheels on one of my favourite bags by picking up a set of new wheels at a local sporting goods store. They had a wide selection of wheels of all sizes, so I simply took my old wheels with me to make sure I got a match. I was lucky in that access to the mounting mechanisms was relatively easy. The original wheels fell apart on only my second trip. By using high-quality inline skate wheels, I've since used the bag for 6 years (lots of international travel) and the replacement wheels seem to be as good as the day I installed them. I'm not so lucky on another bag that recently had a broken wheel. That is because access to the wheels (and the axle ends) is hampered by plastic housing covers. (The manufacturers use these covers to make the bag more cosmetically appealing, hiding the wheels as much as possible.) That is, not all suitcase wheels have easy access to the mounting points. These plastic covers can be a problem during both dis-assembly and reassembly, especially if you want the repair to be "invisible". You might be forced to "mutilate" some of the plastic covers to get the job done. In other cases, the plastic covers over the wheels are riveted into place. It usually takes an electric drill to get the old rivets out without harming the plastic covers. Once they are out, you can usually find some flat-headed nuts and bolts to replace them. The bottom line is this... If the wheels/axles are out in the open (as in this video) wheel replacement will be easy. If the bag has plastic covers over the wheels (making the wheels less visible) you may meet more challenges that you expected in replacing the wheels.
+Cool Blue Ice Just one more thought to add to my previous comment... Wheels are only as good as their bearings. That was the problem with my first suitcase... The bearings themselves actually disintegrated. So when I replaced the wheels, I thew in a new set of high-quality bearings as well. I think that was a big factor in the new wheels lasting six years (and still going strong.) Most bag manufacturers use both low-quality wheels and bearings. If you really like your bag and want the repair to last, invest just a little money in quality bearings as well as wheels. You won't regret the decision.
Thank you Carey, your video was very helpful. I use suitcases to transport beverages for my vending machines, and the skate wheels that come with suitcases eventually break under the heavy weight. I used your approach, hack sawed off the old wheels, purchased two heavy duty caster wheels, two bolts, and used the lock nuts that came with the caster wheels. It only cost me around $18.00. A luggage repair shop would have charged me $80.
Great help, thanks! I used this info to repair my old Samsonite Stowe bag where the outer plastic on the wheel had split. Replacement wheels used were Tron 68mm 84a Outdoor wheels (although I'd say you could go up to 72mm). Even though I purchased Tron ABEC 9 bearings I reused the 4 original bearings as they had a couple of MM spacer either side for a better fit. I replaced the Axle with a M6x45mm Cap Screw with Socket Head coupled with lock nuts. Take care not to tighten too much to ensure the wheels spin freely. I had to drill out some space on the inner plastic cover for refitting to allow for the new wider "axles" as the original axle was fairly flat (my bag did not have the external screw and nut setup as shown in this video). 2x Wheels A$12 on sale, Screws and Nuts A$6
Thank you ! Good Video ! I love it ! My suitcase was still under warranty. But . I decide to replace the 2 weels that have to work the hardest with in line roller-skate weels.
I've got the same luggage Samsonite Silhouette from around 2003, that I hardly used--maybe 6 times. This last time when moving it from the garage to storage, the plastic outter part of the left wheel broke off, leaving a small inner wheel, now the bag is lopsided when rolling. The rest of the bag is like new! This bag is 22 inches high, but over the limit for carry on when you add the wheels. Your video is awesome and when i have time to pick up a couple of spare rollerblade wheels, I will give this a try. Thanks!
Awesome, and here I was considering sending it in for repairs ($50+!) or buying new. I'm going to go for the high ABEC rating on the wheels so I can get an even faster suitcase on the straightaways :-).
no se debe usar la sierra,solo qitar el remache con una broca de 8,5-o de 9 ,solo el remache ,unos 4 cetrimetros, y sale el remache gol pe ando el remache.
Hi Carey, great Video. Any suggestions on how to fix the Stabilizing leg of a suitcase? If unsure what I mean, it's basically the two front legs that allow for the suit case to stay upright when not wheeling it. The leg cracked a bit while in transit. Thx!
Thanks for the helpful video! I want to leave a note for future viewers that it is EXTREMELY difficult to replace the wheels on a Swiss Gear Wenger Patriot rolling 2-piece briefcase. I've had mine for 5 years and just love it. It is my daily "driver" and has taken much abuse from rolling through dirt to bouncing down stairs. The case, itself, is still perfect. The zippers work and the fabric is still great. Even the handle still works perfectly. However, the wheel bearings finally gave out. They wobble and skid. Sometimes they squeal so loud it's embarrassing. Being very handy and good at almost any DIY project, I purchased wheels and axles and set out the replace the originals. I nearly gave up a couple of times. I was fooled into thinking it would be easy because there are a few Philips screws on the inside back left and right sides. However, after removing those, I discovered that there are also three rivets through the bottom that have to be cut or drilled out. Even after drilling those out, I could not get the plastic housing off the briefcase. There is some sort of a connection through the back of the plastic into the handle area that I never figured out. However, at that point I was able to manipulate the plastic bits just enough to see the back of the wheels. I hoped for bolts. No such luck. RIVETS! I hate stinking rivets! However, using a right-angle drill inside the back of the case, I was able to get the wheels out. Putting in the new wheels was easy in comparison. Reassembly of the plastic bits was annoying, but doable. Therefore, unless you are really driven to DIY, it would be far easier to replace this briefcase. Just a passing thought: I wonder what goes through the minds of designers and mangement when they make such design decisions. I work in manufacturing and know that it would not have cost any more for Wenger to put bolts in each location that had rivets. They could provide an assembly diagram online and sell replacement parts and make money off those. People would be happier with Wenger about it. Maybe they are worried about liability of some sort, but I can't imagine what.
Hi Michael. Glad you left this message as I have the same Wenger Patriot where the wheels are cracking. May I know the what is the size of the wheels and the bolt used for replacement? Not sure if this will do: www.banggood.com/2pcs-Luggage-Suitcase-Replacement-Wheels-Axles-Deluxe-Repair-OD-70mm-p-1045175.html or if this better: www.banggood.com/2pcs-Luggage-Suitcase-Replacement-Wheels-Axles-Repair-Parts-7522mm-p-1068636.html I could swear I saw a video of someone replacing the wheels on patriot before but cant seem to find it. It does indeed sounds intimidating from what you experienced. If you can share a picture that would be great, just trying to get my head around it before I get parts and tackle with it.
I did not photo document the process. However, I will take some pics of the finished product. I learned a few things that will definitely help. Instead of taking it all apart, which is a horrible job, you can cut small access holes from the inside of the plastic housings which will all access to the back side of the axle without causing any other problems. I will also make a list of the parts that I used and why. The axles in the link that you provided are too short at 35mm. They need to be about 39mm. It's late tonight, so I will get back to you on this in a day or two.
I am so sorry it's been so long since I offered to help. I took pictures right after telling you about it. Then my wife ended up in the hospital and I've been taking care of our three kids by myself while juggling my job and spending time with her in the hospital. I've been a bit stressed. Thankfully, she's getting better now, so I'll try to write something very soon.
Not all bags are made the same. I’m in $30 so far, and looking at a lot of re engineering. Not an easy task. Now its become a matter of accomplishment, rather than the savings.
thanks, very nice, but you might want to consider not having the screws sticking out, as this will damage other people's luggage when luggage is stacked...
Is there a way to only remove the wheels without cutting them? My suitcase is not fitting in the storage place with the wheels on. I need to remove them temporarily.
This is why you buy from those companies that have replaceable parts available from third party vendors, and a suitcase that is designed for replaceable parts. When the handle snapped during transit, we only had to order from amazon-equivalent to have a new handle shipped to us, and we only had to screw it in.
go to a 2nd hand shop or thrift shop. pretty much all of them will have a section littered with old rollerblades. buy a pair of good name rollerblades to ensure you're getting the best wheel quality that are built to a standard design.
Rollerblade wheels in the closest size (72mm x 24mm) with bearings and spacers cost about $19 on a major online retailer. Suitcase wheels with bearings in the exact size (70mm x 24mm) cost $9. However, the video was otherwise great. Agree with the comment about putting the nut to the inside and will also use a nylock.
so i am sitting here in my 3m^2 big hostel room in a foreign country, with almost no money or tools, wondering where i can get paint in order to not only get my suitcase rolling again, but also to make it look gorgeous.
can you tell me what wheels you purchased? when I looked on Amazon, some people commented that certain wheels did not work for luggage replacement. Can you tell me the size/type of wheel you used? Thanks! Great video -I am going to get the parts and try it out.
I used 72MM size wheels for my luggage, but it really depends on the space you have. If the diameter of the wheel is too large, it will scrape against the luggage while rolling.
Carey Lai Thanks, Carey. I got the wheels. I am having trouble getting the old wheels off with the hacksaw. I'm not sure if I don't have enough strength to saw through it but I've worked on it for several minutes and it doesn't look like I've made any leeway. Did I need a particular hacksaw? I just bought one that looks similar to the one on your video. I've never used a hacksaw so I'm not sure if there is a trick to this. Thanks for your help.
Janine I'm sorry you're having trouble getting the old wheels off. With a new blade, it took me 5-10 strokes for the saw to go through the rivet. It didn't take too much effort. My hacksaw is a basic with a typical blade, nothing special. I hope this helps.
+Janine, I had the same problem but then noticed that the there were two metal washers (or nuts?) on each side of the wheel. They kept rotating as I was sawing and I couldn't cut through. So I sawed the wheels off, which was fairly easy. Made three incisions into the rubber and then chipped the pieces off. Then I got to the bolt (or whatever the wheel was sitting on) and cut through it. For cutting metal you need a special saw - they say at least 18 teeth per inch. I got a 22 teeth per inch saw at Home Depot for $9. It did the job though it took a bit of time and a bit of energy. But you could see that it was definitely making an impact on the metal fairly soon. Not sure if it was worth it... but interesting experience. Good luck!
Umm.. why didn't you look inside your suitcase? Usually there is a tiny zipper that is difficult to find. It holds the interior fabric together. Once you get underneath all of that you can see that you don't have to use a hacksaw to cut the bolt! On my mine there is a small piece of metal hiding the head of the bolt. I used needle nose pliers to remove that then I used a Phillips bit to unscrew the bolt. Then the wheel dropped right out. For some reason the other wheel needed pliers to yank it out.
From my own experience, replacing wheels is not always as straight forward as this video would imply. I too replaced the wheels on one of my favourite bags by picking up a set of new wheels at a local sporting goods store. They had a wide selection of wheels of all sizes, so I simply took my old wheels with me to make sure I got a match. I was lucky in that access to the mounting mechanisms was relatively easy.
The original wheels fell apart on only my second trip. By using high-quality inline skate wheels, I've since used the bag for 6 years (lots of international travel) and the replacement wheels seem to be as good as the day I installed them.
I'm not so lucky on another bag that recently had a broken wheel. That is because access to the wheels (and the axle ends) is hampered by plastic housing covers. (The manufacturers use these covers to make the bag more cosmetically appealing, hiding the wheels as much as possible.) That is, not all suitcase wheels have easy access to the mounting points.
These plastic covers can be a problem during both dis-assembly and reassembly, especially if you want the repair to be "invisible". You might be forced to "mutilate" some of the plastic covers to get the job done.
In other cases, the plastic covers over the wheels are riveted into place. It usually takes an electric drill to get the old rivets out without harming the plastic covers. Once they are out, you can usually find some flat-headed nuts and bolts to replace them.
The bottom line is this... If the wheels/axles are out in the open (as in this video) wheel replacement will be easy. If the bag has plastic covers over the wheels (making the wheels less visible) you may meet more challenges that you expected in replacing the wheels.
+Cool Blue Ice
Just one more thought to add to my previous comment...
Wheels are only as good as their bearings. That was the problem with my first suitcase... The bearings themselves actually disintegrated. So when I replaced the wheels, I thew in a new set of high-quality bearings as well. I think that was a big factor in the new wheels lasting six years (and still going strong.)
Most bag manufacturers use both low-quality wheels and bearings. If you really like your bag and want the repair to last, invest just a little money in quality bearings as well as wheels. You won't regret the decision.
Thanks! I had the same idea of using RB wheels but never thought to hacksaw off the rivet.I'll get a lot of mileage out of this with my wife-You rock!
Thank you Carey, your video was very helpful. I use suitcases to transport beverages for my vending machines, and the skate wheels that come with suitcases eventually break under the heavy weight. I used your approach, hack sawed off the old wheels, purchased two heavy duty caster wheels, two bolts, and used the lock nuts that came with the caster wheels. It only cost me around $18.00. A luggage repair shop would have charged me $80.
Gary Campbell B
Great help, thanks!
I used this info to repair my old Samsonite Stowe bag where the outer plastic on the wheel had split. Replacement wheels used were Tron 68mm 84a Outdoor wheels (although I'd say you could go up to 72mm). Even though I purchased Tron ABEC 9 bearings I reused the 4 original bearings as they had a couple of MM spacer either side for a better fit. I replaced the Axle with a M6x45mm Cap Screw with Socket Head coupled with lock nuts. Take care not to tighten too much to ensure the wheels spin freely. I had to drill out some space on the inner plastic cover for refitting to allow for the new wider "axles" as the original axle was fairly flat (my bag did not have the external screw and nut setup as shown in this video). 2x Wheels A$12 on sale, Screws and Nuts A$6
Thank you ! Good Video ! I love it !
My suitcase was still under warranty. But . I decide to replace the 2 weels that have to work the hardest with in line roller-skate weels.
I've got the same luggage Samsonite Silhouette from around 2003, that I hardly used--maybe 6 times. This last time when moving it from the garage to storage, the plastic outter part of the left wheel broke off, leaving a small inner wheel, now the bag is lopsided when rolling. The rest of the bag is like new! This bag is 22 inches high, but over the limit for carry on when you add the wheels. Your video is awesome and when i have time to pick up a couple of spare rollerblade wheels, I will give this a try. Thanks!
Totally worked! Thanks so much for your video.
This is great...thanks for sharing this....I just did it and it worked great! Saved me from going to get a new luggage.
Por fin!!! Alguien que mostro algo posible hacer en casa! Gracias!! Super útil!
Great vid - going to do mine myself now!!
Awesome, and here I was considering sending it in for repairs ($50+!) or buying new. I'm going to go for the high ABEC rating on the wheels so I can get an even faster suitcase on the straightaways :-).
It works! Just did my suitcase and will do the Mrs. soon. Thanks for the video!
Do the Mrs soon? Oh her Bag! My Bad
no se debe usar la sierra,solo qitar el remache con una broca de 8,5-o de 9 ,solo el remache ,unos 4 cetrimetros, y sale el remache gol pe ando el remache.
¿Por qué no usar una sierra?
Hi Carey, great Video. Any suggestions on how to fix the Stabilizing leg of a suitcase?
If unsure what I mean, it's basically the two front legs that allow for the suit case to stay upright when not wheeling it. The leg cracked a bit while in transit. Thx!
This is great! Thanks!!
Thanks for the helpful video! I want to leave a note for future viewers that it is EXTREMELY difficult to replace the wheels on a Swiss Gear Wenger Patriot rolling 2-piece briefcase. I've had mine for 5 years and just love it. It is my daily "driver" and has taken much abuse from rolling through dirt to bouncing down stairs. The case, itself, is still perfect. The zippers work and the fabric is still great. Even the handle still works perfectly. However, the wheel bearings finally gave out. They wobble and skid. Sometimes they squeal so loud it's embarrassing. Being very handy and good at almost any DIY project, I purchased wheels and axles and set out the replace the originals.
I nearly gave up a couple of times. I was fooled into thinking it would be easy because there are a few Philips screws on the inside back left and right sides. However, after removing those, I discovered that there are also three rivets through the bottom that have to be cut or drilled out. Even after drilling those out, I could not get the plastic housing off the briefcase. There is some sort of a connection through the back of the plastic into the handle area that I never figured out. However, at that point I was able to manipulate the plastic bits just enough to see the back of the wheels. I hoped for bolts. No such luck. RIVETS! I hate stinking rivets! However, using a right-angle drill inside the back of the case, I was able to get the wheels out. Putting in the new wheels was easy in comparison. Reassembly of the plastic bits was annoying, but doable. Therefore, unless you are really driven to DIY, it would be far easier to replace this briefcase.
Just a passing thought: I wonder what goes through the minds of designers and mangement when they make such design decisions. I work in manufacturing and know that it would not have cost any more for Wenger to put bolts in each location that had rivets. They could provide an assembly diagram online and sell replacement parts and make money off those. People would be happier with Wenger about it. Maybe they are worried about liability of some sort, but I can't imagine what.
Hi Michael. Glad you left this message as I have the same Wenger Patriot where the wheels are cracking.
May I know the what is the size of the wheels and the bolt used for replacement?
Not sure if this will do: www.banggood.com/2pcs-Luggage-Suitcase-Replacement-Wheels-Axles-Deluxe-Repair-OD-70mm-p-1045175.html
or if this better: www.banggood.com/2pcs-Luggage-Suitcase-Replacement-Wheels-Axles-Repair-Parts-7522mm-p-1068636.html
I could swear I saw a video of someone replacing the wheels on patriot before but cant seem to find it. It does indeed sounds intimidating from what you experienced. If you can share a picture that would be great, just trying to get my head around it before I get parts and tackle with it.
I did not photo document the process. However, I will take some pics of the finished product. I learned a few things that will definitely help. Instead of taking it all apart, which is a horrible job, you can cut small access holes from the inside of the plastic housings which will all access to the back side of the axle without causing any other problems. I will also make a list of the parts that I used and why. The axles in the link that you provided are too short at 35mm. They need to be about 39mm. It's late tonight, so I will get back to you on this in a day or two.
That would be great! And help others with similar need.
I'll search for ones with axle 39mm.
Looking forward!
Hi Michael, did you have a chance to take a look at it?
I am so sorry it's been so long since I offered to help. I took pictures right after telling you about it. Then my wife ended up in the hospital and I've been taking care of our three kids by myself while juggling my job and spending time with her in the hospital. I've been a bit stressed. Thankfully, she's getting better now, so I'll try to write something very soon.
Very helpful; thanks
Thanks, very helpful
Brilliant! Thank you!!!
Not all bags are made the same. I’m in $30 so far, and looking at a lot of re engineering. Not an easy task. Now its become a matter of accomplishment, rather than the savings.
Thank you! It was helpful!
thanks, very nice, but you might want to consider not having the screws sticking out, as this will damage other people's luggage when luggage is stacked...
Thanks you just saved me some $$$$$$$$
Awesome!!!! And simple!!
Appreciate the video. One suggestion: Put the threads on the inside of the bag vice the outside.
Wow, thanks for sharing. By the way, Sunsen's Small Trolley Wheels are great.
How do you replace the original wheels with he Trolley Wheels ?
Thank you for your video
I'd use a correct diameter/length stainless bolt & nylock nut.
I like this idea!
Thank you!
Great information thank you very much
Is there a way to only remove the wheels without cutting them? My suitcase is not fitting in the storage place with the wheels on. I need to remove them temporarily.
This is why you buy from those companies that have replaceable parts available from third party vendors, and a suitcase that is designed for replaceable parts. When the handle snapped during transit, we only had to order from amazon-equivalent to have a new handle shipped to us, and we only had to screw it in.
Aku pingin tahu bagai mana caranya kulakan bahan troli untuk ganti koper yang rusak
Thanks so much. I'm not gonna crack the movie star joke.
kool!!!
Jet Lee knows his shit
LOL
Thanks
Hi, I need to replace a Timberland Performance 24 Rolling Duffel - T19 096 004 which wheels I can use?
Hope you found an answer... please post here if you remember!
Availability wheels and price????
Check the size of your existing wheels. I ordered replacement roller blade wheels online an they were too big. 77mm and should have been 60mm.
Very good idea. The problemem is the wheels are expencive. Better buy new trolley. For 10 pounds more
I think Carey would agree! Maybe you can find used wheels for much cheaper?
go to a 2nd hand shop or thrift shop. pretty much all of them will have a section littered with old rollerblades. buy a pair of good name rollerblades to ensure you're getting the best wheel quality that are built to a standard design.
Rollerblade wheels in the closest size (72mm x 24mm) with bearings and spacers cost about $19 on a major online retailer. Suitcase wheels with bearings in the exact size (70mm x 24mm) cost $9. However, the video was otherwise great. Agree with the comment about putting the nut to the inside and will also use a nylock.
This one's for a single wheel non-spinner type?
What about for a dual wheel spinner type?
Please post your answer here so others can find it!
I wish I could do this myself.
so i am sitting here in my 3m^2 big hostel room in a foreign country, with almost no money or tools, wondering where i can get paint in order to not only get my suitcase rolling again, but also to make it look gorgeous.
I hope your paint job solution worked out and you made it out of your hostel.
تصليح شنطة السوق
What is a rivet? Not sure what needs to be sawed?
hope you figured it out.
can you tell me what wheels you purchased? when I looked on Amazon, some people commented that certain wheels did not work for luggage replacement. Can you tell me the size/type of wheel you used? Thanks! Great video -I am going to get the parts and try it out.
I used 72MM size wheels for my luggage, but it really depends on the space you have. If the diameter of the wheel is too large, it will scrape against the luggage while rolling.
Carey Lai
Thanks, Carey. I got the wheels. I am having trouble getting the old wheels off with the hacksaw. I'm not sure if I don't have enough strength to saw through it but I've worked on it for several minutes and it doesn't look like I've made any leeway. Did I need a particular hacksaw? I just bought one that looks similar to the one on your video. I've never used a hacksaw so I'm not sure if there is a trick to this. Thanks for your help.
Janine I'm sorry you're having trouble getting the old wheels off. With a new blade, it took me 5-10 strokes for the saw to go through the rivet. It didn't take too much effort. My hacksaw is a basic with a typical blade, nothing special. I hope this helps.
+Janine, I had the same problem but then noticed that the there were two metal washers (or nuts?) on each side of the wheel. They kept rotating as I was sawing and I couldn't cut through. So I sawed the wheels off, which was fairly easy. Made three incisions into the rubber and then chipped the pieces off. Then I got to the bolt (or whatever the wheel was sitting on) and cut through it. For cutting metal you need a special saw - they say at least 18 teeth per inch. I got a 22 teeth per inch saw at Home Depot for $9. It did the job though it took a bit of time and a bit of energy. But you could see that it was definitely making an impact on the metal fairly soon. Not sure if it was worth it... but interesting experience. Good luck!
do you know how to repair the wheels on a rimowa suitcase
Did you figure out the repair?
Umm.. why didn't you look inside your suitcase? Usually there is a tiny zipper that is difficult to find. It holds the interior fabric together. Once you get underneath all of that you can see that you don't have to use a hacksaw to cut the bolt! On my mine there is a small piece of metal hiding the head of the bolt. I used needle nose pliers to remove that then I used a Phillips bit to unscrew the bolt. Then the wheel dropped right out. For some reason the other wheel needed pliers to yank it out.
majority luggages they used rivets (cheaper than screws/nuts).
thank you MR Jet lee
what if you've lost one of the wheels?!
I hope you figured out your repair.
you can buy the replacing wheels or handles here blog.maletasok.com/quiero-reparar-la-maleta/
Not enough time in this life to be able to afford to do this. Chuck it, get a new one
You did not repair , you replace the wheels 😆
I hope Carey helped you anyways!!