Replacing Luggage Wheels

Broken or damaged luggage wheels can be frustrating.  What was once a major convenience has now become just a heavier suitcase to carry around.  It's enough to drive a person to run out and buy a whole new set of luggage.  But new luggage can be expensive and it seems wasteful to toss out a perfectly good set just because the suitcase wheels are broke.  The good news is that luggage wheels in most cases can be easy to replace and locating the proper replacement wheels for luggage can be as simple as calling up the luggage manufacturer.

The first step in replacing your wheels is to examine your bag.  See if you can determine how the wheels are attached.  Are they attached by screws?  Rivets?  Or are you just confused?  If they are attached by screws, grab a screw driver, unscrew them, and pop of the wheels.  If they are attached by rivets, you will have to determine how to pull out the rivets before popping off the wheel.  If you are just confused, it may not be your fault.  Some bags require a repair shop to be replaced.

Now that you have the wheels off, hold on to them!  Never throw the wheels away until you can match them up to new luggage repair wheels.  You will need to match the style and size to the new wheels to avoid frustration.  Searching online or calling the manufacture direct is the easiest way to find the correct replacement wheels.

Now that you have the new luggage wheels, just reverse what you did to take them off to put them back on.  Make sure the wheels are attached tightly and that they roll properly.  Take special care not to damage them during the attachment process! 

Do you still have the manufacturers guide that came with your bag?  Most people probably tossed it long ago but if you kept it, it may have instructions on how to replace the wheels or at the very least have the phone number of the manufacturer so you can call them and ask for advice.  They may supply you with a set of luggage replacement wheels themselves or at the very least direct you to a store with the correct types of wheels.

Check your guide, online, or with the manufacturer to determine if the damage or defect in the old wheels is covered by a warranty.  If you are lucky you might get a whole new bag.