Like the shoes on your feet, luggage wheels can become worn as a result of frequent use. Fortunately, worn or damaged wheels are not a sign that you need to purchase new luggage. Instead, you can simply remove the wheels on your own and have them replaced. Taking the wheels off luggage and suitcases might also be handy if you're stacking several pieces on top of each other or if you'd simply prefer to travel without them.

Take a look at the warranty that was distributed by the manufacturer of the suitcase if you have it. Make sure that you won't breach the warranty by removing any of the unit's parts including the wheels. You might find that there is a service center than can do the work for you at no cost.

Look on the outer sides of the wheels' casings on the luggage. If there are visible screws, the wheels are removable. If you can see no way to remove the wheels, you'll have to contact the manufacturer or a local luggage repair shop for servicing information.

Choose a screwdriver that's appropriate to the type of screws you'll remove. Once you locate one, use it to undo each of the screws surrounding one wheel until the wheel comes off. Place all the parts in a plastic sandwich bag and label it according to the side of the luggage it came from. Then do the same for the screws and wheel on the other side, placing those parts in a separate bag.

Store the plastic bags filled with parts in a safe place until you decide whether or not to replace the wheels. The last thing you want to do is loose the parts that you'll need to put the pieces back together.

About the Author

Since 2006, Pilar Ethridge has had the pleasure of honing her writing skills as the assistant editor of the newsletter from a Washington, D.C. nonprofit organization. Her interests include children's media, film, American pop culture, crafts, and performing arts in general. Based in Southern California, Ethridge received a Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal studies from the University of California.

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