Strombecker Press-on wheels...

[strummer57]

At this time of year, a young man's fancy turns to all things Indianapolis...

...with this in mind, I recently scored another Strommie "basket case" Watson roadster. This example is a newer type, with the open-frame motor.

I'd like to be able to pull those wheels off to clean, etc...but they are SO tight nothing seems to work.

Suggestions, please.

Thanks!

Mark (still) in Oregon

[chrisguyw]

Hi Mark, Why can't you clean them on the axle !!.............those axles are knurled, and you run the risk of damaging the wheels with too much force.

If you must remove them.......wrap some masking tape around the axle, grab it with pliers, and twist the wheel off...........hopefully we will not need to discuss broken wheel repair or getting a loose wheel to stay on and run straight

Cheers
Chris Walker

[RichD]

It helps to warm the wheels by dunking them in hot water for a few minutes.

[chappyman66]

What Chris said.....
try to avoid removing them if possible.
If required, try to slide the off as straight as possible....that will make grooves that will help alignment when putting them back on.

[strummer57]

Chris, Rich

By " clean" I meant I hoped to remove the bearings and try a different axle...guess I won't be able to do that; these are just way too tight.

Oh well...

Mark in Oregon

[stumbley]

Use a Dremel to cut the axle in half, use a Slot-It or equivalent replacement axle. Insert the Strombecker half-axle with wheel attached into your Dremel, cut the wheel in half to use the design part of the half-wheel as an insert for replacement wheels.

[chrisguyw]

I was not aware that Slot-it made 1/8th axles............

[strummer57]

What Chris said.....
try to avoid removing them if possible.
If required, try to slide the off as straight as possible....that will make grooves that will help alignment when putting them back on.

Yeah, I' ll probably just leave things "well enough alone". No big deal.

Thanks guys.

Mark in Oregon