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ramdyne

Fixing loud Peli case wheels

ramdyne

Peli cases (like the 1510, 1535, 1615 and many others) are more or less indistructable, but they have one weak spot and that is their wheels which is unfortunate for rolling cases.

There are scores of manuals online (mainly on Youtube) explaining how to replace the wheels, but they're mainly targeted at North-Americans and not at Europeans (which shows itself in some strangeness related to units.

Most of the manuals agree on the following for each of the to be replaced wheels:

  • 1x 59mm inline skate wheel (I got the 90A hardness, which is relatively soft so it rolls more silently)

  • 2x quality 608 bearing (I did get the ones recommended in the videos, but SKF probably also makes quality items, just make sure they are stainless steel)

  • 1x 6mm bearing spacer (aluminium, I think they are 10.8mm long)

Press one bearing carefully into the wheel (seal towards the outside of the wheel). I didn't have to use any tools, but whatever you use, make sure the bearing is inserted square with the wheel. Insert the bearing spacer through the wheel into the bearing and lock it in by inserting the other bearing (again seal towards the outside of the wheel and square with the wheel).

Remove the existing wheels from the case. Depending on the particular model of your case you first have to remove the wheel assembly from a case or remove the roller handle assembly. Then remove the axle from the wheel assembly or handle using a hammer and punch. Do this inside out, so from the center of the case outwards. One side of the axle is not smooth so it bites into the plastics and this should come out first! Once the axle has loosened from one side of the plastic, it should come out very easily and free the wheel from the handle or wheel assembly.

To insert each wheel in the wheel or handle assembly you also need the following:

  • 3x DIN125A M6 stainless steel washers (A2 stainless quality)

Push the smooth end of the axle in to the first (outside) layer of plastic of the wheel assembly or handle, from the outside in (towards the centre of the case). Once it pokes through put two whashers on the axle and keep the wheel or handle assembly horizontal so that two washers stay on the axle. Make sure that no more than strictly necessary of the axle pokes through the washers. Put one washer on the wheel centered with the hole in the wheel. Slide the wheel carefully on top of the axle, making sure the single washer remains centered on the top of the wheel.

Center the wheel and washer combo on top of the axle and below the hole on the other side. Look through this hole to make sure the holes in the plastic, the washer and wheel are in line. Use a small punch to move the washer in place, this might take a while but I got it in a few minutes. Once all three holes are in line you can push the axle through by hand until the wheel and top washer are both on the axle. The axle should now be unable to move any further and should have its rough end still poking out of the outside of the wheel or handle assembly. Use a hammer (and punch?) to hammer the axle fully into the plastic. Make sure the axle is centered in the plastics of the wheel assembly or wheel opening in the handle assembly.

Some manuals suggest using a bit of superglue to fix the top washer in place on top of bearing with all holes in line. I didn't have superglue avaialable and with a bit of patience and some finger dexterity I got it to work anyway.

Once the wheel assemblies or handle assembly is fixed back in place on your case it shoyld roll super smooth.

For Dutch (European) people, I ordered these parts at the linked shops: