Changing Wheels?

Lionel2056 posted:

Hi guys,

I am thinking about purchasing a set of replacement wheels for my 252, sometime later this month. I wanted to ask about how would I change out the wheels, since I have never done this before? Do I need any special (or potentially expensive) tools, or will ordinary tools suffice? Help and advice would be appreciated!

Thanks,

Alex

You can get away with a 3/32" punch, hammer and a bench vise.

Use the punch to tap out the axle from the wheels. Gently center the replacement wheels on the axle (with the axle in the motor frame). Squeeze the wheels onto the axles (one pair at a time). The vise jaws should be in contact with the axle. Use a piece of track as a gauge to determine the wheels spacing.

Simple and can be done economically. Just take your time.

Ron M

ron m posted:

Lionel2056 posted:

Hi guys,

I am thinking about purchasing a set of replacement wheels for my 252, sometime later this month. I wanted to ask about how would I change out the wheels, since I have never done this before? Do I need any special (or potentially expensive) tools, or will ordinary tools suffice? Help and advice would be appreciated!

Thanks,

Alex

You can get away with a 3/32" punch, hammer and a bench vise.

Use the punch to tap out the axle from the wheels. Gently center the replacement wheels on the axle (with the axle in the motor frame). Squeeze the wheels onto the axles (one pair at a time). The vise jaws should be in contact with the axle. Use a piece of track as a gauge to determine the wheels spacing.

Simple and can be done economically. Just take your time.

Ron M

If the gears look fine, could they be reused and fitted to the replacement wheels? Also, would a ball-peen hammer be ideal?

Thanks for the help!

Since you have the wheels it would be a good time to check your pickup/rollers and see if they need to be replaced.

RonH posted:

Since you have the wheels it would be a good time to check your pickup/rollers and see if they need to be replaced.

Actually, I don't have the wheels yet. I was asking about the tools needed, because I've never re-wheeled an engine before.

Lionel2056 posted:

RonH posted:

Since you have the wheels it would be a good time to check your pickup/rollers and see if they need to be replaced.

Actually, I don't have the wheels yet. I was asking about the tools needed, because I've never re-wheeled an engine before.

A lot easier than with a steamer, where you have to quarter the drivers.

Peening the gear can be a bit of a struggle. You have to make sure that the mating surface on the wheel is good and flat, so that the gears don't wobble after you peen them over.

BEST method is to have this done by a pro with an arbor press. Process requires precision alignment for success!

Thanks for the help guys! I managed to speak to someone I know who offered to help out.