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I have a new 1/32 Ford GT with a front axles that doesn’t spin freely. After reaming the bearing holes in the chassis, lubing the axle, and making sure there is side play, I’ve come to the conclusion the axle is bent.
Is there an easy way to break the wheel to axle bond without destroying the wheels? I’m leaning towards Channel Locks, but a bit leery not knowing if I can source a replacement axle if I trash a wheel.

I used a Slot it AXLE and a set of ball bearings and CBS wheels FROUNT rear 26 tooth gear CROWN 9tooth pinion CBS Wheels ALS

The generally accepted method for removing Carrera plastic wheels from an axle is to very gently twist the wheel against the axle while pulling the wheel away from the axle. If you follow the twist of the axle, you will leave plenty of grip for the wheel/axle join. I grip the wheel in a vice, then twist the other wheel to back the axle out.

When you get the axle/hub separate, just put a drop of any glue (wood, etc), on the serrated axle knurling and press the wheel back on, while turning, being careful to keep the alignment correct.

I thought most Carrera axles were splined rather than knurled in which case the wheel should pull straight off (with enough pressure) with out turning. Grab the axle with vice grips with enough room to fit the point of needle nose pliers between the vice grips and axle bush and use the pliers to gently pry the wheel off

DON'T! There are splined axles in RTR slot cars, but Carrera doesn't do that. The axles on Carrera cars are knurled.

Ok so, not trying to intervene here, but I took apart the latest (Ford GT) model to check.



So splined. Some knurled, some not it seems.

However...this is no easy task to just pop off straight. I had to use to large pliers for these boogers.

No damage though. Wheel would be easily glued back on if need be. I put it back on with a drop of nail polish on the tip of the axle and rolled it to check. Seems fine to me.

Your mileage may vary.

I don't know for sure if this holds true for all Carrera axles, but so far I have found that all my splined axles measure 0.093" and all my knurled axles measure 0.087" (same as Go)

HTH
Randy

Recently I tried to take a wheel off a Scalextric Dodge Charger and discovered splined axles instead of knurled and since then discovered it on another Scaley car too. I kind of wish they'd make their minds up and stick with one or the other too.

So, its a new thing that they are using splined axles? I've never seen splined axles on Scaley or Carrera in many, many years. Over the years, I have found Scaley axles harder to get wheels off of and save the wheel.

That's a big deal. The standard ways of removing plastic wheels have been around a long time. We need to have a post about a major change like this.

You should just buy Ninco cars - half a dozen laps around the track and the wheels will just pop straight off for you :)