How to Replace Luggage Wheels: Your Guide to Replacing Luggage Wheels

They may not be the most exciting feature in luggage, but the wheels can make or break your travel experience. Solid, well-functioning wheels can be the difference between effortlessly gliding through the terminal and city streets and feeling like you’re dragging dead weight behind you, constantly having to fight the suitcase from tipping over.

Whether your wheels have broken entirely or you’re just looking to upgrade, we’ve put together this guide on how to replace luggage wheels just for you. From finding the right luggage replacement wheels to navigating the swap, we’ll cover everything you need to know.

First, a couple of things we want to clear up. Can you replace wheels on luggage? Yes, in some cases, it’s totally possible. In other situations, though, you’ll be much better off replacing the suitcase altogether. 

That leads us to the next point we want to make. If you are tired of dealing with luggage that only holds you back, it’s time to upgrade to hard shell luggage at Nobl Travel. We designed and manufacture our own wheels because we found that nobody else got this pivot part quite right.

Across our carry-on luggage and checked luggage, the wheels are backed by our lifetime guarantee so you never have to worry about replacing luggage wheels. Get luggage designed for how you actually travel today!

“I love Noble luggage! Rolls great, wheels are awesome and the cup holder is to die for. Customer service when they called me was very helpful and kind!” - Barbara

“From rugged terrain to being tossed around during transfers, it held up like a champ. The clips are strong and smooth, the handles feel sturdy and well-placed, and the wheels glide effortlessly, even on rough surfaces.” - Humberto

“I love my carry-on suitcase, and all the other functions - the cupholder, the charging capability, and the wheels make it so easy to get through airports with thick carpet.” - Wendell

Can You Replace Wheels on Luggage?

We want to set expectations before getting into how to replace luggage wheels. Can you replace luggage wheels in the first place? It depends entirely on your suitcase’s construction - more specifically, the brand and model you’re trying to repair.

Some luggage wheels are attached with screws or bolts. Luggage wheel replacement is usually really straightforward in this case. You just need to find the right luggage replacement wheels.

Spinner wheels (the kind that rotate 360 degrees) and in-line skate wheels (which roll in a single direction) are often secured with simple hardware that can be unscrewed and swapped out with minimal effort.

However, not all luggage is designed for easy maintenance. Some budget or older suitcases feature riveted or molded-in wheels. These aren’t impossible to replace, but they do call for drilling, specialty tools, or modifications that most people aren’t equipped to handle.

There are also situations where parts are discontinued, or the luggage frame itself is cracked or warped. In these scenarios, repair may be more frustrating than it’s worth.

So, be realistic with yourself before attempting luggage wheel replacement. Ask yourself 1) is it feasible, and 2) is it worth the work? A quick inspection of the wheel housing (and a call to the brand’s support team, if available) will usually tell you what you need to know.

How to Replace Wheels on Luggage: Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Luggage Wheels 

Replacing luggage wheels is actually fairly simple in the right circumstances. It can also save you from having to replace the suitcase altogether if just the wheels are holding you back, but the shell and other components are still going strong.

Here’s how to replace luggage wheels, from sourcing compatible parts to a smooth final test.

Finding the Right Luggage Replacement Wheels

Your first step is identifying the correct wheel type before you grab a screwdriver and start pulling your luggage apart. Most suitcases fall into one of two categories:

• Spinner wheels (multi-directional and typically mounted with a screw or axle)
• Inline skate wheels (usually found on duffel-style or older luggage)

Check the wheel’s diameter, width, attachment method (screws vs rivets), and any brand-specific markings. Your best bet is usually to search the brand and model of your suitcase along with “replacement wheels” and see what the Google machine pulls up for you. A lot of brands sell direct replacements, while third-party vendors offer universal fits.

Other Tools to Keep Handy

You’re going to need a few other tools along with your luggage replacement wheels:

• A Phillips or flathead screwdriver (depending on screw type)
• Allen wrench or hex key (sometimes needed for wheel axles)
• Pliers (to hold bolts or assist with tight fasteners)
• A soft cloth or towel (to avoid scratching the shell during removal)
• Thread locker (optional, for securing screws on new wheels)

Gather all these before you get started actually replacing luggage wheels so you can make the swap as quick and effortless as possible. Once you’re ready to get to work, here’s how to replace luggage wheels.

Step 1: Remove the Old Wheel

Start by placing your suitcase on a flat surface, wheel-side up. Look at how the wheel is secured, as that will guide your next steps. Is it screwed in? Simply unscrew it gently and keep track of washers or spacers.

What if it’s riveted, though? Well, you’ve got your work cut out for you. You’ll need a drill to carefully remove the rivet head. This task might even call for replacement fasteners.

Clean the housing area once the wheel is out. Dust, debris, or bent plastic can affect the fit of your new wheel. You want a like-new base to install the luggage replacement wheels in.

Step 2: Attach the New Wheel

Position the replacement wheel exactly as the old one was seated. Line up screw holes or axle tracks before securing:

• Tighten screws or bolts evenly, without over-torquing.
• Use any washers or hardware that came with the replacement wheels to ensure a snug fit.
• If you drilled out rivets, you’ll need to insert a new rivet or use a nut-and-bolt alternative, secured tightly.

Double-check that everything sits flush and that the wheel rotates freely.

Step 3: Test Before Travel

There you have it, how to replace wheels on luggage! Now it’s just a matter of testing the suitcase out and confirming it’s ready to hit the road with you - and won’t end up causing more harm than good.

Roll it across different surfaces - smooth tile, carpet, even a sidewalk if possible. Look out fo any wobble or resistance when turning, uneven alignment compared to other wheels, or clicking/rattling. 

Take a closer look at screw tension or consider re-installing if something feels off. You’d rather spend a bit more time getting it right the first go around than deal with the hassle when you’re actually on a trip!

Tips to Make Your Suitcase Wheels Last Longer

The goal is to never have to replace suitcase wheels again, which means a few tips on how to protect luggage from damage going forward:

• Avoid overpacking. Extra weight puts more pressure on your wheels, causing them to drag unevenly or warp over time - especially on rougher surfaces.
• Lift when needed. Don’t drag your suitcase down curbs, stairs, or cracked pavement. If you wouldn’t ride a skateboard over it, don’t roll your bag there either. Pick it up, set it down, and then get wheeling again!
• Store upright. Keep your suitcase upright when not in use instead of resting on its side to prevent unnecessary stress on any one wheel.
• Clean the wheels periodically. Dust, gravel, and hair can wrap around the axles. A quick wipe with a damp cloth after each trip keeps them gliding effortlessly.
• Inspect fasteners every few trips. Check that screws and bolts holding the wheels in place are tight. A loose screw is often the beginning of bigger damage.

These small habits help extend the lifespan of your wheels and reduce the likelihood of sudden breakdowns mid-journey. But eventually, all good things come to an end - and you might find that it’s smarter to replace the suitcase altogether at a certain point.

Signs You Should Replace the Suitcase Altogether

A wheel fix isn’t always worth the time or cost. Here are a few signs that upgrading entirely might be the smarter move if your luggage has seen better days:

• Cracked or warped shell. Even the toughest polycarbonate or aluminum casings can dent or splinter. Your belongings are at risk once structural integrity is compromised.
• Zippers that fail under pressure. If you’re taping your bag shut or struggling to close it even when lightly packed, the zipper track may be permanently damaged. We have tips on how to fix a zipper on a suitcase if needed.
• Multiple wheel failures. Replacing one wheel is manageable. Replacing all four?  You’re essentially rebuilding a suitcase with questionable longevity at that point.
• Broken handles or misaligned telescoping pulls. These are hard to fix and can quickly turn travel into a frustrating chore.
• Lack of modern features. If your bag lacks interior compression, USB ports, or easy-access pockets, you're missing out on real-world functionality that improves your entire trip. You need to learn about the best luggage features!

In short: it’s time for a better bag if repairs feel more like a patch job than a permanent solution. Fortunately, your search for the best luggage online ends here at Nobl Travel, whether you’re looking for aluminum luggage you can check with confidence or all-in-one carry-on luggage.

You’ll enjoy smart features like a seamless zipperless closure, smooth-glide spinner wheels, and premium aluminum and aerospace-grade polycarbonate that holds its shape trip after trip. Other thoughtful touches include an integrated cup holder, USB port, and front-access tech compartments that make airport stress a thing of the past.

We don’t believe in disposable luggage. Every Nobl suitcase is backed by a lifetime warranty, supported by real people who actually answer when you need help. It’s this commitment to you, the customer, that has helped us become known as the #1 Tumi alternative!

Invest once. Travel well. Never look back. That’s the Nobl Travel promise.

Final Thoughts on How to Replace Luggage Wheels

Replacing luggage wheels isn’t as intimidating as it sounds, and we hope this guide on how to replace luggage wheels has left you feeling confident in your next steps. Sometimes a quick fix is enough. Other times, it’s the wake-up call to invest in luggage that won’t let you down.

Our blog has additional resources on 2 wheel vs 4 wheel luggage, Travelpro vs Samsonite, or Delsey vs Samsonite, if you’re in the market for a new suitcase and want help narrowing down your options.

But whether you want the best collapsible luggage with wheels or the best aluminum luggage, your search ends here at Nobl Travel. Step up to luggage that never needs a Plan B today!