ripped wheel... ugh!

[oskiwow]

Was installing cheetahs on a build for February, and upon pulling the wheel from the car I bent / ripped the wheel.

Luckily, I could transfer the torn wheel to the raised slot, but ugh. Didn't think I had pulled that hard on extracting the wheel.

anyone else do that -- i.e. tear a wheel?

 

[Kinser Racing]

Never done that. If you're having to pull that hard you need to relieve the axle hole, it's to tight.

 

[Quicktimederby]

+1

Never done that. If you're having to pull that hard you need to relieve the axle hole, it's to tight.

 

[Chief]

YEP!!! Ive done that and DD4H and Quicktime could not get the wheel off for me and I finally broke the car to get the wheel off...I feel your frustration. But as usual, I have to learn the hard way...

 

[DerikX Racing]

I did it on my first build for league racing. On the positive side, I also race RC cars so I’m use to destroying a $35 set of tires. Still painful after you put all that prep work in and this is supposed to be my cheap hobby.

 

[Hogans Racing]

I also have had issues with my axles being to tight with my first league cars, I actually destroyed the hubs on my first set of cheetahs trying to get them out. I picked up a tip from here on the forum to use a piece of fishing line, works good but what I did is cut the lead off some fishing hooks that have a pre-tied loop and it works perfect to slide between the outer hub and axle head. Just hook it on the axle head, give it a good pull and the axle will come out, no damage to axle or wheels.

 

[Kinser Racing]

I also have had issues with my axles being to tight with my first league cars, I actually destroyed the hubs on my first set of cheetahs trying to get them out. I picked up a tip from here on the forum to use a piece of fishing line, works good but what I did is cut the lead off some fishing hooks that have a pre-tied loop and it works perfect to slide between the outer hub and axle head. Just hook it on the axle head, give it a good pull and the axle will come out, no damage to axle or wheels.

That's a great tip! I hadn't thought of that. I usually use an axle, with the head cut off, in a pin vise to relieve the hole. That's always done it for me.

 

[GravityX]

There was a thread just started about relieving axle holes here.

http://www.pinewoodderbyonline.com/post/perfect-axle-hole-fit-6689413?trail=15#4

 

[kcracer]

I have also seen a axle pulling tool was thinking about buying it has anyone used it? I like the fishing hook idea also

 

[GravityX]

The one thing that I have noticed about the axle pulling pliers is that it can create a burr under the nail head when extracting the axle. The only thing I use these pliers for these days is to help relieve the axle holes prior to putting the prepped racing axle in so I don't have to use anything other than a small screwdriver (in the K-House Groove) to twist the axle as I apply pressure with my fingers. This works every time. The axle hole reamer works the best prior to doing this process.

 

[PDHRacing]

This may help.

Go buy some stock BSA wheels and use them while checking a new build.

Don't risk your race wheels.

 

[W&K Creations]

I haven't broke any cheetahs, but Ive broken my fair share of SP wheels (intimidators)....now I take however long it takes to relax the axel holes....in some cases ive even drilled it over to widen so it fits in easy and just add a bit of moisture prior to install so the wood swells and holds.

WK

 

[The Iceman]

I have the Drilled holes so the ends can be inspected, so i got in the habbit of prying them out with a screw driver and then using my axle puller.

Note: the Axler Puller can't get a hold of it when the tolerance is soo close!

Ice

 

[aircooled]

Hi Iceman, welcome to the forum. Glad to see another Omaha based person posting.