Thank you so much! I was able to fix my husband's wheelchair at home because of this video! (One wheel was falling off of his chair because the bearings popped out.) And congrats on the pregnancy! Parenthood is wonderful
Thank you so much :) My wife uses a wheelchair and we had some weird noises from the front wheels. I decided to completely remove the wheels and clean them out but I had some problems with the bearings. Your video helps me so much!
Thank you for the tip / video .. I might have to do that next time.. I just cleaned mine out as much as i could and then repack my ball bearing with some new grease. Rolls really well too..
I go through these once a yr....sometimes twice a year. Just depends on how much water get in them. I've had them lock up so many times and I've never really known how to repair them, so thank you for this video. I'd rather do this myself than I had wait on the chair place to fix them. I don't like relying on others with my chair. Haha!
I use marine grease on my front caster bearings, axles and such. Helps repels the water better than regular grease. I also live in a climate where I battle 5 months of winter! I generally service my front casters every 1-2 months depending and get up to 1.5-2 years out of them.
Thanks for your helpful video. Just a note. I live in Taiwan, but you may find this anywhere, These bearings have many many applications, very commonly they are used for skateboards and roller blades. They can be very cheap and are often sold in sets of eight, I suggest you change the whole set at once.
I'm still riding my "five-year" Quickie 2 with 6" aluminum soft rolls mostly, but my forks are so long (Adjustable Large). I want to drop to a 4x1.5" or so but I worry that a 3 or 4" may put too much stress on the bearing stem with such long forks. Any thoughts? So ready to decide what my new chair will be.... I'm stuck on rigid this time but there are so many options.... I want strictly business with no frills.
Clint Droste Hi Clint, I think a 4-5" caster would be your best bet. Going much smaller makes bumps/cracks a little more bumpy. You may notice turning is a little easier too with a slightly smaller caster. I use TiLite chairs and really like them. They are built extremely well and have taken a good amount of abuse. Good luck!
Paralyzed Living, Thanks for the tip. I should've had 4's on a long time ago. I'm totally with you on TiLite. I'm still working on the details, but should be riding a custom by June.... Putting a smile on my face already!
I use Frog Legs 4.5 Wheels and Casters, on my main Chair (Per4Max) and slightly larger on my TiLite, I prefer the smaller casters for faster turning myself.
Yep the process is pretty much the same - actually easier since they are bigger bearings. There’s an inner and outer bearing that you’ll need to pop out. You can insert a screw driver through the back/front to knock them out with a hammer. Then freeze your new bearings and they should tap in easily. I usually use a deep socket about the diameter of the bearing to tap the front one in since it’s a recessed hole.
I don't have a video but I've done it and yes they can be a pain. I ended up buying a bearing puller tool to get the bearing off the fork stem. It was the only way I found that worked. Once you get them off use the "freeze method" shown in this vid to shrink the bearing in order to get it back in the fork. Then put the assembly on.
MicroGamer15 I think they are 4x1.4" Frog Leg aluminum casters. I love how they look but can't find any that will fit my new chair. These are back on my ZRA. (The one I'm using in this video)
@@ParalyzedLiving Hi Brian, what casters are those and what size? Aluminium soft roll? I am really conflicted about what casters to get on my next chair. Kind regards, from, PaulLaw.
I had to buy a bearing puller tool in order to get the fork bearings off. It was about $50. Look it up. Example below: www.cpooutlets.com/atd-3056-5-ton-bar-type-bearing-puller-set/atdn3056,default,pd.html?ref=pla&zmam=31282435&zmas=47&zmac=722&zmap=atdn3056&gclid=CMD2rp6qoc4CFZM2aQodcWQC3g
Anand Kumar The best way I've found is to clean them with WD40 to get the gunk off and then use a silicone based lubricant so they slide into the axle tube easily. Try wrapping a thin towel around a screwdriver and spraying it with WD40 to clean out the inside of the axle tube.
@@ParalyzedLiving Hi Brian, Amy idea how to maintain rear wheel axles.. can I apply little oil for lubrication??? Or what is the best way to maintain the rear axles. Kind regards, from, PaulLaw.
IlichiRegiusReptiles Doing well! I got the bearings from sportaid.com. They have tons of wheelchair stuff and their staff is very helpful if you ever have questions.
@@ParalyzedLiving Hi Brian, how are you doing tonight? I just watched this latest video and was wondering where you brought your bearings for the casters? Nice video! Kind regards, from, PaulLaw.
Hi Brian, I have a problem with my rear wheels since yesterday. So, They seem to slide or skid (I dont know exactly the word, I speak spanish), but is not too much skidding and it is in both wheels, so, i dont think that it is the balance, but i dont know what it is. have you ever had this problem?
I have a new power wheelchair and I was shocked the bearing failed in like 6 months. Luckily I still had my old power Wheelchair. Those bearings lasted 5 years.
I am having an absolute terrible time trying to get a stem bearing for a power wheelchair seated. I've got the correct bearing. Cooling the bearing and heating the stem didn't work. I tried a home made bearing press. Any suggestions?
+Ron Piggott You should be cooling the stem and heating up the bearing for that application. This will cause the stem to contract. Use some lube too. Then you can use a deep socket and hammer to drive it onto the stem.
I have severe hip osteoarthritis. I bought a Hugo Navigator transport chair/rollator combo. It has developed a strong flutter, wobble. Could I replace the bearings in it this way too? Are all the bearings the same size? Thanks!!
Brian, I have a quickie Q7 and have had for 3 yrs now...since the accident really; it's the chair my insurance paid for.1st Q. My wheels make crackling, popping noises. Is this the sign of bad bearings? I'm not sure if it's the casters or the rear wheels or both. 2nd Q. I'm looking into changing the back on my chair, mainly because it is currently rigged up. (broken) I was wondering what you have and what you think about it. Thanks for these videos...I've been looking for some like this.
+Eric Mendes Hi Eric. Yes, the cracking noise could definitely be bearings although it never hurts to lube the rear axle mounts and tighten the hardware. The end caps of the axle where the wheels attach can also creak over time so get WD40 or a similar lubricant and give them a good spray. This has solved a lot of noise issues for me. As far as the wheelchair back I use a solid carbon fiber backrest called the ROHO Jetstream pro. It's the best of the best out there and is really lightweight which helps a lot during car transfers. I happen to have a second one that is brand new in the box up for sale at the moment if you are interested. It's $620 new but I am willing to let it go for $400. It fits chairs with 16" spacing between the backrest uprights.
+Paralyzed Living Sounds like a good deal but I'm not ready to spend that kind of $ on the wheelchair. This is the year I get back on my feet for good. I've been slacking on my therapy and probably could have been walking by now but with a full time job and 2 kids, I just don't feel like working out. I also need to get myself back behind the wheel. I know my first step is to get the OK from my doctor but after that I'm not to sure. Where did you go to learn how to drive? What do you recommend? By the way, the cracking noise is almost gone now,. I cleaned the rear axles with WD40 and I'll replace the bearings as soon as I get them in. Thanks for the info.
Yes, the process is very similar for the rear wheels. There are two bearings on each wheel as well. Typically, websites like Sportaid.com can assist you with finding the correct size for you wheels. I suggest giving them a call.
@@ParalyzedLiving Hi Brian, is it the same process for the rear wheels and how do you find out what size is required? Great video by the way! Kind regards, from, PaulLaw.
This isn't related to this video but it's related to muscle spasms: With muscle spasms, do they just happen to the muscles affected by paralysis or do they happen to other muscles that you dont think are affected. Because I've been having muscle spasms in my arms and shoulder and earlier today; in my thumb... They usually only happen in my legs but I'm not sure if I've got another affected area...
Stormageddon101 I've tried cheating on my chair with a cane for almost six years from a rare form of scoliosis. This lead to a lot of falls and the last one left me as a T1 Incomplete.... I won't even mention the lower regions, but the back-flip (landing on head, neck and shoulder) has my cervical region fired-up as well, so I also experience spasms in odd places. Have you had any upper or lower C regions checked for pressure or bulges? You may be experiencing the same thing as I am. Just a thought....
Clint Droste, , Nope, haven't had any of that checked... I will probably do that on my next doctors appointment... The C section is around the neck right...?, if it is; I think I might have affected it... My neck's often sore too but I haven't done anything thats caused any problem with my neck... Thanks for the response :)
You should clean the hub on the wheel really well. Using anti seize or grease in the wheel also helps to pound the new bearing in. I’ve learned that over the years. It’s supposed to be a tight fit. Use a socket the size of the outer rim of the bearing to pound it in evenly.
Bradley Beaumont You don't really need another wheelchair to do this. You could just transfer onto the couch and use a piece of wood on your lap to change out the bearings. Just a thought.
I sent my wheelchair away to be repaired they did it there for me bearings and disintegrated woops when they brought it back yesterday they have broken another bit not happy
What I do, is when I am not in my wheelchair, I usually spin my casters, and you will be able to tell its getting close to needing replacement. Once they are spinning slower, its soon needing replacement.
hint for anybody replacing caster bearings, most bearings (including frog legs soft roll and oem from quickie and TiLite) use the same bearing as roller blades. You can get them cheaper and sometimes in much higher quality instead of going through your chair supplier.
Skateboarding bearings are far superior, both for longevity and speed, particularly the Bones, Swiss, Ceramic. Skateboard rated bearings can last for years, and are more water resistant and friction resistant.
Thank you! That freezer/heater trick helped alot!
Thank you so much! I was able to fix my husband's wheelchair at home because of this video! (One wheel was falling off of his chair because the bearings popped out.) And congrats on the pregnancy! Parenthood is wonderful
Emily Soen Woohoo! Glad it helped and thanks!
@@ParalyzedLiving Hi Brian, your parenthood is wonderful. Congratulations!!! Thank you for your video. Kind regards, from, PaulLaw.
I seem to go through bearings a couple times a year. Interesting to see what the issues look like from the inside--thank you for sharing!!!
Great video. Very clear and informative. Thank you!
Thank you so much :) My wife uses a wheelchair and we had some weird noises from the front wheels. I decided to completely remove the wheels and clean them out but I had some problems with the bearings. Your video helps me so much!
Awesome!! Bearings don’t last forever so I’m glad you were able to get it fixed!
Thank you for the tip / video .. I might have to do that next time.. I just cleaned mine out as much as i could and then repack my ball bearing with some new grease. Rolls really well too..
Thanks for posting this!
I go through these once a yr....sometimes twice a year. Just depends on how much water get in them. I've had them lock up so many times and I've never really known how to repair them, so thank you for this video. I'd rather do this myself than I had wait on the chair place to fix them. I don't like relying on others with my chair. Haha!
I use marine grease on my front caster bearings, axles and such. Helps repels the water better than regular grease. I also live in a climate where I battle 5 months of winter! I generally service my front casters every 1-2 months depending and get up to 1.5-2 years out of them.
Thank you for the help
Great video bro!
Thanks for your helpful video. Just a note. I live in Taiwan, but you may find this anywhere, These bearings have many many applications, very commonly they are used for skateboards and roller blades. They can be very cheap and are often sold in sets of eight, I suggest you change the whole set at once.
Eepale Gracias,,your video just saved my day
Thanks- I just got my first set of replacement bearings x 4 for the front only. Now I need to buy a rubber mallet.
Very Cool man. Thank You for showing.
Thanks for the tip, I was having a hard time replacing mine. I wish more of us with SCI took time to make videos like this, including me lol
Can you share the website to buy the bearings and caster wheels? I need to buy both for my chair but things are much more expensive here in PR.
What do you use to sanitize your frame?
I'm still riding my "five-year" Quickie 2 with 6" aluminum soft rolls mostly, but my forks are so long (Adjustable Large). I want to drop to a 4x1.5" or so but I worry that a 3 or 4" may put too much stress on the bearing stem with such long forks. Any thoughts? So ready to decide what my new chair will be.... I'm stuck on rigid this time but there are so many options.... I want strictly business with no frills.
Clint Droste Hi Clint, I think a 4-5" caster would be your best bet. Going much smaller makes bumps/cracks a little more bumpy. You may notice turning is a little easier too with a slightly smaller caster. I use TiLite chairs and really like them. They are built extremely well and have taken a good amount of abuse. Good luck!
Paralyzed Living, Thanks for the tip. I should've had 4's on a long time ago. I'm totally with you on TiLite. I'm still working on the details, but should be riding a custom by June.... Putting a smile on my face already!
I use Frog Legs 4.5 Wheels and Casters, on my main Chair (Per4Max) and slightly larger on my TiLite, I prefer the smaller casters for faster turning myself.
Hey thanks great video
Hi Bryan
Do you know how to replace bearing from our spinergy spox wheels ?
Yep the process is pretty much the same - actually easier since they are bigger bearings. There’s an inner and outer bearing that you’ll need to pop out. You can insert a screw driver through the back/front to knock them out with a hammer. Then freeze your new bearings and they should tap in easily. I usually use a deep socket about the diameter of the bearing to tap the front one in since it’s a recessed hole.
Hi its very helpful thanks dear can i see your house tour
Glad it helps! Here’s a video tour of my home. ua-cam.com/video/YhYQ57s8Myk/v-deo.html
I'm trying to found a video replacing tilite fork bearing. They are a real pain to take out and install. Do you have a video on that?
I don't have a video but I've done it and yes they can be a pain. I ended up buying a bearing puller tool to get the bearing off the fork stem. It was the only way I found that worked. Once you get them off use the "freeze method" shown in this vid to shrink the bearing in order to get it back in the fork. Then put the assembly on.
What casters are those and what size? Aluminum soft roll? I'm really conflicted about what casters to get on my next chair.
MicroGamer15 I think they are 4x1.4" Frog Leg aluminum casters. I love how they look but can't find any that will fit my new chair. These are back on my ZRA. (The one I'm using in this video)
@@ParalyzedLiving Hi Brian, what casters are those and what size? Aluminium soft roll? I am really conflicted about what casters to get on my next chair. Kind regards, from, PaulLaw.
Do you have a video for Front fork mount bears or a tool the helps?
I had to buy a bearing puller tool in order to get the fork bearings off. It was about $50. Look it up. Example below: www.cpooutlets.com/atd-3056-5-ton-bar-type-bearing-puller-set/atdn3056,default,pd.html?ref=pla&zmam=31282435&zmas=47&zmac=722&zmap=atdn3056&gclid=CMD2rp6qoc4CFZM2aQodcWQC3g
@@ParalyzedLiving Hi Brian, do you have a video for Front fork mount bears or a tool the helps? Kind regards, from, PaulLaw.
any idea how to maintain rear wheel axles.. can I apply little oil for lubrication???? or what is best way to maintain the rear axles?
Anand Kumar The best way I've found is to clean them with WD40 to get the gunk off and then use a silicone based lubricant so they slide into the axle tube easily. Try wrapping a thin towel around a screwdriver and spraying it with WD40 to clean out the inside of the axle tube.
@@ParalyzedLiving Hi Brian, Amy idea how to maintain rear wheel axles.. can I apply little oil for lubrication??? Or what is the best way to maintain the rear axles. Kind regards, from, PaulLaw.
How are you doing tonight? I just watched this latest video and was wondering where you bought your bearings for the casters?
IlichiRegiusReptiles Doing well! I got the bearings from sportaid.com. They have tons of wheelchair stuff and their staff is very helpful if you ever have questions.
@@ParalyzedLiving Hi Brian, how are you doing tonight? I just watched this latest video and was wondering where you brought your bearings for the casters? Nice video! Kind regards, from, PaulLaw.
Hi Brian, I have a problem with my rear wheels since yesterday. So, They seem to slide or skid (I dont know exactly the word, I speak spanish), but is not too much skidding and it is in both wheels, so, i dont think that it is the balance, but i dont know what it is. have you ever had this problem?
I have a new power wheelchair and I was shocked the bearing failed in like 6 months. Luckily I still had my old power Wheelchair. Those bearings lasted 5 years.
I am having an absolute terrible time trying to get a stem bearing for a power wheelchair seated. I've got the correct bearing. Cooling the bearing and heating the stem didn't work. I tried a home made bearing press. Any suggestions?
+Ron Piggott You should be cooling the stem and heating up the bearing for that application. This will cause the stem to contract. Use some lube too. Then you can use a deep socket and hammer to drive it onto the stem.
What made in bearing where in buy
Where do you purchase your bearings online? Also, thanks for posting these videos they have been very helpful!
EBay, Amazon etc
I have severe hip osteoarthritis. I bought a Hugo Navigator transport chair/rollator combo. It has developed a strong flutter, wobble. Could I replace the bearings in it this way too? Are all the bearings the same size? Thanks!!
How do you know what size bearings you need ?
Says on the bearing
Brian, I have a quickie Q7 and have had for 3 yrs now...since the accident really; it's the chair my insurance paid for.1st Q. My wheels make crackling, popping noises. Is this the sign of bad bearings? I'm not sure if it's the casters or the rear wheels or both. 2nd Q. I'm looking into changing the back on my chair, mainly because it is currently rigged up. (broken) I was wondering what you have and what you think about it. Thanks for these videos...I've been looking for some like this.
+Eric Mendes Hi Eric. Yes, the cracking noise could definitely be bearings although it never hurts to lube the rear axle mounts and tighten the hardware. The end caps of the axle where the wheels attach can also creak over time so get WD40 or a similar lubricant and give them a good spray. This has solved a lot of noise issues for me. As far as the wheelchair back I use a solid carbon fiber backrest called the ROHO Jetstream pro. It's the best of the best out there and is really lightweight which helps a lot during car transfers. I happen to have a second one that is brand new in the box up for sale at the moment if you are interested. It's $620 new but I am willing to let it go for $400. It fits chairs with 16" spacing between the backrest uprights.
+Paralyzed Living Sounds like a good deal but I'm not ready to spend that kind of $ on the wheelchair. This is the year I get back on my feet for good. I've been slacking on my therapy and probably could have been walking by now but with a full time job and 2 kids, I just don't feel like working out. I also need to get myself back behind the wheel. I know my first step is to get the OK from my doctor but after that I'm not to sure. Where did you go to learn how to drive? What do you recommend? By the way, the cracking noise is almost gone now,. I cleaned the rear axles with WD40 and I'll replace the bearings as soon as I get them in. Thanks for the info.
is it the same process for the rear wheels and how do you find out what size is required?
great viddy by the way!
Yes, the process is very similar for the rear wheels. There are two bearings on each wheel as well. Typically, websites like Sportaid.com can assist you with finding the correct size for you wheels. I suggest giving them a call.
@@ParalyzedLiving Hi Brian, is it the same process for the rear wheels and how do you find out what size is required? Great video by the way! Kind regards, from, PaulLaw.
This isn't related to this video but it's related to muscle spasms:
With muscle spasms, do they just happen to the muscles affected by paralysis or do they happen to other muscles that you dont think are affected. Because I've been having muscle spasms in my arms and shoulder and earlier today; in my thumb... They usually only happen in my legs but I'm not sure if I've got another affected area...
Stormageddon101 I've tried cheating on my chair with a cane for almost six years from a rare form of scoliosis. This lead to a lot of falls and the last one left me as a T1 Incomplete.... I won't even mention the lower regions, but the back-flip (landing on head, neck and shoulder) has my cervical region fired-up as well, so I also experience spasms in odd places. Have you had any upper or lower C regions checked for pressure or bulges? You may be experiencing the same thing as I am. Just a thought....
Clint Droste, , Nope, haven't had any of that checked... I will probably do that on my next doctors appointment... The C section is around the neck right...?, if it is; I think I might have affected it... My neck's often sore too but I haven't done anything thats caused any problem with my neck...
Thanks for the response :)
I use ceramic bearings in my casters. They do not rust.
Thanks for sharing this! Where do you get ceramic bearings?
I think I bought them off Amazon
Need help i bought new bearing put it in the feezer for like 2 hours and still dont fit
You should clean the hub on the wheel really well. Using anti seize or grease in the wheel also helps to pound the new bearing in. I’ve learned that over the years. It’s supposed to be a tight fit. Use a socket the size of the outer rim of the bearing to pound it in evenly.
@@ParalyzedLiving i did everything and still loose
how do I clean the bearings and casters?
You can clean them with WD-40 but eventually, you will need to replace them because they are not truly repairable since they have sealed bearings.
I have a quickie argon 2 with frog legs but my frog legs are extremely seceded need to get wheelchair to put new ones on
Bradley Beaumont You don't really need another wheelchair to do this. You could just transfer onto the couch and use a piece of wood on your lap to change out the bearings. Just a thought.
I sent my wheelchair away to be repaired they did it there for me bearings and disintegrated woops when they brought it back yesterday they have broken another bit not happy
great advice change one at a time,, you can still roll on 3 wheels,, Just be careful 😂🤔👍
get the bearings at a skateboardshop they are really the same and cheaper
Ya hear ya. Or bearing shop anywhere but a wheelchair shop.
What I do, is when I am not in my wheelchair, I usually spin my casters, and you will be able to tell its getting close to needing replacement. Once they are spinning slower, its soon needing replacement.
I been paralyzed for like 400 days. jus had some questions.
I never realised how small the front wheels are on a chair their little biger then skate board wheels
Person fixing front wheel removed the metal frame and wheel together
Instead of just wheel everything is off help please IM A STRANDED GAL
hint for anybody replacing caster bearings, most bearings (including frog legs soft roll and oem from quickie and TiLite) use the same bearing as roller blades. You can get them cheaper and sometimes in much higher quality instead of going through your chair supplier.
Skateboarding bearings are far superior, both for longevity and speed, particularly the Bones, Swiss, Ceramic. Skateboard rated bearings can last for years, and are more water resistant and friction resistant.