How to Replace a Wheelbarrow Tire Axle
A wheelbarrow makes many lawn and garden tasks much easier. From hauling dirt and gravel to providing a means of transporting bushes and plants, the common wheelbarrow is a workhorse when it comes to outside chores. Over time, the weight of items hauled in the wheelbarrow can bend the axle and require its replacement. A new wheelbarrow axle can be purchased from most hardware or home improvement stores for less than $20 as of 2011.
Turn the wheelbarrow upside down and set it on a hard flat surface.
Remove the bolt caps from the axle by prying them off with a standard screwdriver. Some wheelbarrows may have cotter pins on each side of the wheel. You can remove these pins by bending them straight with a pair of pliers and sliding them out of their holes.
- A wheelbarrow makes many lawn and garden tasks much easier.
- Over time, the weight of items hauled in the wheelbarrow can bend the axle and require its replacement.
Hold the bolt on one side of the axle steady with an adjustable wrench while you turn the bolt on the other side counterclockwise with another adjustable wrench. Remove the bolts and set them aside.
Slide the axle out of its brackets while holding the wheel securely.
Install the new axle through the bracket on one side and through the center of the wheel then through the bracket on the other side. Secure the axle bolts with the two adjustable wrenches in a similar fashion as you removed the old axle. Replace the cotter pins, if so equipped, and the bolt caps.
Wheelbarrow Wheel Off Of The Axle?
Wheelbarrow wheels will go flat and require repair or replacement just like any other tire. Wheelbarrows come with single and double tires. Removing a double-tire wheelbarrow wheel from the axle is generally the same as removing a single tire wheelbarrow wheel. Locate the bolts that secure the axle brackets (sometimes called axle mounts) to the wheelbarrow frame. If a bolt turns with the nut, grasp the head of the bolt with a pair of vise grips and hold the vise grips steady while removing the securing nut. Remove the washers from the bolts and lift the axle brackets away from the wheelbarrow frame. Pull the axle straight out of the center of the wheelbarrow wheel.
- Hold the bolt on one side of the axle steady with an adjustable wrench while you turn the bolt on the other side counterclockwise with another adjustable wrench.
- Remove the washers from the bolts and lift the axle brackets away from the wheelbarrow frame.
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Writer Bio
Damon Koch has years of writing experience ranging from software manuals to song lyrics. His writing has appeared in software manuals for Human Arc and on the CDs "Small Craft Advisory" and "Impersonating Jesus." He also has worked in building maintenance since 2004. He has attended Lorain County Community College as well as Cleveland State University.
