Electrolux Automatic Model F: How to replace wheels?

[rexx]

Hi. I have an Electrolux Automatic Model F with a broken wheel. I have replacement wheels. But I can't figure out how to make the replacement! The ends of the "axle" that prevent the wheels from coming off look permanent. See photos. Can anyone guide me? Thanks in advance for any kindness from strangers.

 

[huskyvacs]

If I remember I think they have to be drilled out and then re-riveted with pop rivets. Other members will answer with more detailed directions - but I'm sure that's how it is done. I have a few I need to replace too.

 

[vacman1961]

It is pretty easy to do, it can be done if your patient. Take a pair of diagonal cutters and gently pry the washer off the end of one side of the shaft, keep working around the washer, do not cut it off, you will be reusing it. After you get the washer off, slide the shaft out of the opposite side, remove the broken wheels, install the one new wheel and reinsert the wheel shaft, install the other new wheel. Now, take the washer and put it on a vice or something steel and gently hammer it flat back into shape. Put the opposite side of the shaft, the side that you didn't remove, on top of a vice or something that is steel to support it. Now put the washer back over the chewed up end of the shaft and gently peen the center over onto the washer and it should hold. I have been doing it this way for over 40 years and I have never had an issue.

 

[jo]

There is a kit for this

Aerus sells a new axel shaft kit for this purpose, usually with the wheels, but if you have them already you may not need them. My Father and I did a repair of this one one model similar long ago. The guy at the Aerus Electrolux store told us exactly how to get the old one off and the new one together but it is very similar to the method mentioned above.