A good suitcase is not cheap, so it pays to look after it and fix problems early. Wheels take knocks from kerbs and cobbles, luggage gets thrown around in aircraft and coach holds, and sand, snow and street salt work their way into the wheels and handle mechanism.
Most common faults can be fixed at home in half an hour: pushing out a dent in a hard shell, getting the wheels rolling smoothly again, freeing a sticking telescopic handle and loosening a stiff latch.
What you will need
Important: Do not overheat the plastic with the hair dryer: keep it at a distance and keep it moving, or the shell may warp. Test any lubricant on a hidden area of fabric or plastic first.
Step 1
Push out a dent in the shell
Hard plastic cases often arrive with dents. Open the case and warm the dent from the inside with a hair dryer, moving it back and forth so no spot gets too hot. Within 5-10 minutes the plastic usually springs back into shape.
If the dent resists, hold a wooden block against it from inside and tap the block gently with a hammer. Be patient and do not use force, or the shell may crack.
Step 2
Clean and lubricate the wheels
Before taking anything apart, try cleaning the wheels. Vacuum up dust, sand and hair wound round the axles, then wash the wheels with a sponge and soapy water and dry them.
Apply WD-40 Specialist Silicone to the axle and swivel of each wheel and spin it by hand. Silicone is safe on plastic and rubber, repels water and leaves a thin slippery film, so the wheels roll smoothly and quietly again.
Step 3
Take the wheel apart if lubricating is not enough
Undo the screws holding the wheel unit from inside the case and remove the wheel with its housing. If the wheel is cracked or the tread worn away, replace it with one of the same diameter and fitting. Measure the old wheel or take it with you when buying.
If the wheel is intact but still sticks, remove it from the housing to find the cause. Often it just needs the bearing cleaning and packing with WD-40 Specialist White Lithium Grease, which does not drip and lasts. Reassemble in reverse order.
Step 4
Free the telescopic handle
A telescopic handle sticks because of dirt and dust inside the tubes. Extend it fully, wipe the tubes with a cloth and apply silicone lubricant to the inner tubes and the release button.
Slide the handle in and out several times to spread the lubricant and wipe off the excess. No more dragging the case at an awkward angle because the handle will not extend.
Step 5
Loosen a stiff latch
Move every part of the lock and catch to find where it is sticking. Using the WD-40 Smart Straw, apply a small amount inside the lock and under the catch.
Press and release the catch repeatedly until it moves freely. Wipe off any residue carefully with microfibre so it does not mark your clothes or the fabric.
Tip: Before each trip, wipe the wheels and give the axles a quick spray of silicone. After travelling through wintry streets, always wash salt and sand off the wheels or they will soon start squeaking.
What next
Check and lubricate the wheels and handle before each travel season. If a wheel is cracked, replace it promptly, as a damaged wheel quickly wrecks its mounting in the shell. Keep WD-40 Specialist Silicone at home, as it also suits zips, seals and plastic mechanisms.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
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