If you’ve done any wheel swaps you’ll be well aware of the short axle syndrome. It’s when you find the perfect wheels for your custom but the axle is to short (or just as bad is to long.) Occasionally you get lucky and the set you want to fit has exactly the right length of axle needed. This write up is about a method of making a simple axle that may make it easier for some wheel swapers out there.
The customs above are both done using this method and roll perfectly. Video evidence supplied below.
Here’s an earlier post of mine using the same wire for another custom axle design. This was a little elaborate but did the job.
So here’s one method of making your own axles. The wire used is the same I’ve used for a few customs in the past. It’s diameter is .9mm and fairly soft. Don’t let the softness worry you as its strong enough for the purpose over the short distance required in this application.
So the first step is to cut and straighten out a short length of the wire (around 100mm or 4") If you haven’t already now is a good time to check if the wire will fit in the axle hole. I’ve found all Real Riders will fit this wire and the majority of the plastic wheels from HW/MBX/Welly etc,
Then as in the pictures above make a bend at a similar angle shown. I have found that bending it at 90deg can cause the rim to bind or lock up completely defeating the whole purpose of the invention that is the wheel.
Then trim the axle as shown above. This is best cut as short as possible but leaving enough of the wire to keep the wheel from parting ways with your car.
Next fit the first wheel to the axle, then repeat for the next wheel. ;)
Fit the axle to your base temporarily to find the correct length. This is kind of important as to short and the wheels won’t turn freely, to long and it looks rubbish.
When I’m working out the length needed I make sure the finished end is sitting in the correct position. Then using some needle nosed pliers hold the axle where you think is in about the right place, then slide the pliers out along the axle a little. While still gripping the axel remove from the base. Slide the wheel out of the way and make another bend at the same angle as the first bend. Then trim some of the excess, enough to allow the rim to slide out the full distance and test fit. If it’s to long or the wheels don’t spin you’ll have enough length to straighten it out and adjust. If not start again, the wire is so cheap it’s only your time that’s wasted. ;)
Ok so when you are happy with the fit trim all excess from the final bend as you did earlier with the first bend. Fit to your cast and you are rolling!
Thanks for looking, hope this post has been useful.