How to Replace Stroller Wheels

Stroller wheels are an essential component of your baby’s buggy. A missing or damaged wheel can render a stroller useless and make your outings with your little one less efficient and comfortable. Instead of shopping for a new stroller, replace the wheel. To ensure the safety of your stroller and a smooth ride for your baby, order the replacement wheel from the stroller’s manufacturer. The back of the stroller’s instruction manual may offer a list of the replacement parts available.

Replacing a Rear Stroller Wheel

Disengage the stroller’s brake so the wheels are free to move.

Unlock the quick-release lever located by the wheel that you need to replace.

Remove the broken wheel. If there is a secondary retention button near the quick-release lever, push on it to remove the wheel from the rear axle. Depending on the type of stroller you have, it may have a ring, fork plate, holding plate and/or adjusting nut that you need to remove with the wheel.

Slide the new wheel into the stroller’s rear axle. You may need to push on the secondary retention button or the quick release lever as you do this. If applicable, replace the ring, fork plate, holding plate, finger nut and/or adjusting nut, as well.

Lock the quick-release lever so the wheel doesn’t slide out of the axle.

Replacing a Front Wheel

Disengage the stroller’s brake so the wheels are free to move.

Lean the stroller backward so the rear wheels and the back part of the handle touch the floor. The front wheels should point upward. If the front wheels swivel, you may need to lock or place them in the forward position.

Unlock the quick-release lever near the wheel that you need to replace. If there is a secondary retention button near the quick-release lever, push on it to remove the wheel from the front axle or front wheel fork.

Remove the broken wheel. Depending on the type of stroller you have, it may have a ring, fork plate, holding plate and/or adjusting nut that you need to remove at the same time.

Slide the new wheel into the front axle or into the front wheel fork, depending on the type of stroller you have. You may need to push on the secondary retention button or the quick release lever as you do this. If applicable, replace the ring, fork plate, holding plate and/or adjusting nut in the order in which you found them.

Lock the quick-release lever or move it to the closed position so the wheel doesn’t slide out of the axle or the front wheel fork.

Tips

Stroller wheels are available in different sizes and types, such as air tires and foam-filled wheels.

Inspect the replacement wheel to make sure it is in good condition.

If your stroller has an air tire that’s flat, you may simply need to replace the inner tube inside the wheel instead of the whole wheel.

If the stroller wheel is an air tire, you may need to inflate the replacement before installing it onto the stroller. Inflate the tire to the recommended pounds per square inch, or psi, which you can find imprinted along the tire’s rim.

Warnings

Do not place your baby in the stroller as you replace the wheel.

Make sure all the parts on a stroller’s wheel assembly are secure and locked before placing your baby in the stroller.