Removing wheels from 2026 engine

[Anonymous]

Hi,
I am working on my first restoration project on a 2026 engine. I would like to get a wheel puller to
pull off the wheels, which are readily available for purchase. The question I have is how easy is it to
put the wheels back on. I do not see any tools to purchase for this process. Do they just slide back on? Or do I hammer them back on. I know the one side has to be quartered from the other.
Thanks for any information.

[Anonymous]

Hi,
I am working on my first restoration project on a 2026 engine. I would like to get a wheel puller to
pull off the wheels, which are readily available for purchase. The question I have is how easy is it to
put the wheels back on. I do not see any tools to purchase for this process. Do they just slide back on? Or do I hammer them back on. I know the one side has to be quartered from the other.
Thanks for any information.

[Anonymous]

i would press them on with a small-padded-jaw hobby vice.but, thats me

[Anonymous]

i would press them on with a small-padded-jaw hobby vice.but, thats me

[tmackinator]

You can start by fully installing the axle in one driver by carefully tapping with a plastic faced hammer or a smooth faced vice. Be sure to start axle square to the driver to avoid bending. Support the installed driver with the axle/driver assembly in the loco and carefully start the other driver(being careful to orient to quarter properly) with a soft face hammer. Once the driver is started, the best way is to press the assembly with a soft face vice or small arbor press. Use a small piece of stock to concentrate the pressing force to the center of the driver and not the outer edges. Be certian the assembly is square and true as you progress. Do it slow and careful. If by chance you have access to a lathe, you can nicely assemble the drivers by using the tailstock to press the units together. do not press the unit too far as it may bind on the motor frame. I have also used a sturdy "c" clamp to assemble drivers with good results

[tmackinator]

You can start by fully installing the axle in one driver by carefully tapping with a plastic faced hammer or a smooth faced vice. Be sure to start axle square to the driver to avoid bending. Support the installed driver with the axle/driver assembly in the loco and carefully start the other driver(being careful to orient to quarter properly) with a soft face hammer. Once the driver is started, the best way is to press the assembly with a soft face vice or small arbor press. Use a small piece of stock to concentrate the pressing force to the center of the driver and not the outer edges. Be certian the assembly is square and true as you progress. Do it slow and careful. If by chance you have access to a lathe, you can nicely assemble the drivers by using the tailstock to press the units together. do not press the unit too far as it may bind on the motor frame. I have also used a sturdy "c" clamp to assemble drivers with good results