I have a Lionel Prewar 248 box-cab engine and I need to replace the wheels. I have never pulled wheels off before, so any advice would be much appreciated. I do not own any specialized tools (like a wheel puller). Do I need to buy tools or are there alternative methods.
It is sometimes possible to get wheels off cleanly by wedging a flat screwdriver between the hub and the bearing, then twisting it. The proper technique with a puller is to tighten it a little, then tap on it to drive the axle out of the wheel a little, retighten, tap, etc. If you use a screwdriver, you should follow the same procedure using a punch (or its equivalent) to drive the axle out. Unfortunately, this requires three hands.
I was told by someone that an automotive battery terminal puller can be used. Has anyone tried this?
On my 248 the wheels were so rotten, I was able to use a pair of vise grip pliers to crumble the metal. I used a vise on my workbench to press the new wheels on.
Mitch
The Train Tender also has several styles of wheel pullers I noticed.
http://www.ttender.com/partphotos/
Just click onto tools !