Disassembling the wheel: To do this, you’ll need a screwdriver that fits the size of the screws holding the wheel in place. You should find them around the axle on the side where the wheel connects to the luggage. There might be more than one screw, so make sure you unscrew all of them. Once the screws are removed, gently pull out the wheel by applying pressure on both sides of the axle until it comes free. Be careful not to damage the wheel or its surrounding parts as you disconnect it.

Removing the inner components: After removing the outer casing (the part we see when the wheel is attached to the luggage), you’ll have access to the inner workings of the wheel. The center hub should still be connected to the metal shaft, which is what makes the wheel rotate. This part may be stuck because of the accumulated dirt and grime. To separate them, apply some penetrating oil to the joint where the hub connects to the shaft. Wait for about 30 minutes before attempting to take apart these pieces.

Cleaning: Now that the inner components are separated, use a small brush and some warm soapy water to scrub away any remaining debris and grime. Rinse the parts with clean water, making sure no soap remains. Leave the wheel parts to dry fully before reassembling them.

Reassembly: When the parts are completely dry, reverse the process you followed to remove them, putting everything back together. Lubricate the shaft and hub connection with some light grease to prevent further gunk build-up. Make sure the nut on the shaft is tight enough but don’t overdo it, as this could damage the threads.

Final assembly: Put the outer casing back onto the wheel, and then securely fasten the screws to attach it to your luggage again. Test the wheel by rolling the luggage around. It should now turn smoothly without any resistance from the built-up grime.