Suitcase Caster Wheel replacement/upgrade

This is a suitcase wheel upgrade I designed after the original wheels stopped turning smoothly and made rolling the bag a pain. I couldn’t find an exact replacement anywhere, and the decent aftermarket options were surprisingly expensive and difficult to adapt, so I made my own.

Parts required per wheel (in addition to the printed parts):

• 1× Socket insert nut M5 × 8 mm — https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002212964541.html
• 2× Bearing 695-2Z (5×13×4 mm) — https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006023820279.html
• 2× Hex socket bolt M5 × 30 mm — https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005876152562.html
• 2× Thrust bearing (8×22×7 mm) — https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005009243962537.html
• 1× M5 standard nut
• 1× M5 standard washer

Tools required:

• 4 mm Allen key
• 3 mm Allen key
• Super Lube PTFE grease
• Loctite medium-strength threadlocker
• 8 mm socket

Important notes:

• Tolerances are intentionally tight. The first time you press in the washers, bolts, and bearings it may feel stiff — use a tool to help if needed. Make sure bearings sit fully flat, not tilted.
• Printing at 0.12 mm or 0.16 mm layer height gives an easier fit. Printing at 0.2 mm will make parts noticeably tighter.

Tightening the nuts:

Tighten fully first, then back off by about a quarter turn — just enough so the wheel spins freely, but without excessive play.

Threadlocker:

Apply threadlocker and let it cure for 24 hours before putting the wheel into use.