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how can i fix or remove the front wheel of my tank?
Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2011 9:13 pm
by TankAce
I have a few Panther tanks that have the same problem.The track get off the wheel when rolled.I know is a factory mistake because two of my other Panthers don't have that problem.I find that the problem is that when this where assemble at the factory,the tooth where not align correctly before it was glued.
The only solution i see is to separate the two joined parts and align the tooth before re-gluing. The only problem is to separate those pieces without breaking the wheel because the glue is holding very strong.
Anybody know how to take the wheel out? Any suggestions?
Re: how can i fix or remove the front wheel of my tank?
Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2011 9:13 am
by flyboy_fx
Brute force is about it I assume. lol
Re: how can i fix or remove the front wheel of my tank?
Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2011 8:56 pm
by TankAce
I guess i am going to have to learn to live with it.Good thing is not a radio controlled model, or a real one.

Re: how can i fix or remove the front wheel of my tank?
Posted: Thu Aug 25, 2011 5:10 am
by Tenerifecrimson
I had the same problem, i have used 2 things: 1º Oven cleaning product in spray to "attack" the glued parts and the 2º hot water like you have on your bath with the heat it can unseal the glue
Re: how can i fix or remove the front wheel of my tank?
Posted: Thu Aug 25, 2011 9:30 pm
by TankAce
I will try both.I will have to get the oven cleaning solution first.It is worth the try because i have a few tanks with this problem.
Re: how can i fix or remove the front wheel of my tank?
Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2011 8:48 am
by flyboy_fx
Careful it might tear up the paint also!
Re: how can i fix or remove the front wheel of my tank?
Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2011 8:37 pm
by TankAce
I try the hot tap water and no luck.Then i try boiling water on the microwave.It took 5 minutes to boil the water.Then i submerge the front wheel for 10 seconds.after that,i pulled the wheel (i did not pull by the outer side of the wheel to prevent the sprocket teeth from warping)so i pulled from the inside of the rim.To my surprise the wheel came out.After the wheel came out i deep it in hot water again to warm the plastic, and then start separating the rim with a flat head screw driver.Pulling the wheel was easy,but separating the rim was harder.It took me 20 minutes before i saw the rim separating.Maybe if a had the spray oven cleaner it would have been easier. I align the rim sprockets and insert the wheel back with crazy glue.The wheel feels tight when inserted.I don't think it was necessary to use glue,but i used just in case.
Now i need to do the same on my other panther tank.
Thanks to both board members for the support and ideas. It the end i had to use both of your suggestions to get it out. Hot water and brute force. It was worth it
Tank rolls now without tracks derailing.
Re: how can i fix or remove the front wheel of my tank?
Posted: Tue Aug 30, 2011 7:22 am
by flyboy_fx
It is a shame you got a couple of these bad apples. LOL I have never had that problem.

Re: how can i fix or remove the front wheel of my tank?
Posted: Tue Aug 30, 2011 12:44 pm
by kduck
Just a warning for those considering oven cleaner to unseal glue. Flyboy_fx is correct. It will remove paint! Modelers have used it for years to strip paint from models. Also it is very caustic so you have to be careful when you use it.