Over time, wheels on the VEX AIM Coding Robot can collect dust, hair, or other debris that affects performance. This article walks through how to safely remove, clean, and reattach a wheel.
Cleaning a VEX AIM Wheel
1. Insert a hex key into the center of the wheel’s hubcap. With your other hand, hold the wheel firmly to prevent it from spinning.
2. Turn the hex key counterclockwise to loosen and unscrew the hubcap.
3. Remove the hubcap, then set it aside.
4. Remove the wheel from the axle.
To clean the wheel, you can use whatever tools are available in your classroom. Some helpful options include:
- A damp paper towel or cleaning wipe to remove surface dirt.
- A soft brush, such as a toothbrush or straw cleaner, for loosening buildup around the rollers.
- Pipe cleaners or cotton swabs (Q-tips) for cleaning small spaces.
- Binder clips, plastic tweezers, or masking tape to pull out hair or thread.
- Pressurized air, if available, to blow out dust and debris from hard-to-reach areas.
Make sure the rollers can spin freely and that nothing is caught around them or the axle.
5. After cleaning, push the wheel back onto the axle, making sure the concave side faces outward.
Important: The wheel must be completely dry before you reattach it to the robot.
6. Hold the wheel steady and insert the hubcap into the concave center. While still bracing the wheel, insert the hex key into the center of the hubcap.
7. Tighten the hubcap by turning the hex key clockwise.
To tell if a hub cap has been tightened enough, turn the hex key without holding the wheel. If the wheel spins along with the hex key, that means the hubcap is secure.