Replacing Invacare Wheelchair Parts

Always follow Invacare directions when using, maintaining, or replacing parts on your wheelchair. You should also be certain that you are using the right parts: check part numbers and look to see that the part you are purchasing will fit your Invacare wheelchair. You will find that in some cases you can use a non-Invacare part, as some things are interchangeable from one manufacturer to another and some parts are actually universal. But make certain before placing that order, as some Invacare parts can only be replaced with Invacare wheelchair parts. Before ordering, check sizes, look at the Invacare specifications, and contact your parts vendor directly if you have any questions. As most Invacare wheelchair parts are readily available online, purchasing through a reputable, secure site is important: if the company does not have a way for you to contact them directly with questions, order elsewhere.

If you would like to avoid an expensive wheelchair repair job and replace some Invacare wheelchair parts yourself, here are a few simple things you can do:

* Wheelchair castors are those small wheels located at the front of your chair, and help go in the direction that you want. Castors are easily replaceable, and are available in a range of sizes, from 3" to 8".

* Rear wheel assemblies and tires are also easily replaced. You will find them in a variety of options that can affect the performance of your wheelchair.

* If you have a powered wheelchair, then you know that your wheelchair battery needs to be replaced regularly. You may also need to replace the battery charger as well.

* Front riggings, which include footrests and elevating leg rests, are important to the comfort of the wheelchair user, and are also parts that you can replace yourself.

* Anti-tip devices are essential for the safety of the wheelchair user. Make sure yours work correctly.

* Arm rests, cushions, brakes, and cross-braces all can wear out or need replacement at times, and are relatively easy to take care of on your own.

You may experience some common problems that can be directly related to bad or worn-out wheelchair parts. Many affect the movement of the chair itself, and others can create safety issues if not taken care of. If any of the following are occurring, you may need to replace some of your Invacare wheelchair parts:

* If your chair easily tips over backwards, you might have broken or unused anti-tippers, an incorrectly installed seating system, or possibly a bent frame.

* A wheelchair that cannot fold may also have a bent frame.

* If the wheel locks do not work, it may be because the hardware is loose, the wheel locks may be broken, or the tires may be worn.

* A wheelchair that is difficult to push or move may have flat pneumatic tires, a bent frame, or misaligned wheel axles.

Problems with your wheelchair don't have to result in an expensive visit to the repair shop. You can purchase many Invacare wheelchair parts online and replace them yourself without any difficulty. But long before you ever need to repair your Invacare wheelchair, learn all about your chair, everything that it can do, as well as each of the various parts. Research where you can order replacement parts easily and seccrely, and then follow the Invacare recommended wheelchair maintenance process. Then, if/when your wheelchair has a problem, you will be prepared to easily obtain the Invacare parts you need, and possibly make the repair yourself.