How to Replace Rear Tires and Rims on Carrera RC Cars

Quick answer

To replace rear tires and rims on Carrera RC cars, first confirm the exact model number, then remove the old wheel assembly, clean the axle, and press the new tire-and-rim set onto the rear axle until it seats fully. For the Red Cruiser (162046) use the two-piece rear set with SKU 370510087; for the Red Challenger (162056) use the set with SKU 370990435. Check for wobble and free rotation before running the car.

Match the spare set to your Carrera model number

Carrera rear tire and rim sets are model-specific, so the most reliable starting point is the item number printed on the car or in its manual. The Red Cruiser is item 162046 and its rear set is listed under SKU 370510087. The Red Challenger is item 162056 and its rear set is listed under SKU 370990435. Both are two-piece rear sets supplied with rims already fitted to the tires, so you do not need to glue or mount a tire onto a bare rim.

If you own a Carrera Drift model such as the Porsche 911 GT3 R "Absolute Racing, No.25" Macau GP 2024, check the manual or the Carrera parts listing for that chassis before ordering, because the supplied catalog facts for this article do not confirm that the Red Cruiser or Red Challenger rear sets fit the Drift platform. Guessing here usually leads to a wheel that spins off-center or rubs the body.

Tools and workspace for a clean swap

You need a small Phillips screwdriver if the rear wheels are retained by a screw, a flat plastic pry tool or the handle of a small screwdriver, a clean cloth, and a tray to hold the small parts. Work on a light-colored surface so dark screws and axle pins are easy to find if they drop.

Before you remove anything, take a photo of the rear axle from both sides. This gives you a reference for the order of washers, spacers, or pins, which is the most common thing people forget when reassembling.

Remove the old rear wheel assembly

Lift the rear of the car so the wheels turn freely, then remove the wheel retaining screw or nut on one side. Slide the wheel off the axle while keeping the axle from pulling out of the gearbox. If the wheel is tight, apply steady outward pressure rather than twisting, because twisting can crack the rim or bend the axle.

Set the removed wheel and its hardware in the tray. Repeat on the other side only after the first side is fully off, so you do not mix left and right hardware.

Clean and inspect the axle and hub

Wipe the exposed axle with a dry cloth to remove dust, carpet fibers, and old grease. Check the axle for bends by rolling it between your fingers; a bent axle will make any new wheel wobble no matter how well it is installed.

Look at the hub area where the wheel seats. If there is a small pin or flat spot that keys the wheel to the axle, confirm it is present and not worn down. A missing key pin lets the wheel spin on the axle under acceleration.

Install the new tire and rim set

Slide the new wheel onto the axle with the rim facing the same direction as the wheel you removed. Push it on until it seats against the hub or spacer, then refit the retaining screw or nut. Tighten until the wheel has no in-and-out play but still spins freely by hand.

If the new set includes two wheels, repeat the process on the opposite side. Do not overtighten the second side before checking that both wheels sit at the same depth on the axle; uneven depth causes the car to pull to one side.

Check rotation, clearance, and run-in

Spin each rear wheel by hand and watch the gap between the tire and the chassis. The tire should not rub the body, suspension arm, or gearbox at any point in the rotation. A light rub that only appears under cornering will usually wear through a tire sidewall quickly.

Set the car on the ground and roll it forward and backward a short distance. Listen for scraping or clicking. If the car is clean, run it at low speed for the first minute to let the new tires settle onto the rims, then check the retaining screws again because new plastic can seat slightly deeper after the first run.

Rear tire and rim replacement steps

1. Confirm the model number: Find the item number on the car or in the manual. Red Cruiser is 162046; Red Challenger is 162056. Order the matching rear set rather than a similar-looking one. Checkpoint: the spare set's SKU matches your model's parts listing.
2. Remove the old rear wheel: Take out the retaining screw or nut, then slide the wheel straight off the axle. Keep the hardware in a tray so it does not roll away. Mistake to avoid: twisting a tight wheel off the axle, which can crack the rim.
3. Clean and inspect the axle: Wipe the axle dry and check it for bends. Confirm any key pin or flat spot is intact before fitting the new wheel. Checkpoint: the axle rolls straight between your fingers.
4. Fit the new tire and rim: Slide the new wheel on with the rim facing the same way as the old one, then refit the retaining screw or nut until there is no in-and-out play. Mistake to avoid: overtightening, which stops the wheel spinning freely.
5. Check clearance and rotation: Spin each wheel by hand and look for rubbing against the body, suspension, or gearbox. Roll the car on the ground and listen for scraping. Checkpoint: both rear wheels sit at the same depth and turn without contact.
6. Run in and re-check: Run the car at low speed for a minute, then re-check the retaining screws and wheel seating. Next step: if a wheel still wobbles, remove it and inspect the axle and hub again before running at full speed.

Rear tire and rim sets for Carrera RC cars

• 2 rear tires with rims for the Red Cruiser (162046): Two rear tires with rims for the Carrera Red Cruiser (162046), SKU 370510087, Standard option. This is the correct rear set for the Red Cruiser 162046, so you get both rear wheels in one order without matching tire and rim separately.
• 2 rear tires with rims for the Red Challenger (162056): Set of 2 rear tires with rims compatible with the Red Challenger (162056), SKU 370990435, Standard option. Use this set when you are replacing worn or damaged rear wheels on a Red Challenger 162056; it is a two-piece rear set, not a full four-wheel set.
• Carrera Drift – Professional RC, Porsche 911 GT3 R "Absolute Racing, No.25" Macau GP 2024": Carrera Drift – Professional RC, Porsche 911 GT3 R "Absolute Racing, No.25" Macau GP 2024, SKU 370242001. If you drive this Drift model, check its own parts listing before ordering Red Cruiser or Red Challenger rear sets, because the supplied catalog facts do not confirm cross-fitment.