How to Repair a Suitcase Telescopic Handle

The following instruction shows you how to replace the damaged telescopic handle of your suitcase in just a few minutes. The guide is suitable for both suitcases with the telescopic handle placed on the outside (where the tubes are visible at the back of the suitcase) and items where the telescopic handle is placed on the inside of the suitcase.

Required tools: 1 x Phillips Screwdriver (multiple sizes might be required for some suitcase models)

Estimated time: Approx. 20 Minutes

Difficulty: Moderate

STEP 1: FIND MATCHING SPARE PARTS

Before you can start the replacement of your suitcase telescopic handle it is essential to find a matching replacement trolley handle. As each trolley handle is designed for a specific suitcase, they typically feature a different length and mounting holes. This means only a telescopic handle exactly matching the damaged handle will fit inside your suitcase.

On suitcase.repair you can find the matching replacement trolley handles for many different suitcase brands. Simply search for the item model number and rest assured that the shown telescopic handle actually fits your suitcase.

Not sure where to find your suitcase model number?

STEP 2: OPEN THE MAINTENANCE ZIPPER

Open the suitcase and open the maintenance zipper on the inside of the suitcase. Usually this zipper is located in the middle of the shell and does not have a zipper puller.

Carefully open the zipper with two fingers and locate the wheel mount at the bottom of the suitcase.

STEP 3: LOCATE THE TELESCOPIC HANDLE

For most suitcases the telescopic handle is located on the inside of the item and attached to the suitcase with two mounts. One mount is located at the top of the suitcase near the top handle while the other is located near the middle or the bottom of the suitcase.

Important: For suitcases where the telescopic handle is visible on the backside of the suitcase this instruction can equally be used.

STEP 4: UNSCREW THE TOP MOUNT

Use a phillips screwdriver to remove the screws from the mount at the top of the telescopic handle (near the carry handle.

Important: Place the screws separately at the side as they will be later used to attach the new telescopic handle. Be aware that the screws might have different sizes (e.g. top and bottom mount) so that it is important to remember where each screw was placed.

Attention: For some hard shell suitcases the mount for the telescopic handle is connected to the amount for the carry handle. In such cases it might be necessary to first remove the carry handle before being able to access the mount for the telescopic handle. In such cases also have a look at our guide for replacing the carry handle.

STEP 5: REMOVE THE SCREWS FROM THE BOTTOM MOUNT

Next, remove the screws from the bottom mount. In some cases the screws for the bottom mount are slightly smaller than those for the top mount so that you might need a different screwdriver.

Also place these screws at your side to re-attach the new telescopic handle in the next step.

STEP 6: REPLACE THE TELESCOPIC HANDLE

After you have removed the screws from both mounts you can carefully pull out the damaged telescopic hand from the top.

To assemble your new telescopic handle you simply have to reinsert the tubes of your new telescopic handle into the shell. Ensure that that the tubes of the new telescopic handle are going through the mounts and that the screw holes align between the mount and the handle before re-inserting the screws for both the top and the bottom mount.

Attention: For suitcases with the telescopic handle located on the outside of the suitcase the telescopic handle can be simply pulled off from the outside after the screws have been removed from the mounts. To attach the new telescopic handle make sure to place the suitcase on the backside and place the telescopic handle in the correct position. Re-Insert the screws into the mount to fixate the telescopic handle. If necessary hold the telescopic handle in place from the outside.