TiLite 2GX Titanium Folding Wheelchair
The photo below shows a crack in the titanium main 'box frame' tubing. This was hidden by the wheel assembly mounting bracket, which also had the effect of keeping the crack from breaking further. The clamping force of the mounting bracket may or may not prevent the frame from failing in the future.
TiLite's advertising claims for this model include this:
"The Tru-Fit System opens up the world of adjustability by incorporating an infinite adjustment mechanism. The Tru-Fit system allows you to fine-tune the fit of your chair because you are not limited to a series of pre-set holes. Also, instead of bolting through frame-weakening holes, components clamp directly onto the frame. This eliminates one of the main stress points on today's wheelchairs by reducing the number of holes in the frame."
Unfortunately the photo of this crack shows that TiLite's strategy didn't go far enough.
This 'high-end' wheelchair, utilizing a titanium main 'box' frame and mostly aluminum parts, weighs 30.68 pounds.
Wheelchairs tend to use 24" tires, also used in the bicycle industry (although not as common as the 26" size).
The handrim is aluminum, apparently hollow. It's missing the original rubber outside grip-strip, which in our
experience was deemed to be a 'negative feature' and removed.
Each of the two drive wheels and two caster (forward) wheels have two bearing each. Each of the caster wheel swivel forks also use one? bearing(s). If any of these caster bearings have excess play it will result in a wobble in the caster wheel at higher speeds.
This shows the outer wheel bearing on one of the drive wheels. It is a R8-2RS ball bearing, with rubber side seals.
These bearings were still in good condition, likely due to the fact that they are protected from the elements inside the wheel's hub.
This shows the inner wheel bearing on one of the drive wheels. It is a *** ball bearing, likely the same size as the
outer bearing, but with a steel side cover. These bearings were seized up,
likely due to the fact that they are facing the seat and subject dirt exposure.
Q for grok-3 (XAi.com): For the wheelchairs made by TiLite in 2008, was the hardware (nuts and bolts) used metric or American (SAE)?
Grok's reply: In 2008, TiLite wheelchairs primarily used SAE (imperial) hardware for their nuts, bolts, and other components. TiLite transitioned to metric hardware in 2018, as noted in multiple sources, meaning all their wheelchairs produced before this change, including those from 2008, were built with imperial-sized hardware. For example, a Reddit discussion about a pre-Permobil TiLite ZRA mentions screws in inches (e.g., 1/4"x28 fine thread), reinforcing that older models used SAE standards.
If you need specific part details or replacements for a 2008 TiLite model, you may need to consult the owner's manual or contact a supplier like DME Hub, as imperial parts for pre-2017 models are no longer supported by TiLite and may be considered "out-of-stock."
The use of unprotected steel nuts and bolts makes standard removal techniques impractical for some assemblies.
Here a nut needs to be removed with a disc grinder to allow removal of the seat mounting adjustment arm.
The arm is made of plastic, so heating with a torch is not an option.
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https://www.southwestmedical.com/replacement-parts/tilite/tilite-2gx/crosstubes/15-wide/1-crosstubes (see ), Display a PDF file ... (PDF, # pps, 20??)
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