For all of us home repair / replacement people, there is a correct way to mount axles on replacement wheels w/o mounting cockeyed!! We bought MEW and have mfg. the finest replacement wheels possible . On several occasions, a customer has complained about wheels being reamed off center, or that the mounting lugs are not deep enough. First, when remounting the gear, I use a socket to tap the gear "FLAT" on the hub. The 2 smaller pins on the Lionel std. gear wheels are NOT to be used to attach the gear, they DO NOT get peened over. They are simply 'locating' holes. The center 'hub' of the wheel is what attaches the gear to the wheel. You 'gently' peen over the outside edge of the hub for 360 degrees. Properly mounted, you will now insert axle. PLEASE DO NOT USE A VISE TO PRESS AXLES INTO THE WHEELS!!! For most modelers, a drill press is available. If you chuck the axle into your drill press, you can use the press to insert the axle into the geared wheel first. Then slide the geared wheel into the motor, lay the motor on side w/ plain wheel on bottom and press the wheel on.
We have gone to great lengths to have all castings, axle holes, and crank pin holes held to the highest standards. Please take a little time to mount the gears and axles properly. We know there have been quality control issues w/ other mfg. wheels . We strive to NOT have these problems w/ our MADE IN THE USA parts. Thank you for your time and customer loyalty. Harry 
P.S. American Flyer & Ives standard gauge wheels will be shipping September 15th. $40.00 a set, Quantity discounts available.
I could just visualize someone trying to get the axle into the wheel with it spinning! 
