I have this Meridian Trike (Walmart purchase). I need a FREE WHEEL 16T SPROCKET to fit the rear axle shaft. the shaft is larger than 15mm & 5/8in ?? My local Bike shop could not help me with this odd ball size shaft...Does Schwinn have a "PARTS" website where I can get a fw sprocket w/3/16" key to fit this Meridian axle shaft ??? ( I am adding a motor to drive rear axle)

Your trike probably has cartridge bearings. If so they are a press fit, and need to be pushed out, and then replaced with a bearing that is exactly the same size (type will be printed on the bearing face). It's important to push the new bearing in carefully.

I’m happy to help further over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/donald_f2ed37026a3ac881

you could try looking around the internet or try ebay.

Schwinn Meridian chainguard - schwinnbikeforum

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Oct 20, 2012 - 5 posts - ‎5 authors
A little help please... My daughter needs a new chainguard for her Schwinn Meridian. She loaned her trike out, to be used in a parade, and ...

I need a new chain guard for a Schwinn Meridian Adult - Fixya

www.fixya.com/.../t10679393-need_new_chain_guard_schwinn_meridi...

Oct 16, 2011 - SOURCE: Meridian Adult 26-Inch 3-Wheel Bike: Schwinn Meridian Tricycle rear brake adjustment... ... Schwinn Meridian Adult 26-Inch... ... Have a manual for Schwinn Meridian Adult 26-Inch 3-Wheel Bike?

Brian riding on his new Schwinn Meridian 24-inch 3-wheel ...

try another bike shop, sounds like they don't want to deal with it. "riding on the rim" generally shouldn't affect the hub and bearings, at most the rim can be relaced. Although to have a competent wheel builder do this may end up costing more than replacing the wheel. A good mechanic should be able to use a regular 26" wheel and replace the axle with your canti-lever axle to get it to fit on the trike (I say that without looking at it, so I'm just making an assumption here).

This is a difficult operation, you can try a video from Utube. But the best solution is take your trike to the local bike shop.

The Schwinn Meridian Trikes use a different type of axle than others such as Sun Bicycle Trikes. The center of Schwinn & Sun Trikes are the same and measured diameter at 17mm, but differ on the threaded ends... Sun Trikes continue with 17mm to the axle ends, but Schwinn Trikes taper down to 12.5mm axle ends to fit their custom size wheels. This Schwinn tapered reduction in axle diameter may be part of the reason why Schwinn axles seem to bend or break more easily.

It seems that Schwinn requested these custom parts size to lock consumers into having to purchase solely high-priced Schwinn wheel/axle parts.

As of 2022, buying replacement Schwinn Wheel/Axle replacement parts is a real pain because Schwinn will not sell direct to consumers, will not disclose Schwinn part numbers, and Schwinn Customer Service tries to redirect public parts inquiries to "authorized dealers".

The problem is most local bike stores no longer carry Schwinn bikes or parts and the retailer "big-box" stores such as Walmart, Target, or Dick's Sporting Goods will only sell Schwinn parts for bikes they stock or have sold to you at that store.

After complaining, to Schwinn Customer Service several times, they finally allowed me to order direct from Schwinn.

The trike uses a band brake, refer pages 25 and 26 of the user manual http://www.schwinnbikes.com/media/uploads/blog/files/Schwinn-Meridian-Manual_Mar2011.pdf The Schwinn dealer should have a replacement in stock or be able to order one in for you. You may also be able to purchase one from eBay if you measure what size you need.

you need a new axle kit, and a cog removal tool. They used to be a Huret dearailleur if I remember right. I know a varsity never had Shimano. I think you may be better off buying a new rear wheel (it is usually less money than having to rebuild the axle) and let the bike shop do the change over, it is well worth it. You wont have to deal with the brakes,check the cones etc. Why did you have the Meridian adult trike on, and you have an old 10 speed Varsity? Kind of confusing.

Local bike shop may have a way to find one and install it for you.

If I remember correctly there should be holes in the hub with set screws to tighten the hub to the axle. The ones I built had square headed bolts. The reason is that the hub can be moved from side to side to better adjust how the chain lines up for shifting. If there are no bolts or set screws but the holes are there you can take the hub to a fastener place to obtain some. Hope this helps.