Solutions Center - Transaxle

What is a transaxle yo-yo?

A transaxle is a term used to describe the inner axle parts of certain Player yo-yos. Basically, transaxles are a plastic sleeve or spool that is placed over a steel axle. The string is then double-looped around the spool and the result is a mechanism that increases speed and performance. Transaxles are great intermediate-to-advanced-level yo-yos and are designed for players with some experience yo-yoing.

Unlike auto-return yo-yos like the Brain, Transaxle yo-yos will not return automatically. Instead, they rely on the player to manually cause return by inducing a flick of the wrist or jerking motion upward.

Now that you know how the transaxle yo-yo works, let's see if we can solve what's causing your grief. Below are some common problems experienced with these types of yo-yos and some solutions for each.

My yo-yo won't return!

Not good, but here are some reasons this may be – from the most obvious to the more remote.

1. Remember, the transaxle is not an auto-return yo-yo, so you must give the yo-yo enough energy in the throw to allow it to return. So, if you're just dropping it down, try giving it a harder throw before trying to get it to return.
2. One of the main reasons a transaxle yo-yo will not return has to do with the stringing. Remember the instructions? If you do, you'll recall that the transaxle yo-yos require the double loop method of stringing. See our string replacement methods.
3. Lubricant– when the yo-yos leave the factory they have a small amount of lubricant on their axles. This lubricant allows for a more responsive yo-yo. After long use, this lubricant needs to be replenished. To solve this problem, place a small drop of Brain Lube on the axle (you must take the yo-yo apart to do this). If you don't have Brain Lube you may substitute with a small drop of mineral oil. Please Note: DO NOT use any type of spray oils, they are harmful to the yo-yo and its plastic.
4. Frayed or worn string– sometimes transaxle yo-yos will have a hard time returning if the string is worn down and dirty. In this case, try putting a new string on it – but remember the double loop method when you do!

My yo-yo won't sleep!

1. Back to the throw– just like the yo-yo won't return unless you throw it hard enough, it won't sleep for the same reason. Remember, in order to get the yo-yo to sleep you must get the transaxle to spin properly and the only way that happens is to give it a hard enough downward throw.
2. String thing– perhaps the string is knotted or pinched around the axle. You'll know this is the case if the yo-yo snaps back rapidly to your hand. If so, take the yo-yo apart, remove the string or knot, put the yo-yo back together and then restring it using the double loop method.

My yo-yo is making some loud noises!

This is almost always due to a lubricant issue. To correct it, just put a drop of Brain Lube on the axle – and bye, bye noise!