What is the best way to remove a coach wheel from its axle?

I am in the process of improving the appearance of some of my coaches and am installing lighting. I have purchased some DCC Concepts spring pickups to power the lights. I've removed the first wheel with pliers (pushing the pin of the axle back through the wheel, but in refitting the wheel I see I've bent the plastic hub of the axle slightly and I now have a wobbly wheel. This obviously wasn't the best way to get the wheel off, but I don't have a miniature puller to take it off straight. Any tips on how to do this properly?
Peter
Bending wheels in New Zealand 

Carefully! 

Seriously though, in N gauge I've managed by holding the axle firmly in a pair of pliers then levering with a thin screwdriver blade between the pliers and as close to the wheel centre as you can get it. Presumably the end of the axle is coned and goes into a bearing cup of some sort which precludes the other method, supporting the wheel and driving the axle out with a suitable diameter piece of rod.

I recollect that Gibson (and possibly Ultrascale) wheels have steel tyres and plastic centers - are these what you are using?  In that case, as Mike says, great care is needed to remove the wheels from the axle.

Perhaps a better solution is to use wheels from Bachmann, Hornby or Markits.  These are solid metal, very robust and, IMO, good value.

http://www.ehattons.com/stocklist/1000389/1000588/1000655/0/Hornby_OO_Gauge_1_76th_Wheel_sets/prodlist.aspx

http://www.ehattons.com/stocklist/1000393/1000588/1000655/0/Bachmann_UK_OO_Gauge_1_76th_Wheel_sets/prodlist.aspx

Gripping both wheels tightly, one in each hand and twisting and pulling usually works for me - the flanges are pretty sharp and pain is a normal side effect.

HTH

John

The wheels in question are Hornby replacement wheels. Solid metal wheels with plastic hubs. I read elsewhere that Hornby wheels are conducting at one end of the axle, but this is not the case. There are plastic insulating hubs at both ends. I will try the plier and screwdriver method. I tried the twist and pull and got the pain but no result.

Peter