Wheels won't come off

j2 lot · Post by **j2 lot** » Mon Jun 10, 2013 10:00 pm

Which normally is what you want but in this case I am trying to swap rims only to find that they are well and truly 'welded' on.
Lots of pushing, pulling, kicking, prying and swearing but the feckers aren't for moving. I am acutely aware that there is also a risk of the car dropping off the jack if I carry on as I was

I will probably be able to get them changed over at the wheel refurbishers but it does involve some complicated logistics if the car has to go too,rather than swapping them out at home, so is there a zen like trick that will have them coming off easily and is there something to apply to prevent it happening again when I put them back on?

DJ · Post by DJ » Mon Jun 10, 2013 10:11 pm

I remember making almost the exact same post a few years ago! From the replies I got, the one that worked for me was put the nuts/bolts back on just finger tight and drive the car down the drive and back.

A tiny bit of coppaslip around the hub would help but be VERY careful not to get it anywhere near the disc.

DJ · Post by DJ » Mon Jun 10, 2013 10:18 pm

Here it is. I feel your frustration!

http://www.scottishelises.com/phpbb/vie ... ilit=Wheel

Ferg · Post by **Ferg** » Mon Jun 10, 2013 10:31 pm

Some penetrating fluid on the spiggot can sometime help as it's usually tightness there thats making it difficult to remove. Once off it's worth wire brushing the spiggot and applying some lube like DJ suggests to stop recurrance.

j2 lot · Post by **j2 lot** » Mon Jun 10, 2013 11:20 pm

DJ wrote:I remember making almost the exact same post a few years ago! From the replies I got, the one that worked for me was put the nuts/bolts back on just finger tight and drive the car down the drive and back.p

Thought about that but don't think I have the balls for it.

robin · Post by **robin** » Mon Jun 10, 2013 11:51 pm

The problem with dropping it on the studs without the nuts tight is that you run the risk of damaging the studs - not likely, but possible. If you're going to do this then make sure the nuts are nearly tight - so wind them in like you're actually refitting the wheel, then turn each of them one or two turns back. Let it off the jack and drive the car a bit - bumping it off the kerb should do the trick.

Failing that most places with a proper lift will be able to smack the wheel off with a rubber mallet/big hammer + block of wood, so you could always sweet talk your local tyre fitting place.

Once off, you need to wire brush the hub and use a smear of copper grease around the flange. Ooh err missus.

Cheers,
Robin

Scottish Scrutineer · Post by **Scottish Scrutineer** » Tue Jun 11, 2013 6:47 am

Also clean off the corrosion on the inside of the spigot bore of the wheel once you have them off.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Renny

flyingscot68 · Post by **flyingscot68** » Tue Jun 11, 2013 2:05 pm

I've had this problem before, careful use of a sledgehammer has always done the trick. Put a block of wood against the tyre and rim (inside edge) then knock it out with the hammer rotating the wheel as you go. Much easier with an assistant.

Make sure the car is securely on axle stands before you do this, if you need a hand give me a shout and I'll pop up with all the kit one evening.

j2 lot · Post by **j2 lot** » Tue Jun 11, 2013 7:02 pm

Thanks all for the advice, & to Kenny (&Mike via pm) for the offer of help

I'm now off on friday so going to take it in to get the refurb co to do it.

tut · Post by **tut** » Tue Jun 11, 2013 9:45 pm

Lend Doc your car, he will remove the wheels for you.

tut

Dominic · Post by **Dominic** » Wed Jun 12, 2013 9:42 am

tut wrote:Lend Doc your car, he will remove the wheels for you.

tut

http://www.scottishelises.com/phpbb/vie ... =2&t=36433

Doc883 · Post by **Doc883** » Wed Jun 12, 2013 12:46 pm

tut wrote:Lend Doc your car, he will remove the wheels for you. tut

Scottish Elises