wheel removal when bolts are stuck

[inquizito]

Someone told me if my lugnuts are seized up, I can get the wheels off the axle by pulling some sort of pin and removing the hub and all - is this possible? I already tried solvents to cut the rust but they have taken on a stubborn life of their own.

 

[jason1972]

Re: wheel removal when bolts are stuck

yes u can remove hub and tyre/rim in one piece in the middle of all wheel nuts there will be a round tin cap remove this cap pry tap out with screwdriver hammer behind this cap will be the axle nut this nut will have a split pin through it remove this pin and undo axle nut there should be a washer then remove washer and u should be able to pull your tyre and hub assembley off in one unit hope this helps you ohh and make sure u clean and inspect bearings pack with good quailty wheel bearing grease and always use a new hub seal regardless

 

[Major Woods]

Re: wheel removal when bolts are stuck

You can use a nut splitter to remove the nuts. I carry one in the trailer tool box just in case it happens.

 

[inquizito]

Re: wheel removal when bolts are stuck

Thanks guys, that is tremendously helpful information - thanks Jason for the complete details. And Major Woods, I would have never known there is such a thing as a nut splitter, besides the one I live with - thanks so much.

 

[racohoon]

Re: wheel removal when bolts are stuck

There is a product called PB Blaster, you can pick it up at almost any respectable auto parts house. It's less then 4.00 a can,but it's a big can! It makes WD-40 and anything else out there look like horse pi**. Spray that on your nuts (THE LUG NUTS,SILLY) and walk away for 1/2hour to an hour then try to remove. If you have the bolt on style rim spray the bolt on the front of the rim(wipe away excess) and get around behind the hub and spray the back of the hub assembly where the bolt protrudes thru the hub flange. If they are froze that bad USE A 4-WAY!!!!! Don't use a tire iron as you can't get proper leverage and will most assuredly round the nut/bolt off!!!<br /> If the 4-way doesn't do it, take it to a gas station or mom&pop repair shop and have them gun them off and tourque them on steel rim to @ least 100 ft/lbs. on aluminum 125-150 ft/lbs. and have them re-torqued for peace of mind after several trips.

 

[inquizito]

Re: wheel removal when bolts are stuck

Thanks mate, good information.

 

[dicktaber]

Re: wheel removal when bolts are stuck

And, when you go to reassemble, putting some anti-seize (Fel-Pro C5A for example) on the studs will make life easier next time you try to take them off (I put it on all wheel studs; truck and trailer, every couple of removals)...

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: wheel removal when bolts are stuck

Rust, corrosion, salt all common problems up here in Vermont. If the wheels are steel use a propane torch and heat the lugs up. Between the solvents and the wrenches they will let loose.<br /><br />Bob

 

[sandy]

Re: wheel removal when bolts are stuck

I would like Major Woods or someone, to explain what a nut splitter is, what it looks like, how it works, and so on.. Sounds like a neet tool to keep in my truck. Thanks

 

[inquizito]

Re: wheel removal when bolts are stuck

Probably works on the extreme pressure physics principle of force and leverage that allows wire cutting, or chain cutting, but on a heavier-duty scale - would have to look like pliers, but be mega powerful - to hold each side of the nut, and apply sufficient pressure to cause it to break.

 

[blifsey]

Re: wheel removal when bolts are stuck

Nut splitters I'm familar with go over the nut and you tighten down a "splitter" using wrench. It doesn't have handle nor work like pliers. Kinda like a gear puller but cuts the nut. Since a picture is worth 1000 words, I hope the following link will work:<br />Picture of Nut Splitter<br /><br />Don't forget also that leverage is your friend. Use as long an arm as you can. Instead of a lug wrench, get a heavy duty 1/2" drive socket with a long pull bar. Just be careful not to break the stud (the one on the wheel, not the one trying to take the nut off )<br />BL...

 

[6MISFITZ]

Re: wheel removal when bolts are stuck

Thanks BLifsey.<br /><br />Now that I have seen it, I will get one. <br />Looks much easier then pulling out my Dremmel especially when there is no electricity outlet on the side of the highway.<br /><br />Mike.