Hi folks.....


Now, I KNOW this is gonna sound like a REALLY moronic question but....

How on earth do I get my wheel off?

I jacked the car up using that cheesy jack that came with my car, took all the lugs out and it won't budge! I'm scared to tug due to the car being on that corny little jack! :O

I'm embarrassed as shnig to ask this but, I just must

Let the jokes fly, might be kinda fun... But I seriously need this thing off before the shop closes so I can get the tire fixed.

Thanks for any help guys....

T

 

The "hub centric" wheel can bond quite tightly to the wheel hub....

What you need to do is sit down (on ur butt) and kick the wheel at 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock a time or two to break the wheel loose

B4 you put things back together stop at an auto part store and invest in a tube of "anti-seize" and consider where a thin spread might be helpful next-time

AZ will prevent a rust bond next time....

 

Yep, very common issue.
I'd get some sort of jack stand before attempting to break it loose. I started with a rubber mallet and ended up using the kick method.

You can use a *thin* film of antiseize or wheel bearing grease on the hub interface (just on the lip of the hub) and it'll come right off next time.

 

Thanks guys, I don't feel like such a numbskull now.

Going to buy some jack stands now

Thanks again!

T

 

If you only have the one side of the car jacked up you can put some force towards the other side of the car without much risk. But, not a bad investment to get a real jack and stands.

 

I had the same problem. I got down on the ground and stomped on the tire from the side until it popped loose. I bet Hulk Hogan is a MINI mechanic in his spare time. Who else would bolt the tires on so tightly?!

 

It has nothing to do with how tightly the wheels are bolted on and everything to do with dissimlar metal corrosion between the steel hub and the alum wheel.

- Mark

 

Don't feel bad ... happens to many....

I was tinkering in the garage one afternoon when the big guy 'cross the street came over looking a bit sheepish...

"I feel dumb but can you help? I can't get the wheel off my truck to rotate the tires."

Same problem, it was a TOY' with big factory alum' wheels and yep....stuck like the beeJeeBers on the hubs. We kicked on that bad boy for several minutes b4 we broke it loose.

And a good recommend' was made....if you plan to do u'r own rotations etc invest in a hyd' jack and a pair of stands. You can find a set including both for as little as 30 bucks....remember you WANT a small jack and small stands so they will fit under the MINI. And I recommend a speed wrench if you don't plan to go the compessor route

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=94110

A N D T H E N... a torque wrench to ensure you properly tighten....

which leads to a breaker bar and socket vs the speed wrench ....

ahhhhh - TOOLS

may the spirit of Tim the tool guy live on!