Can't remove wheels from car.

Gonefishin · Post by **Gonefishin** » 11 Jul 2010, 16:01

Anyone know why my wheels are so hard to get off my car? 4 shops gave up after breaking a few wrenches because the impact wrenches didn't work. The last shop was able to get the wheels off after working on them for 2 hours. It is a delicate process to apply enough force to free the bolts yet not break them off.

Bolts are not rusty and when removed the hub/bolts/rims showed no reason why removal would be so difficult. I had the shop put graphite on the threads so they would be easier to remove next time and they hand tightened to the recommended torque. I drove for a few miles and then now they won't come off again.

Any ideas why this is occuring? No tire shop I've been to has seen this problem before. I've taken it to 5 different shops- shops with big compressors and big impact wrenches. The last shop that WAS able to get them off was a shop that services big rigs.

Post by **JDS60R** » 11 Jul 2010, 19:11

Overtoqued threads will act this way before they fail. Run a thread chaser through them and see what happens.

If the problem continues you will have to see which threads are failing and replace the hub or bolts as needed. Try a new set of bolts on one wheel. It will be cheaper if you can get away with only new bolts.

Post by **pkc303** » 12 Jul 2010, 00:11

What kind of wheels do you have? Any spacers?

Post by **shiloh51933** » 12 Jul 2010, 09:58

I would put some never cease on those lug studs, I put never cease on everything I take apart and bolt back up.