July 30, 200421 yr I understand that tire size is critical on AWD vehicles so I thought I'd rotate my tires to get the most out of them --- since I have to replace all of them at once to keep the size similar. So........ I was rotating my tires last night and when I got to the right rear wheel..... It wouldn't come off? I tried kicking the rubber part in different places but no go. I tried prying it but couldn't find anything to fit right. Next I took a 2X4 and a #5 hammer and whacked the rim (carefully). No Go! At this point I realized it could get ugly for me or the Forester so I reinforced all the jack stands so I wouldn't knock the car off the jacks and fall. I ended up crawling under the car and beating the rim until it finally started to move off the studs! What a pain in the @$$. Is this common? Or am I just lucky? Just whinning........ Glenn 82 SubaruHummer 01 Forester
July 30, 200421 yr Happily no it's not that common, but as you found out it does happen. When you have the wheels off you should clean the mating surfaces. I use a small wire brush. Then I put a very light coating of antiseize compound on. I don't use the compound on the studs though. The sticking wheels syndrom happens more with aluminum wheels than steel wheels. Hope this helps you out. Chuck
July 30, 200421 yr Your Not alone..... Every time we Swapped the tires Off Shanes Forester, We had at least one if not all four be difficult.... His car is always in the Dust, so it takes no time to get them grunged up.... Normally I just kick the tire with my Heel at 9 and 3 o"clock several times to get them loose....You got a Good one..... Later Your Bud In Oregon.... P.S. Wait till you see my Newest Project..... I'll call you on it......
July 30, 200421 yr Check for rust on the mating surfaces. I just bought a Legacy with steel wheels that had been sitting for about 9 months. I had to gently heat the centers of the wheels with a torch to get them off. The lip on the wheels and the brakes started rusting together. Keith
July 31, 200421 yr I experienced this once on my 89 Camry All-trac. I had to put a jack between the wheel and the frame to get it off...never happened since though. It is scary though isn't it? I thought I would never get the wheel off.
July 31, 200421 yr A deadblow hammer is really handy to have in this situation.Hit the top then the bottom and side to side.I have been working part time at a tire shop for 2 years and I see this alot on all kinds of vehicles.
July 31, 200421 yr Try this if you're ever out on the road without any real tools: Loosen the lug nuts a little, just enough to separate the taper on the nut from the wheel and give a little play. Drive the car ahead slowly, 3 or 4 feet, and hit the brakes HARD. Do it in reverse, then forward, etc. The torque change should slip the wheel on the hub and free it. If that doesen't work, you'll need penetrating oil and heat. Rotating the tires every 5-6K miles helps reduce the build up of rust from forming.
August 1, 200421 yr A lot of time drums and rotors are not painted. I had to use a six pound sledge hammer on my 99 BMW wheels to get the rears off. This is in CA with no salt. After I get them off once I paint all the surfaces and that is enough for this area.
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