Stuck Wheels

ztarum · #1 (**permalink**) 02-09-2008, 06:07 PM

Not the spinners (they came right off), but the wheels themselves. How much persuasion is normally required? I've never had pin drives before, but I just assumed they would pull right off with no force. I guess not.
Any suggestions? I'm not too eager to start beating on the rim with a hammer. I tugged on the tire for a while tonight with just my hands, but it didn't budge.

wtm442 · #2 (**permalink**) 02-09-2008, 06:11 PM

They should just about fall off. Hit the inside surface of the tire when its off the ground.

ztarum · #3 (**permalink**) 02-09-2008, 07:25 PM

I tried that. I gave it a few good wacks with the lead hammer, but I didn't go too crazy. Perhaps if I air up the tire harder it will have more effect.

Blas · #4 (**permalink**) 02-09-2008, 07:37 PM

Depending how they were prepped when they were last installed, you may need to use some persuasion to remove them. With the spinner off, and the wheel off the ground, go under the car and hit the tire or rim with a large plastic heavy mallet. I would hit the wheel and rotate the tire, and you will find that after a few rotations, the wheel assembly will move enough to remove it. Once it is off, clean all the surfaces, pins, holes etc. and apply a coating of anti-seize to all interlocking pieces. This was probably not done when last assembled. Remember to clean the threads of the spinner and the hub too. I use a small brass brush on the threads. I also recommend returning the wheel to the same pin location when you reinstall the wheels. Use the air filler as your reference point. Just mark the hub with a permanent marker. If you plan on detailing the rims while they are off, BE CAREFUL using any kind of wheel cleaner on your Trigos. Most wheel cleaners have a high phosphate content and they will eat aluminum alive! Trigo wheels from the factory DO NOT have any clear coat on them. DO NOT use Wesley's Bleach White, or anything along those lines, or you'll become aquatinted with the current list price of replacement wheels. Feel free to call me with any questions.

Got the Bug · #5 (**permalink**) 02-09-2008, 10:31 PM

Any recommendation for how often you should pull the wheels off to ensure they don't get stuck?

thudmaster · #6 (**permalink**) 02-09-2008, 10:34 PM

Looks to me like another job for my nagging ex-wife...........

I take mine off every three months and service them.

ng8264723 · #7 (**permalink**) 02-09-2008, 10:47 PM

Yes be liberal with never seize. If you coat all contact surfaces they will come off

o'brien · #8 (**permalink**) 02-09-2008, 11:09 PM

White grease works better

thudmaster · #9 (**permalink**) 02-09-2008, 11:27 PM

I prefer the clear stuff from performance unlimited.........

wtm442 · #10 (**permalink**) 02-10-2008, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Got the Bug

Any recommendation for how often you should pull the wheels off to ensure they don't get stuck?

Time is not the most prevelent factor. Its the condition of the mating surfaces. Dirt buildup is a killer. Use neverseize (I use the clear stuff from Performance Unl) on the interference fits.

Madmiles442 · #11 (**permalink**) 02-12-2008, 08:31 PM

With the wheels in the air and the spinners off, I whack the inside face of the tire, rotate 1/4, whack, rotate 1/4. Takes a bit, then they come off. Some easier than others.

Amen, Blas on the wheel cleaner. I had mine off this weekend, squirted them with Krud Kutter to get the brake dust off and by the time I could wash it off, it had stained them a nice brownish color. Mother's aluminum polish takes it off, but damn, I just polished the mothers 3 months ago! Doh!

Blas, why reinstall to the same location? The wheels get balanced off the car. Just curious.