Unbolting the one lug rims!

ramzisleiman · #1 (**permalink**) 12-24-2011, 06:41 AM

Hello there, i am having a problem unblolting the rims of a cobra 17s.
We are trying to change tires, and it seems the lugs are pretty tight. I didnt want to force them out before asking if there is a proper way.
Thanks

JBCOBRA · #2 (**permalink**) 12-24-2011, 07:09 AM

To loosen the spinners, hit the spinner with a lead hammer the direction the wheel rotates when driving. Easy to remember that way.

ramzisleiman · #3 (**permalink**) 12-24-2011, 07:11 AM

Oh so i should hit it to the right direction not the traditional left direction to unbolt most lugs. right ?

Quote:

Originally Posted by JBCOBRA

To loosen the spinners, hit the spinner with a lead hammer the direction the wheel rotates when driving. Easy to remember that way.

JBCOBRA · #4 (**permalink**) 12-24-2011, 07:16 AM

Correct. On the passenger side of the car, hit them clockwise to loosen, and on the drivers side hit them counterclockwise to loosen

To loosen always hit the spinner the direction the tire turns when driving. That is how I remember it

Have Fun and
Happy Heineken!
JB

ramzisleiman · #5 (**permalink**) 12-24-2011, 07:18 AM

Thanks a lot for your help, will try it again then. One more thing, what about the small ties tied between the spinners and the rims, do i cut them off ? or is there a way to remove them and then put them back.

JBCOBRA · #6 (**permalink**) 12-24-2011, 07:23 AM

Personally I never use the wire ties. The first few times I was able to re-use by carefully unwinding the wire. I bought wire tie plyers from Finish Line with the correct wire but I still never use them. The wires look nice though.

ramzisleiman · #7 (**permalink**) 12-24-2011, 07:24 AM

Okay, thanks for your helpful info

JBCOBRA · #8 (**permalink**) 12-24-2011, 07:27 AM

When you are beating on the spinner, do not keep beating the same ear of the spinner. Hit one a couple times then move onto the next and the next. This evens out the forces and helps loosen a tight spinner

When re-tightening, when the spinner is getting tight enough, the sound will change when hitting the spinner with the hammer. You will be able to hear the difference between a loose spinner and a when it is tight.

ramzisleiman · #9 (**permalink**) 12-24-2011, 07:29 AM

wow good info. i would have beated the hell out of 1 ear. lol

JBCOBRA · #10 (**permalink**) 12-24-2011, 07:32 AM

LOL
Hey, we have all been there.

ramzisleiman · #11 (**permalink**) 12-24-2011, 07:34 AM

LooL
Thanks i will keep you posted. I am replacing the Nitto's with Vredestein's.
Any experience with those tires?

Quote:

Originally Posted by JBCOBRA

LOL
Hey, we have all been there.

JBCOBRA · #12 (**permalink**) 12-24-2011, 07:36 AM

No, I am OldsCool and run 15" rims

ramzisleiman · #13 (**permalink**) 12-24-2011, 07:37 AM

haha good choice

6t8stang · #14 (**permalink**) 12-24-2011, 08:18 AM

We had a hard time getting the spinners off my father's car a while back. A lead hammer is almost required...long pieces of pipe for leverage, mallets, dead blows, wood and mini sledges didn't work. We also used a mapp gas torch to heat up the spinner & spindle - finally they broke loose. It took a lot more force than we were comfortable with or expecting to use - almost to the point where I couldn't hit it any harder if I wanted to...and I'm not a small guy!

DonC · #15 (**permalink**) 12-24-2011, 08:54 AM

Don't forget to use plenty of anti-seize when you put the spinners back on. There's a video floating around from Othoff(sp) on tightening the spinner that does a good job. There's a link somewhere on the forum to it.
DonC

CHANMADD · #16 (**permalink**) 12-24-2011, 09:21 AM

Which also tells you that replacing the wire is important.

redmt · #17 (**permalink**) 12-24-2011, 10:07 AM

I'd like to see the video too. I'm not real great at successfully using the search thing. I always seem to land in the wrong place.

razerwire · #18 (**permalink**) 12-24-2011, 10:25 AM

Anti-seize is nasty stuff. I get it every where when I use it. Switch to white grease you will be much happier .

Got the Bug · #19 (**permalink**) 12-24-2011, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redmt

I'd like to see the video too. I'm not real great at successfully using the search thing. I always seem to land in the wrong place.

Here's a link to the video:

Superformance Cobra, Daytona Coupe and GT40 Wheel Care - YouTube

Just use gloves with the anti seize.

redmt · #20 (**permalink**) 12-24-2011, 10:37 AM

Thanks. Another question: I have holes drilled on the ends of the hubs for clips to hold the dust caps. My front wheels don't quite clear those holes. Are those clips also intended to retain the spinners in case they loosen? I would rather use safety wire for the spinners and hold the caps another way instead of re-machining the wheels.