Can't get spinners off

[David Kirkham]

Len,

On this site, I'm afraid the taunting will continue until your nuts come off.

David

[kobrabytes]

I suppose off is better than crushed, or salted!

[TButtrick]

Originally Posted by Stentor

I had a 4 lb nylon hammer and couldn't get my spinners loose (regardless of how hard I tried or the technique used).

So I purchased a 6 lb lead hammer (affectionately referred to as the MutherThumper), and I was able to get my spinners right off (without any problem).

http://performanceunlimited.com/cobr...ls/hammer.html

It works like a charm.

Thanks for the link. Just ordered one but what a God awful site that is. GEESH.

[Hexnut72]

Originally Posted by kobrabytes

I suppose off is better than crushed, or salted!

Have you tried warm chocolate? I read on another site that that works really well for getting them off.

[kobrabytes]

No, I'll have to give it a try. THe only thing that worries me is the temperature!

[jpfletch1]

Since you have a newer model of the car, I was wondering if your hubs have the spring-loaded safety ears which keep the spinner from backing out accidentally. If you do then you have to push these down before trying to remove the spinner.

[kobrabytes]

No, this is the step to even get to that point.

[Jim Holden]

I've seen another "trick" (as a last resort), which is to take a 3'+ length of heavy wall pipe and slide it over the ear of the spinner and give that a whack. If the spinner is aluminum, it may have to be replaced, but it sure beats having to cut it off.

Happy whaling! (or is it wailing?)

Jim

[Don]

Another alternative, the web site has the details:

" Build your own Wheel "Knock-off" Tool "

" Recently on www.tomyang.net there has been much discussion about knock-off wheel nut tools. In the past, a lead hammer was the accepted manner for removing or installing wheel nuts. Although this manner works, there are many drawbacks including possible damage to a fender, to the wheel or to the wheel nut itself. And there was always the possibility of uneven tightening torque between wheels. When I purchased my 330GT 2+2 in 2001 I wanted a better alternative to hammering on and off wheel nut spinners. I happened to see a technical article in the Ferrari Club News Bulletin about a knock-off wheel tool kit. (Unfortunately this company no longer manufactures this tool.) When I received the tool kit I realized the socket used was a modified truck socket. Here at Radcliffe Motorcar Company we manufacture our own wheel nut tools to custom fit each set of wheel nuts and accommodate specific applications, e.g., two-ear spinners, curved three-ear spinners and straight three-ear spinners. Although there are some very nicely made 'knock-offs' available through Ferrari parts houses, these can be expensive and do not necessarily fit everyone's needs. For those of you who are handy with tools it is possible to make your own 'knock-off' wheel tool, and for not a lot of money "


http://www.rmccar.com/techsession.html

[Bob In Ct]

Len:
What's the story? Did you get the spinners off yet? Are they all welded on? Did you put them on or did some weight lifter? If so, why so tight? Did you ever try heating the spinners with a hair dryer (as I recommended)?

I have to assume that you're hitting them in the correct direction (usually tops to the front).

Bob

[TButtrick]

I used a 2x2x4 piece of oak. A friend held it while I hit it with a sledge. I first slit the end of the oak after three whacks but then turned it around and gave another three when it finally let loose. I was hitten it HARD. I always use anti-sieze but must of been a bit cheap on this one hub. I like the do-it-yourself tool that Don posted. Very nice.

[cdog]

I don't think you need a tool. Just a lead hammer. And the car jacked up. This insures you can't hit the spinner too hard as the wheels keep turning.

Light wham, turn. Light wham, turn. Do that for 15 times and it will start coming loose. Passenger side is opposite thread.

[thudmaster]

I use to send my ex-wife out to the garage to nag the wheels off.......never failed......have witnesses............

[kobrabytes]

Originally Posted by Bob In Ct

Len:
What's the story? Did you get the spinners off yet? Are they all welded on? Did you put them on or did some weight lifter? If so, why so tight? Did you ever try heating the spinners with a hair dryer (as I recommended)?

I have to assume that you're hitting them in the correct direction (usually tops to the front).

Bob

I ordered a lead hammer over the weekend. Still waiting for it to show up...

[kobrabytes]

UPDATE Success!

Lead hammer came today. Got the spinners off. Beat the He!! out of the hammer face, I assume that's normal.

In any case, thanks for everyone's input.

len

[Bob In Ct]

Len:
These things are like oil filters, 50 ft-lbs putting them on yields 150 ft-lbs taking them off.

Don't go nuts with the hammer. Snug plus a firm hit on each ear.

Safety wire!

Bob