Spinner Removal

[ReMorton]

Winter project is continuing to sort out SPO2089. Now down to the minor stuff. Olthoff recommends periodic servicing of the knockoffs. The car is used and dont think the wheels have ever been off the car. Right rear spinner is froze. One of the guys with same issue used a wood 2x4 to get better purchase and combined with the right hammer, the technique seemed to work after a few weeks of dedicated pounding. Other than getting a bigger hammer, any suggestions?

[Rick Parker]

Liquid Wrench on the threads and mating surface of wheel & spinner. Be sure you are attempting to turn it the right way (?) Lastly Cautious usage of propane torch on the spinner, don't over do it..

[r67cat]

As said previously, be sure you are turning in the correct direction. Also the heavier the lead hammer the better. Cobra Valley sells a hammer called the Mother Thumper which is a 6# lead hammer. I bought one and it works considerably better than the 4# lead Hammer I bought as Harbor Freight. Loosen the spinner with the car's weight on the ground so all the force on the spinners is is not cushioned by the suspension. Once you break the spinner loose then raise the car. Hit each ear in sequence and be patient, you will get them off. Hold the hammer close to the head to help control it and not beat up your wheels. Be sure to coat the spinner seat and wheel seat with a good anti-sieze before putting the wheels back on and don't over tighten the spinners. Rick

[1blackbb66]

Give the spinner several good whacks in all directions..........forward, back, side etc. The vibration will help loosen the bond that has developed over time. Like is said here.....MAKE SURE your smacking it the correct direction! Many a spinner has been broken by someone thinking they were loosing it when they were tightening it. Be patient. If you get frustrated, go have a beer and come back to it. If you get mad and start smackin the hell out of it you will only end up breaking an ear off. When installing them, the best thing is clear silicone. It works as a anti seize, anti gall and thread locker. I have never had a problem with mine getting stuck or backing off.

Ray

[ReMorton]

..thanks for the tips. Smacking direction has been in accordance with info in the Superformance manual. Home this weekend, will resume project with a bigger hammer and renewed enthusiasm...

[ERA 778]

You might want to take some time to see if enough threads are visible to verify the direction. More than once the spindles have been mounted on the wrong side of the car!!!

Good luck!

[Bob In Ct]

Use a hair dryer to heat the spinner. Hit the spinner in the correct direction, check the threads. Hit an ear, turn the wheel 120 degrees, hit the next ear. Repeat as many times as necessary. Use a lead hammer.

When putting the wheel back on do not overtighten, these spinners are like oil filters, they get tighter with age. Remove at least once per year. Use anti-lock and safety wire.

Bob

[zzmac]

What worked best for me with a really troublesome wheel was this.

Went to home depot and bought a length of either 2X2 or 3X3 hardwood (a real good harwood is the key). I cut off a piece about a foot long and used that and my heavy hammer on the wings and I had it off in 5 minutes. I cut another foot-long piece and that stays in my toolbox in the trunk.

[ReMorton]

...thx, but been there, done that zz. Once removed this weekend, the plan is to do a monthly servicing so it's never an issue again..

[Rick Parker]

I've been using the Hardwood & sledge since day 1. Anti seize on threads and mating surfaces of the knockoff & wheel. Works great, no issues.