HELP - cannot get the rear wheels off! what's wrong?

[fenixus]

i'm in the middle of the job. jacked up the rear of car and put it on stands. wheels are rotating freely, removed all 5 lug nuts.

still i cannot take the rear wheels off. what's wrong? please help!

[fenixus]

anybody please?

i think i'm going to the store for a sledge hammer ...

[rusty9]

yeah just give it a few good whacks with a large hammer.

[95PimpingCamry]

I'm guessing that you have steel wheels?

If so, you probably have the wheels slightly rusted to the hubs. If your car is securely placed on jack stands, just kick the wheel at 12 o-clock, then 6 o-clock, then 3 o-clock, then 9 o-clock. If the wheels still won't come off, repeat until it will.

In the future, it will help if you put a little anti-seize on the hub.

I personally wouldn't use a sledge hammer for fear of denting/bending the wheel. Your foot should be a little more forgiving.

[Mike Gerber]

Correct, your wheels are rusted to the hub. Very common. As 95PimpingCamry has said, make sure your car is very secure on the jack stands. Then get under there with a hammer and a piece of 2 X 4. Place the 2 X 4 at various points on the inside of the wheel and hit the 2 X 4 with the hammer. The 2 X 4 will keep you from damaging the wheel or tire. It should break free with a few whacks.

Mike

[Retrospekt]

I just had my brother hold a large piece of wood on the wheel while I gave it a STRONG kick with my heel. Just make sure the car is secure on jack STANDS, not just a jack.

[fenixus]

thanks guys. good to know it's common. yes i have alloy wheels. i picked up from Autozone a $4 rubber mallet (and higher 2 1/2t compact jack). i just hit the rear tires from back 2-3 times with the mallet and wheels broke free. took me 2 seconds per wheel