Cannot Remove Front Wheels - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

azncapcom · 12-10-2009, 03:32 PM

I tried removing my front tires today to change them. After removing all the lug nuts... the wheel simply wouldnt come off... anyone know whats going on? and how to get it off?

tech8 · 12-10-2009, 04:54 PM

Spray some WD-40 between the wheel and hub. Then hit the center of the wheel with a rubber mallet and then the side, or sit on your butt and try kicking the sides of the tire.

Make sure the car is well support with a jack stand.

CraigW · 12-10-2009, 05:48 PM

Yep, rubber mallot.

Every time I do a tire rotation I wire brush around the center circle and also the surfaces where the wheel mates up, and I wipe them down with a paper towel soaked in WD-40. Makes it simple the next time.

azncapcom · 12-10-2009, 05:51 PM

The wheel is not locked right? Cause i know some people have a specific bolt that requires a specific wheelnut lock tool to remove? im pretty sure these are only for the bolts? if i can remove all bolts then that shouldnt be the issue?

But i couldnt help notice the thing thats like a spiral in the middle of the rim that is only in the front. The back doesnt have anything. and i can remove the back wheels easily.

tech8 · 12-10-2009, 06:29 PM

No, there is no lock on the wheel to the hub. Wheel locks are only for the lug nuts.

Woodyg · 12-10-2009, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tech8

No, there is no lock on the wheel to the hub. Wheel locks are only for the lug nuts.

after you get it off put anti seize on the hub around the bolts. not on the bolts just around them on the hub. if the hammer does not work put the lugs back on and tighten them so they are a little loose. lower the car and gently and slowly drive back and forth until it pops loose. liquid wrench is a better rust penatrator than wd40. the best and cheapest rust penatrater is a 50/50 combo of acetone and atf but be careful acetone is flamablle

***REN69*** · 12-10-2009, 10:10 PM

that spiral thing you're referring to is the cotter pin for the axle I believe, please do not remove it.

And yeah, rubber mallets are your friend when removing wheels.

CJCride · 12-10-2009, 11:29 PM

Yes to all the above.

Another trick is to put the lug nuts back on, then Back them off half a turn, lower the car and drive it about 15 feet that should unstick em.

andweav · 12-11-2009, 12:19 PM

once you do get it off i second using the anti-seize. I have changed over my GFs tires and the first time it was just about impossible to get the front tires off. Ended up using a sledge hammer (gently) and praying that i wouldn't bend the wheel. Seems to be ok and i really had to pound on the sucker.

Backing the lug nuts off a bit and driving a little ways sounds like a decent idea but if it is really seized this might not work.

It really doesn't take much anti-seize, just a VERY thin layer (but i would make sure and not put it on the wheel studs) and this stuff is nasty on your skin so wear gloves. using a wire brush to clean things up first is probably a good idea.

Spraying WD-40 on will not do anything long term, it will evap. away in seconds and I doubt it will help you get the tires off to begin with either.

craig01b · 12-13-2009, 06:02 PM

I like the loosen and drive method, up here in the bush we refer to it as a BFH....big flippin hammer. A little rust goes a long way to making them stick.

C