Seized wheels

[geffers]

Just taken Motorhome for new tyres. 2014 reg so tyres are original equipment, never been removed.
Tyre fitters could not remove wheels as they were seized solid to hubs due to corrosion.
Anyone have ideas on how to free up wheels?

 

[Spriddler]

I guess several soakings with releasing fluid over a couple of days then a bit of heat on the nuts then shock 'em with a rattle gun.
Not too much heat or for too long or you'll damage the hub seals and have bearing grease running out.

I had the same prob with a car and the tyre fitter sheared two of the studs.

 

[pappajohn]

From underneath from the back of the wheel.
A block of wood just wide enough to fit across the rim and 2lb lump hammer.
Turn the wheel between hammer blows.
The wood will prevent damage to the wheel.
I've had them take 5 or 10 minutes to free off.

 

[pappajohn]

I guess several soakings with releasing fluid over a couple of days then a bit of heat on the nuts then shock 'em with a rattle gun.
Not too much heat or for too long or you'll damage the hub seals and have bearing grease running out.

The wheel is stuck to the hubs, not seized wheel nuts.

 

[TheBig1]

slacken the bolts slightly and drive round the block slowly

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[Spriddler]

The wheel is stuck to the hubs, not seized wheel nuts.

Doh! But I'm surprised that a (pro?) tyre fitter didn't have the experience to do as you suggested as it's not that unusual for a wheel to 'stick' to a hub through corrosion.

 

[pappajohn]

Doh! But I'm surprised that a (pro?) tyre fitter didn't have the experience to do as you suggested.

Easier to say 'can't do' I suppose.

 

[Geoff185]

Loosen wheel bolts and drive over brick or block of wood ( might take a few times ).Neighbour who is retired AA man showed me this when I had the same issue

 

[Derbyshire wanderer]

Find a different tyre fitter ie one who has some experience. Seized wheels are very common as most servicing doesn’t involve removing wheels these days.
The mobile fitters would have them off in no time.

 

[Northernraider]

Just taken Motorhome for new tyres. 2014 reg so tyres are original equipment, never been removed.
Tyre fitters could not remove wheels as they were seized solid to hubs due to corrosion.
Anyone have ideas on how to free up wheels?

Are they steel or alloy?

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[Winger]

From underneath from the back of the wheel.
A block of wood just wide enough to fit across the rim and 2lb lump hammer.
Turn the wheel between hammer blows.
The wood will prevent damage to the wheel.
I've had them take 5 or 10 minutes to free off.

And if that doesn’t work get a bigger hammer!

 

[martin2603]

Common problem with trucks and trailers. I have loosened the wheel it’s slightly then drive it lock to lock slowly, Not on the road. I take it you have tried the club hammer against the tyre?

 

[gus-lopez]

This is what we always used

http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-5...0001&campid=5338547443&icep_item=303579036183

 

[Coolcats]

From underneath from the back of the wheel.
A block of wood just wide enough to fit across the rim and 2lb lump hammer.
Turn the wheel between hammer blows.
The wood will prevent damage to the wheel.
I've had them take 5 or 10 minutes to free off.

Spot on age and wisdom

 

[Coolcats]

Just taken Motorhome for new tyres. 2014 reg so tyres are original equipment, never been removed.
Tyre fitters could not remove wheels as they were seized solid to hubs due to corrosion.
Anyone have ideas on how to free up wheels?

Hope those wheels get released soon.

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[martin2603]

When you refit them don’t forget a clean up and spray with some waterproof grease or copperease

 

[Landy Andy]

If the wheels have never been removed I would be questioning where you are getting it serviced. Just a look through a wheel won’t be a proper check of brake condition.

 

[Hettie's Crew]

I had this problem and the only way is brute force after spraying a little oil at the joint. Leaving the oil several hours would be preferable but not always convenient. They just have to be bashed off taking care not to damage anything and to be absolutely sure the vehicle is very well supported.
Mine now have Copperslip on and come off easy.

 

[Boringfrog]

slacken the bolts slightly and drive round the block slowly

Yup, done that before on my MK1 Escort.

 

[ambulancekidd]

I had this problem and the only way is brute force after spraying a little oil at the joint. Leaving the oil several hours would be preferable but not always convenient. They just have to be bashed off taking care not to damage anything and to be absolutely sure the vehicle is very well supported.
Mine now have Copperslip on and come off easy.

I'd avoid oil, if any got onto the brake calliper seals they'd be useless in no time, your on the right track though.
WD40 is based on fish oil & doesn't degrade rubber, or an alternative is silicone penetrating fluid.

I'd also give the hubs a proper clean with emery paper, then copper slip is the ideal way to stop electrolysis between the steel hub & the alloy wheel.
When alloy & steel get together there is a chemical reaction which is similar to battery posts & can lead to the problems the OP describes.

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If the wheels have never been removed I would be questioning where you are getting it serviced. Just a look through a wheel won’t be a proper check of brake condition.

I'd certainly agree with Landy Andy, there's something seriously amiss with whoever pretends to service your motorhome & if they're not checking brakes properly, what else are they neglecting?

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[Spanner]

When wheels get stuck /corroded onto the hubs it’s generally down to poor maintenance.
Servicing and maintenance are not the same, most main dealer scheduled servicing doesn’t call for the wheels to be removed, trouble is when the wheels need to come off they’re often difficult.
If the wheels are removed every couple of years and the hubs and wheel centres cleaned and greased it won’t become a problem in the future

 

[geffers]

A big thank you for all your replies which were very helpful.
I have taken all wheels off now and replaced them. Managed this on driveway with diy tools.
Doesn’t say much for the tyre fitters does it!
Anyway thanks again
Geffers

 

[Charlie57]

Well done Geffers, hope your going to a different tyre place for the new tyres

 

[Paulypaul]

If you've ever watched a commercial tyre fitter wacking a tyre with a sledge hammer you'll have an idea of how to free it up......mind you, I'd never do it cause the bounce back is properly scary

 

[Tea Bag]

From underneath from the back of the wheel.
A block of wood just wide enough to fit across the rim and 2lb lump hammer.
Turn the wheel between hammer blows.
The wood will prevent damage to the wheel.
I've had them take 5 or 10 minutes to free off.

Hi
".... THATS the way to do it..." ( Written in a Punch and Judy accent.. ) Does it hurt ?...Only if you trap your fingers.Note to pappajohn..." A.......0.97kg.... lump hammer ".. KEEP UP !! We haven't left YET !!!
Tea Bag

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[pappajohn]

fingers.Note to pappajohn..." A.......0.97kg.... lump hammer ".. KEEP UP !! We haven't left YET !!!

Mine has 2lb on it..... And my other has 4lb.... Good enough for me.
I still buy 2" x 2" timber and the merchant never says we have none.

 

[Charlie57]

Go for it Pappajohn

 

[Tea Bag]

Mine has 2lb on it..... And my other has 4lb.... Good enough for me.
I still buy 2" x 2" timber and the merchant never says we have none.

Hi.
A fellow Luddite......
Tea Bag