How do I get a rear wheel off my car? I have removed the nuts, but the wheel still won’t come off, and I need to change it.
The mechanic says...
This is a common problem on modern cars, especially those fitted with aluminium wheels (some models are particularly prone to such troubles, for example the Ford Focus and many BMWs). The problem is that steel and aluminium don’t sit happily together, and bi-metallic electrolytic corrosion can form. Effectively the aluminium wheel centre corrodes first, and attaches itself very firmly onto the steel hub.
The following method sounds brutal, but is effective, and is used by professional tyre fitting businesses; sometimes the wheels are extremely tightly attached to the hubs, and considerable force is required to separate them.
With the vehicle raised from the ground and firmly supported on axle stands, use a sledge hammer, applied from underneath the car, to knock the wheel away from the hub. Rotate the wheel at intervals and apply force from a variety of ‘opposite’ points around the circumference. However, DO NOT hit the wheel itself with the hammer, as aluminium wheels (in particular) will crack/disintegrate under the impact. Instead, apply the force to the tyre itself, and make sure that you don’t hit the wheel rim. This is hard work, but it should remove the wheel.
Once the wheel is off, clean up the hub and the mating surface on the wheel (carefully using a rotary flapwheel or similar implement), to ensure that dirt and corrosion are removed. Make sure that you don’t remove metal from the wheel or hub, or weakness will result.
When re-fitting the wheel, sparingly apply copper-based anti-seize compound to the outer face of the hub and the inner, centre section of the wheel. This will help to prevent seizure in the future.
If you intend to re-use the tyre that you have had to hit, have this checked by tyre specialists to ensure that the inner wall has not been damaged by the impacts.
Finally, if you are unable to remove the wheel yourself, you will have to seek help from a garage or wheel/tyre specialist. Good luck!
