Wheel Removal Excessively Tight Wheels

Penetrating oil has been found to be effective in removing tight wheels. However, if oil is used it should be applied sparingly to the hub surface only.

Caution: If penetrating oil gets on the vertical surfaces between the wheel and the rotor or drum it could cause the wheel to work loose as the vehicle is driven, resulting in loss of control and an injury accident.

Notice: Never use heat to loosen a tight wheel. It can shorten the life of the wheel, studs, or hub and bearing assemblies. Wheel nuts must be tightened in sequence and to the specified torque to avoid bending the wheel or rotor.

Sometimes wheels can be difficult to remove from the vehicle due to any of the following factors:

Excessive force such as hammering the wheel or tire can cause damage and is not recommended. Slight tapping of the tire side wall with a rubber mallet is acceptable.

The wheel can be removed without damage as follows:

1. Tighten all the lug nuts on the affected wheel. Do not torque.
2. Loosen each nut two turns.
3. Use one or more of the following methods in order to loosen the wheel.

•	Rock the vehicle from side to side.

•	Rock the vehicle from forward to reverse, allowing the vehicle to move several feet in each direction.

•	Apply quick, hard jabs on the brake pedal in order to loosen the wheel.

•	Rock the vehicle again from side to side as hard as possible using one or more person' s body weight.

•	If the wheel is still tight, repeat the procedure.