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Tire/wheel question?

Posted: Mon Mar 20, 2006 7:32 pm
by pro70z28
This might be a stupid question, but you know that won't stop me...

It's a real chore getting the rear wheels off those 5/8'' studs on the back. Is that just the way it is or...
do they get easier to take off once they've been on and off a few times?
Is there a handy tool or some neat trick to popin' the wheel from the hub?


inquiring minds wood' like to know. :?:

Posted: Mon Mar 20, 2006 7:45 pm
by jim sanders
.... are you having any problem getting the wheels on and registered ??

Posted: Mon Mar 20, 2006 7:49 pm
by Rapid Randy Baker
You really don't want them to get any easier, cause that only means slop/play in the wheel to stud area,,,not good. :)

Here is how I have done it for years, it is the easiest way I have found.

Sit on your butt with your legs towards the car, roll the tire onto your shins, knee area. Walk the tire around on using your knees and hands to line up with the lug studs. Lift the tire with your knees, as you push it on over the studs.

See, wasn't that easier than trying to lift them, look in at the studs, and bang your wheels around trying to line them up??? :D

Now, start all the nuts, twist the wheel backwards against the studs to remove any play, and tighten the lug nuts down. Just work your way across and around like you normally would. Torque to around 120 ft lbs or whatever the studs call for. If you don't have a torque wrench, just use 1/2 drive and get after it pretty good. Check them between runs or between drives in the street cars.

Repeat for the other side, being sure to line up the valve stems to keep any balance issues in check. :)

Posted: Mon Mar 20, 2006 7:50 pm
by pro70z28
No, they go on and off o.k. just a very tight fit. I'm hopin' that's just because everything is new and a little break-in will fix the problem. :?:

Posted: Mon Mar 20, 2006 7:54 pm
by pro70z28
Randy, getting them back off is where I'm runing into problems. They "B" stuck on there purdy good. I got 'em back off, but not without some kickin' & screamin'. Any lube on the studs before I put them back on?? Little anti-seize maybe??

Posted: Mon Mar 20, 2006 8:16 pm
by Rapid Randy Baker
I wouldn't lube the studs. You don't want the nuts to come off. I guess it would be OK to use a little anti-seize at the rear only where the wheel rides but the nut doesn't get to.

Do they seem to be hanging on the studs or sticking to the hub. Maybe a touch of white grease on the rear of the wheel.

I have never had to add either, and I would only do it sparingly!!

Posted: Mon Mar 20, 2006 8:23 pm
by jim sanders
Gary all i can add is Rapid is correct!... you don't want it to be like changing a flat tire on a 76 cutlass..the sit down legs under the car, using shins and eyeballs, square and true....careful tightening the lugs.. part of the deal.. 8)

Posted: Mon Mar 20, 2006 8:46 pm
by Gator
white grease ok
i used anti-seeze on some tight ones
you torque them anyhow
we had a couple of sets that required a little die grinder work(dremel)
You're a crafty guy.....
they get better...but as tight as that..make it easier.
dress 'em :)

Posted: Mon Mar 20, 2006 9:06 pm
by Rapid Randy Baker
I was hoping Gator would pop in here! Thanks Gator, good info as always! :D

Posted: Mon Mar 20, 2006 9:09 pm
by jim sanders
yep!! not like them nascar dudes with sloppy holes and glued lug nuts :roll: