How do YOU remove a tire?

[Pullstart 62,795]

I have a friend’s daughter’s truck in the shop.  A bearing in the center section littered the entire differential with metal shavings and bad news.  There even appears to have excessive wear on the ring and pinion because of the slop.  Yep, it was howling real good by the time it made it here.  It was decided it might be cheaper to find a replacement rear end in the local U-pull-it.  After two broken breaker bars, plenty of torch action and other quenching methods like water, wax and various oils, plenty of sledge hammer action too, I’ve decided to pull the whole axle out of the differential!  Yep, I even left the junk yard with the additional wheel and tire, just to get it home and get that torch set on it!

 

What kind of crazy things have you had to pull off just for a small task?

[Pullstart 62,795]

I cut the ears of the brake caliper off and it’s sliding out!  Woo hoo!

 

 

[Shynon 7,459]

I see the FoMoCo logo that's your problem  

[briankd 817]

better off chuckin another rearend in it 

hate it when wheels don't come off had some would't come off even when all lug nuts were off and beating with 10 lb sledge seems i had bad luck with chrysler junk doing this 

[Pullstart 62,795]

6 minutes ago, Shynon said:

I see the FoMoCo logo that's your problem  

 

I agree.  I am victorious so far... I hope to get the old unit pulled tonight so I can return the core (and unwanted wheel and tire) and hope like crazy that my favorite flannel hoodie is still hanging on the side of the donor 

 

 

[bc.gold 3,403]

Most electrode manufactures have their own version, just like a stick rod works on any AC/DC welder.

https://zena.net/htdocs/welders/Rods/SUPERBLAST.shtml

 

These SUPERBLAST rods let you gouge and cut metal without needing a 300A+ air arc cutting rig or an acetylene cutting torch and bulky gas bottles. We can't convert your electrode holder to a plasma torch/plasma cutter but, for field maintenance work, these SUPERBLAST rods are the next best thing to having an oxyacetylene rig

 

 

 

Edited February 24, 2020 by bcgold

[Pullstart 62,795]

17 minutes ago, bcgold said:

Most electrode manufactures have their own version.

 

These SUPERBLAST rods let you gouge and cut metal without needing a 300A+ air arc cutting rig or an acetylene cutting torch and bulky gas bottles. We can't convert your electrode holder to a plasma torch/plasma cutter but, for field maintenance work, these SUPERBLAST rods are the next best thing to having an oxyacetylene rig

 

 

I thought about simply cutting the lug nut off with the torch,  but I recently had some fun at a large bonfire playing with magnesium rods in the coals.  The fire was incredibly hot and bright and I didn’t feel like setting the wheel ablaze tonight.  I’m not sure if automotive wheels have the same make up as water heater anodes, but I wasn’t in the mood to find out 

[Ed Kennell 38,022]

25 minutes ago, briankd said:

 

hate it when wheels don't come off had some would't come off even when all lug nuts were off

I had one stuck on  F-250 that I used a 6 ton bottle jack against the frame to pop it loose.    

[bc.gold 3,403]

26 minutes ago, pullstart said:

 

I thought about simply cutting the lug nut off with the torch,  but I recently had some fun at a large bonfire playing with magnesium rods in the coals.  The fire was incredibly hot and bright and I didn’t feel like setting the wheel ablaze tonight.  I’m not sure if automotive wheels have the same make up as water heater anodes, but I wasn’t in the mood to find out 

 

Anodes used on hot water tanks ( fresh water ) aluminum or magnesium, older Lawnboy mower decks were made from magnesium . Your rim is made from aluminum.

 

Rims used for racing magnesium lighter and stronger but also more $$$.

 

Aluminum Wheels vs. Magnesium Wheels

February 21, 2012

Compare the variety, cost, durability, and handling advantages of aluminum wheels with the weight, heat, and aesthetic advantages of magnesium wheels.

With the many other options to choose from, it is beneficial to have an idea of the benefits and drawbacks of the two main wheel types: aluminum wheels and magnesium wheels.

Aluminum Wheels Examined

Variety
The wide range of aluminum wheels available make it easy to find ones suitable for your purposes, no matter what size or style you desire. They are available from a range of different manufacturers to enable you to opt for a trusted brand. There are some manufacturers who also make other car parts, which will enable you to use the same brand throughout the car.

 

Cost
Aluminum wheels may not be ideal if you're on a budget. The price of the wheels will vary depending on the size and style, but they are often more costly compared to steel or magnesium wheels. Different suppliers charge different sums, making it beneficial to do some research before committing to a purchase. The difference in price usually arises from the difference in the cost to manufacture the wheels.

 

Durability
Compared to magnesium wheels, aluminum wheels are more durable and will last longer than other materials. Aluminum wheels are stronger than magnesium wheels, with the latter being more delicate and more difficult to make. They are strong enough for use with your car without suffering significant wear and tear in the process. They come as standard on some vehicles, making them suitable for regular cars while other types are more suited to specialized cars, such as those used for racing.

 

Availability
There are a wide range of retailers that supply aluminum wheels, making it easy to obtain them from a convenient location. Whether you want to shop online from the comfort of your home or prefer to be able to physically examine the goods before you make a purchase, you will be able to find a retailer to suit you. This also gives you the ability shop around in order to find the best deal and the style of wheel that you want.

 

Combination
It is possible for the material to be combined with other substances, such as magnesium. This will create alloy wheels that take benefits from each of the materials, which will make them both strong and light.

 

Handling
You will find that fitted wheels made from aluminum will change the way the vehicle handles, which will mean you have to get used to the change. The handling will often be improved, the car becoming more responsive on operation of the brake and accelerator. In addition, they are beneficial at ensuring that your tires retain their shape rather than bulging out. This can help to reduce the possibility of accidents due to the treads being able to grip the surface properly.

Magnesium Wheels Examined

Magnesium wheels certainly add a "wow" factor to a vehicle. That, of course, is the main reason people spend their money on magnesium alloy wheels. Are looks the only advantage they possess over steel or aluminum rims? consider the pros and cons of magnesium wheels before parting with your money.

 

Weight
Magnesium wheels are light wheels, much lighter than steel or aluminum wheels. That means they will give better mileage for your car because there's less weight to move. You'll also find that they're less prone to bend or buckle if you dip into a pot hole. This lighter weight requires less wheel balancing over the life of the magnesium wheels. It also translates into more responsive steering and handling, both of which are important factors in their favor. They corner very well with low profile tires.

On the downside, once your magnesium wheels do bend, they can't be straightened again. Because of this you have to be more thoughtful when you drive. The magnesium alloy might be durable but it does have its limits, and if you don't pay proper attention to the road you could lose your investment.

 

Heat
There's less overheating with magnesium wheels because they spread the heat from the brakes much more efficiently than aluminum wheels. You're less like to suffer from brakes overheating, a problem that could affect the brake pads and other parts in the braking system.

 

Looks
The biggest advantage that magnesium wheels offer is in the look of your vehicle. They're aftermarket wheels so they give you the chance to customize the vehicle and make it stand out from the crowd. You do need wheels that will fit your vehicle, and you can go one step further by buying chrome or colored valve caps.

The fact that magnesium wheels look so good makes them desirable to others, too. That means you'll need to use a locking nut on each wheel to prevent them being stolen.

 

Price
The main factor weighing against magnesium wheels is the price. They're expensive. Although magnesium wheels do confer some benefits beyond looks, those are relatively minor and not necessarily worth the price you pay.

Spending more is your decision, and magnesium wheels will have a great impact on the appearance of a car. The amount of difference they make beyond that is going to be fairly small and you need to decide if that's worth what you'll be spending.

 

Edited February 24, 2020 by bcgold

[ZXT 2,401]

1 hour ago, briankd said:

i had bad luck with chrysler junk doing this 

Lets change that sentence to "I've had bad luck with dissimilar metal corrosion".

 

That's better.

[bc.gold 3,403]

In the electromotive series titanium is below aluminum so compatibility should not be an issue.

 

https://www.acerracing.com/collections/titanium-lug-bolts

 

 

[bc.gold 3,403]

Sticker Shock.

 

They won't rust. 20 titanium wheel nuts $699.00 marked down to $299.99

 

Edited February 24, 2020 by bcgold

[JoeM 7,871]

grind some flats with a zip tool. maybe a drive on nut remover or weld a nut over the existing nut?

air chisel maybe a good bet.

since there has been heat added already and thermal expansion

if you can get a nut welded on tighten it first then loosen?

20 years ago I had one like this and it was because I started out badly. Not wanting to get the correct socket. It was recessed and I had to use a torch melted the nut off. Ugly. 

Edited February 24, 2020 by TractorJunkie

[squonk 41,028]

6 hours ago, ZXT said:

Lets change that sentence to "I've had bad luck with dissimilar metal corrosion".

 

That's better.

I think Chysler is pretty accurate. When I worked at Napa The rusty corroded Chysler junk that came into the door was incredible. Jeeps were the worst.

[ri702bill 8,286]

Back to removing a stuck aluminum wheel once all the lug nuts can be untightened......

I learned this trick working part time doing front end work at a local tire store. We had a Mercury Cougar XR7 come in for 4 tires - it was quite apparent the owner never had the tires rotated by the tire wear. One of the two younger guys got the job, but neither of the 2 front aluminum rims would budge - even with the large mallet that looked like the kind you see in the circus. The Service Manager told him to reinstall all the lug nuts by hand and back them off 2 turns. He did, and the Service Manager took the car outside to the end of the parking area and did a series of left and right figure eights at about 5 MPH - sure enough, snap, snap and they were loose.

 

Bill

[ZXT 2,401]

21 hours ago, bcgold said:

Sticker Shock.

 

They won't rust. 20 titanium wheel nuts $699.00 marked down to $299.99

 

Porsche 928's used M14x1.5 Titanium lug nuts from the factory. I have 4 of them with all the lug nuts.. For $699 I'll sell every set! LOL!

 

15 hours ago, squonk said:

I think Chysler is pretty accurate. When I worked at Napa The rusty corroded Chysler junk that came into the door was incredible. Jeeps were the worst.

Can't see how one brand's wheel would corrode worse than the others. I for one have never had a wheel corrode onto anything - whether it be Ford, GM, Chrysler, Nissan, etc.. I have however seen the aluminum brake drums on the backs of Datsun 240z and 260z's corrode to the lug studs! Nearly impossible to remove without damaging the drum.

[prondzy 3,881]

On 2/23/2020 at 7:50 PM, pullstart said:

I cut the ears of the brake caliper off and it’s sliding out!  Woo hoo!

 

 

Before you heated up the problem nut you should have just drilled out the stud. Just got done doing this a couple weeks ago at work. Had the wheel off in less than 5 min. 

[Pullstart 62,795]

31 minutes ago, prondzy said:

Before you heated up the problem nut you should have just drilled out the stud. Just got done doing this a couple weeks ago at work. Had the wheel off in less than 5 min. 

I guess I would have had to pull the axle to change out the seals anyway, but that would have worked too!  I’ll remember that trick...