OK - I went to rotate my tires and the rear passenger wheel won't budge... I even tried a making a T with a 2x4 and beat the h3ll out of it from the back side... Still won't budge - any tips here??? Don't want to loosen the lugs and drive it - might mess up the wheel.
2003 Euro - Infra Red
#1687 of 3985
Build date: 05/09/2003
I think what may have happened is that it welded (rusted) itself to the hub; as I see that is what is happening on mine, but not so bad down here in Florida. Get it off maybe by taking the lugs off, then easing the jack down and doing this in different spots of the tire and try to crack or rupture whatever is holding it, but don't mess up the studs.
Then, once you finally get it off, or ALL of them for that matter, go buy some anti-seize compound by Permatex, with the little brush in can, and get that stuff all over between the studs where you see rust.
I've never done this before, so someone let me know if I'm wrong, or if this isn't your problem. The anti-seize compound is a good idea for everyone.
Last edited by SVTfocusO3; 03-09-2006 at 02:53 PM.
I tried lowering it down with the lugs off - no help...
The center of the wheel (I have the euros) is a very snug fit on the hub... BTW it's not very rusty. Does anyones else have tight clearance on the rear hubs? Seems all of the regular maint. items are a PITA... I'm used to stuff you don't have to lift just to change the oil.
2003 Euro - Infra Red
#1687 of 3985
Build date: 05/09/2003
I have the euros, too. My next thing would be just to spray down with some penetrating oil and maybe just lay down and kick it with both legs in some different areas from front and behind, it has to come off some how. Good luck!
The only maint. problem I have with this thing is the fuel filter bracket screw, I just have to take the whole thing off the car, not really that bad though.
Try this, loosen the lugs 2 turns or so. Then drive the car in a circle once or twice. I have always gotten the wheel loose by doing this.
2003 Cobra Sonic Blue Convt. #25
Magna-Flow Cat Backs
Pro-5 Shifter
K & N Air System
Dino Tested - 413 HP & 390 Torque
100% SYNTHETIC LUBES
Under 24K on the car
Rather than using brute force, use chemicals! Spray into each lug hole with liberal amount of penetrating oil, and around the wheel where it meets the rotor. Try to pop the center cap off and shoot in there too.
Give the stuff time to work....like a couple of hours. Repeat as necessary and the wheel will pop off with minimal effort.
Hitting it hard with a hammer is not good for the wheel or the suspension.
Hammers?
use a rubber DEAD BLOW hammer to knock the rim off. it will not hurt the rim or suspension.
For some reason, I hear this on many non-SVT Focus models with rear drum brakes. I don't believe I have heard that many with SVTF's with this problem.Originally Posted by SVTfocusO3
In any case, most people resort to chemical penetrants and brute force. I also agree with the use of anti-sieze compund. I usually apply it on the rim.
I believe I saw this on a SVT, maybe a ZX3, in an issue of Focus Fanatic.
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