Help: Wheel Removal/Stuck - LotusTalk

txdude · 08-30-2009, 02:33 PM

This is ridiculous. I've changed dozens of tires on previous vehicles but the Elise is giving me issues...

I've removed all 4 lugs, used wd-40, and gently tapped her with a rubber mallet but she won't budge even the slightest bit.

I've never touched the wheels on my Elise before, so I ask... Is there a special locking pin or something that needs to be removed? Or do I just need to get rough with her and pull really hard? It's the front wheels.

Thanks y'all. I searched the forum with no luck, but feel free to direct me to the right thread if there is one.

RoadDad · 08-30-2009, 02:42 PM

No pin. Just the 4 nuts. Well, 5 nuts actually in your case - the 4 wheel nuts and you

(I'm just kidding!).

WD-40 is a "water displacer". That is what the WD stands for. It is not a penetrating lubricant such as PB Blaster or Kroil.

If you have all of the lugs off you just need to pull/tap harder with the mallet/use a penetrating lubricant (but be careful where it gets) to get it loose, as there is no other retaining item.

If you are pulling or "tapping", please be careful that you don't pull or "tap" hard enough to dislodge your car from the jack stand that it is on.

JLSELISE · 08-30-2009, 02:50 PM

Don't be timid!
If it's really on there, some sharp blows with a rubber mallet (on the backside edge of the wheel) will be required--alternating "hits" on diagonals at 90 degrees would probably be a good idea, too.

txdude · 08-30-2009, 02:54 PM

Thanks y'all. I kind of figured so, but I didn't want to start another thread about how I caused some major damage doing something so easy lol.

txdude · 08-30-2009, 02:57 PM

The wheel has been conquered!

RoadDad · 08-30-2009, 03:01 PM

You are now a man.

DeanG · 08-30-2009, 03:02 PM

The M100 has the same wheel removal issues. The problem is caused by the wheel being located via its center. A snug fit on between the center whole on the wheel and the hub can become very snug with a bit of corrosion.

RoadDad · 08-30-2009, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeanG

A snug fit on between the center whole on the wheel and the hub can become very snug with a bit of corrosion.

This is why some folks use anti-seize on the mating surface of the wheel to the hub (NOT on the lugs).

TimMullen · 08-31-2009, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoadDad

This is why some folks use anti-seize on the mating surface of the wheel to the hub (NOT on the lugs).

+! Always...

08-30-2009, 02:33 PM	#1 (permalink)
txdude Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Ellsworth SD Posts: 137	Help: Wheel Removal/Stuck This is ridiculous. I've changed dozens of tires on previous vehicles but the Elise is giving me issues... I've removed all 4 lugs, used wd-40, and gently tapped her with a rubber mallet but she won't budge even the slightest bit. I've never touched the wheels on my Elise before, so I ask... Is there a special locking pin or something that needs to be removed? Or do I just need to get rough with her and pull really hard? It's the front wheels. Thanks y'all. I searched the forum with no luck, but feel free to direct me to the right thread if there is one. Last edited by txdude : 08-30-2009 at 02:34 PM. Reason: add note

08-30-2009, 02:42 PM	#2 (permalink)
RoadDad perfututum futūtor Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 6,037	No pin. Just the 4 nuts. Well, 5 nuts actually in your case - the 4 wheel nuts and you (I'm just kidding!). WD-40 is a "water displacer". That is what the WD stands for. It is not a penetrating lubricant such as PB Blaster or Kroil. If you have all of the lugs off you just need to pull/tap harder with the mallet/use a penetrating lubricant (but be careful where it gets) to get it loose, as there is no other retaining item. If you are pulling or "tapping", please be careful that you don't pull or "tap" hard enough to dislodge your car from the jack stand that it is on. __________________ "Really, you want to maintain a semblance of professionalism since you represent Lotus. Me... I don't need to. Bite me." -Randy

08-30-2009, 02:50 PM	#3 (permalink)
JLSELISE Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Livermore, CA Posts: 489	Don't be timid! If it's really on there, some sharp blows with a rubber mallet (on the backside edge of the wheel) will be required--alternating "hits" on diagonals at 90 degrees would probably be a good idea, too. __________________ Joel '67 S3 Elan dhc (owned since 1970) '06 Audi A3 3.2 '04 Noble M12 (380 rwhp)

08-30-2009, 03:01 PM	#6 (permalink)
RoadDad perfututum futūtor Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 6,037	You are now a man. __________________ "Really, you want to maintain a semblance of professionalism since you represent Lotus. Me... I don't need to. Bite me." -Randy

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08-30-2009, 02:54 PM	#4 (permalink)
txdude Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Ellsworth SD Posts: 137	Thanks y'all. I kind of figured so, but I didn't want to start another thread about how I caused some major damage doing something so easy lol.

08-30-2009, 02:57 PM	#5 (permalink)
txdude Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Ellsworth SD Posts: 137	The wheel has been conquered!

08-30-2009, 03:02 PM	#7 (permalink)
DeanG Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 724	The M100 has the same wheel removal issues. The problem is caused by the wheel being located via its center. A snug fit on between the center whole on the wheel and the hub can become very snug with a bit of corrosion.

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