[s-cars] Stuck Lug Bolts

[Tom Green]

That is good stuff, Abe, and should work.  If not, just drill a 3/8  
hole through
the center of the bolt, all the way through.  That will relieve  
stress and provide
enough heat to release the bolt without flame.  Just drill in the  
center of the bolt. :-)
Sometimes the impact gun and hammering can deform the head where  
there is
no other choice.  Make sure they are clean and in good condition  
before reinstalling.
New bolts are cheap compared to this stuff.  And, rotate the tires  
and clean the
wheels occasionally--maybe lug bolts if the need it.  Whoever the ham- 
fisted
installer was, avoid him for sure.

Tom

> Huh Powell summarizes:
>> An old VeeDub trick is to HAMMER the lug bolts using a brass dowel  
>> (or
>> similar) and a BFH,  the impact helps break the death grip of both  
>> the
>> wheel and the threads.  Although counterintuitive, first  
>> tightening the
>> bolts with an impact gun also helps loosen them sometimes.
>
> Both good strategies.
>
>> Your impact gun/compressor might not have enough "oomph" too, any  
>> decent
>> shop will have a high torque gun or two that should make short  
>> work of
>> those bolts.
>
> A third, very useful factor.  My 120 psi air compressor and ancient
> CP/Mac impact gun are no match for the air pressure and modern tools
> available next door.
>
>> Don't forget the anti-seize when you put them back
>
> I have to say that I don't agree at all with the anit-seize on lug  
> bolt
> threads concept.
>
>> at the points where the wheel contacts the hat of the
>> brake disk.
>
> This one very important, so many wheels get "time-welded" to rotors.
>
>> Whatever approach you use, make sure you clean the threads in the  
>> hub.
>
> Definitely a must.  And don't forget to clean the lug bolt threads  
> on a
> wire wheel, too.
>
> If you feel the need to use anti-seize, the best use is on the  
> threaded
> end of the lug bolt where it sticks through the hub, after installing
> the wheel.  This part can rust and make it hard to start removing  
> the bolt.