[s-cars] Stuck Lug Bolts

[Mark R]

Abe, been there, done that... and no t-shirt.

You really don't want to use conventional heat here.  The finish on the
wheels will be totally lost.
There is a fairly new electrical (induction) unit on the market designed for
such things... but I can't recall the name and have not personally used one.

Hammering the bolt(s) radially should help (use a rag around the punch to
protect the wheel holes), as should trying to tighten the bolts with the
impact gun (same hammering idea).

The real problem is that your impact gun and/or air supply aren't large
enough.  Any decent compressor (working 90+ psi, 10+ gallon tank) will run
one impact gun.  I personally have a 3/4" 600+ ft-lb IR gun which makes
quick work of such bolts.  Your best option is marking the bolts and going
to a shop with a big gun- have them remove the offending bolts and you take
it from there.

Be prepared for the wheel to be rusted to the hub.  Oh how we love VWs and
Audis....
Have a tap ready to clean the holes.  14 x 1.5mm (from memory... I can look
if you want me to be sure).  A die would be a good way to clean the threads
if you're planning on using some anti-seize lubricant later.  FWIW, ARP
sells a type of anti-seize lubricant which they claim doesn't effect
torque.  From personal and other's experiences, I'd suggest a light coating
of zinc or copper based anti-seize minimally affects torque and can that
effect be ignored.

Lastly, I'd recommend replacing at least those few bolts with new.  If it
was my car, I'd replace them all.  Once the hub is clean, I'd definitely
coat the face before the rims go back on.

On 10/3/06, Abe Berman <yellowcuda at gmail.com> wrote:
>
> S-Heads/Listers,
>
> On my "new to me" 96 A4 I've got a couple of lug bolts that are not
> coming off either with impact wrench or breaker bar + cheater.  I have
> soaked them in Kroil and PB Blaster as well.  Unfortunately, one of
> the lug bolts is starting to strip now from my efforts.
>
> My next thought after soaking repeatedly with Kroil over the next
> couple of days is to try applying heat from a torch, but I am nervous
> about the clear coat on the wheels.
>
> Any suggestions out there??
>
> Thanks,
>
> Abe
>
> 93 S4
> 96 A4 that needs a rear brake job but first needs the wheels off!
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