I need to do some rear brake work on my 2004 Explorer. I put it on stands and removed the lug nuts. The factory aluminum wheels will not budge. They will turn but will not come off the studs. Probably galvanic corrosion between the aluminum wheel and the iron hubs. I sprayed some PB Blaster in the juncture of the wheels and hubs but haven’t tried to remove the wheels again.
How can I remove the wheels without destroying or damaging them? I have had the vehicle for about 5 years and have not needed to remove rear wheels until now. The fronts came off OK a few years ago when I performed some front end work.
Same problem with rear wheels on my BMW. Center hole gets corroded to the hub from salty winter roads. Had to sledge hammer from behind using a 2 x 4 against the tire sidewall. Not very elegant, but it worked for me without damaging anything.
It’s also the reason I now use anti seize on those areas that touch a wheel. I had a similar problem when using metal tire valve cover caps that had seized…I always use a tiny amount of anti seize there as well.
Had the same problem on my old truck.
Loosened the lug nuts a little, took it for a ride around the block turning the wheel back and forth. That worked.
Can also try driving forward and backwards hitting the brakes.
Mine were so stuck the sledgehammer didn’t work.
Now I use anti seize.
Thanks for the suggestions guys. I haven’t been able to get back to the job due to the heat.
When I get the wheels off and get ready to put them back on I will definitely use anti seize between the wheels and hubs. Both will get a good cleaning too.