SEIZED NUTS!!

Post by **RabidTuna** » 29 Aug 2008, 20:00

Help! my nuts are seized!!.......Anyone got any ideas how to free off wheel nuts that are stuck fast?? I'm in the process of restoring my 84 T25, which has been laid up for 3 years in a garage, I wish to remove the front wheels as both the tyres are flat, and I want to restore the front brakes, but I cant budge the wheel nuts at all, I havent got the luxury of a air powered wrench and I cant get the vehicle to a garage as she's not road worthy so any ideas anyone out there in Club 80-90 land??
Cheers

Post by **AngeloEvs** » 29 Aug 2008, 21:43

I use a length of steel pipe, about 4ft + long, slip it over the end of a good quality socket and bar. Trick is to apply the force as close to the nut as possible so don't use any extensions. Saturate the nuts overnight with penetrating oil if you wish (I don't) then apply a downward force and get as much leverage as possible. On really stubborn ones I have used 6ft steel tubing and that usually gives more than enough leverage (even if I have to stand on it!). As soon as it feels as though it has moved apply liberal quantity of WD40 or penetrating oil and rotate the nuts forwards and backwards a bit at a time. Unfortunately, you always run the risk of shearing a stud or stripping a thread. Maybe someone else can offer some tips, best of luck! VW front aren't nuts so you should be able to get them going with enough leverage.

Post by **RabidTuna** » 29 Aug 2008, 22:10

Cheers for the advice, I'll give it another go tomorrow and see how it goes

Post by **SkinupCamper** » 29 Aug 2008, 22:32

Could try some heat on the hub (nut?) with a blow lamp or shocking them with a copper hammer. Bad language or try charming them off could help.................

Post by **dugcati** » 30 Aug 2008, 09:44

Bad language never actually works but blimey it makes you feel like your making progress

Post by **richard.w** » 30 Aug 2008, 22:25

Bought a 1/2inch torque wrench from Argos, £14.99 (20 cheaper than Halfords). Totally ignored the bit that said not to use for undoing nuts, set to the correct torque and hey presto nuts that wouldn't budge cracked a treat, Worth a try?

Post by **RabidTuna** » 30 Aug 2008, 22:39

Had a go again tonight with a halfords wheel brace, but still havin probs, I think third assault tomorrow

Post by **Nicola&Tony** » 31 Aug 2008, 06:44

As suggetsed above, try something a bit longer:

24" power bar

Tony

Post by **Rozzo** » 31 Aug 2008, 07:59

take care using "wheel braces" as they're usually poor quality and if you round the bolts off you've had it.
get a six sided socket, long power bar and a longer piece of pipe.

Post by **irishkeet** » 31 Aug 2008, 08:29

penetrating oil may help

Website · Post by **syncrosimon** » 31 Aug 2008, 10:06

The most secure form of wheel brace is a 24" long breaker bar with a 1/2 inch drive, like nicola and tony suggest, then buy a 19mm black impact driver socket. Can get both from Halfords, this combination will not slip, so you can stand and bounce on the bar if needs be. I always carry one on board.

impact socket example, and available singly from halfords.

http://www.justoffbase.co.uk/19mm-1-2-S ... per-410MMB

Post by **RabidTuna** » 31 Aug 2008, 10:54

Thanks for all the help, looks like its a trip to Halfords to get the right kit.