I finally found out about the problem with the wheels first hand. Yesterday, I decided to switch my front and rear wheels around. The fronts came off no problem, although there was some oxidisation on the bolts which was easily cleaned off with a wire brush.

However, the rear wheels seemed to have oxidised right onto the hubs, and wouldn't come free without a judicious boot. Fair warning for anyone doing work on their wheels (or God forbid that you need to change the driver side back wheel on a motorway hard shoulder!) Loosen your wheels and check for rust frequently!

Rob, Good point as I noticed the same problem when I removed my front wheel to do the IC vent. I actually ended up going round the car taking all the wheels off and cleaning the wheel mounting flanges. The rears were particularly bad as were the studs which needed cleaning off and I also gave them a good coating of 'copper slip' for good measure.

The best time to do this is when the car is new. A light application of copper grease should prevent the problem.

I can't actually get my rear wheels off, no matter how hard I try...

Even tried kicking either side of the wheel straight-on to try and get them loose.

They just wont budge.

Any ideas?

Soft faced mallet on the back of the rim ....

I find using the end of the wheelbrace gently between caliper and rim - but not if it's possible to get one through an RS rim.

Sounds like a job for K and his lump hammer.

Dave,

I had the same prob. on the rears. I used a 5ft pole (ex sat mast) and levered between lower suspension and inner rim.

Chris

I had this problem on various VW's and Seat's..

I did this by loosening the wheel bolts and either ( front -- drive slowy on full lock, until the clunk indicates a unwelded wheel )

or on the rear again loosen the wheel bolts and rock the car from side to side... this usually works..... ( Dont loosen them to much thou!!! )

Copper grease the hub and disc hub face where the alloy comes into contact... I also apply a tiny amount to the wheel bolts to prevent corrosion... ( BECAREFULL here as too much can alter

the level of thread tension when it has been torqued to the correct figure

cheers

Dazz

I had the same problem. Solved by removing the wheel nuts and kicking the jack from underneath the car.

Sorry I couldn't resist it.

Copperslip is best way to stop it....as for getting stuck wheel's off in first place :

• Jack car up...using PROPER jack,use axle stands
  
• Loosen wheel bolts,remove all except 1,which should be left in a few turns
  
• Use soft faced Mallet or protect rim with wood block and hit rim whilst rotating wheel,once wheel free remove nut.
  
• Clean hub surface and wheel flange with wire brush / emery cloth
  
• apply SMALL amount of copperslip to wheel bolts & hub flange
  

Apply penetrating oil wd40 or similar at hub/wheel flange joint it will soak down and help in freeing the bond. did this on my rs let soak for a while and reaplied, then wood against rear of tyre and careful application of rubber mallet blows - as all have said apply copper ease when reapplying - problem solved - ps mine where stuck after a very shoty time - probably due to frequent wheel washing - I believe the shampoo actualy acellerates the rusting process I use autoglym wash and the discs have surface rust very quickly afterwards even though they say the wash has a rust inhibiter!!

John

I've asked the dealer to do this when it goes in for service, as I have neither a decent jack or axle stands. I'll remind them about the copperslip. I've noticed the Octy's discs rust really quickly. If mine has been left for a few days the first brake can be a bit disconcerting. The ABS gets all confused until the rust has been worn off. Generally it happens at the end of my road so not a problem, but at 5.30 in the morning it certainly wakes you up!

Slacken off the bolts and take the car for a drive?

Failing that, very big hammer!

or just wear your tyres out every 3k and the wheels dont have time to stick to the hubs...

Originally posted by TaviaRS in this post

Slacken off the bolts and take the car for a drive?

I'll come and watch you do this first!!

Originally posted by TaviaRS in this post

Failing that, very big hammer!

Or a big k?????

Never had a problem with my wheels sticking, probably to do with them being taken off every couple of weeks.

Didn't know you had to do this to change a clutch.

Des

Or gearbox per chance?