Rear wheels stuck!!!

**GTI_PAPA** · 14-05-2011, 10:33 PM

Hey guys,

Just thought I'd share this with you. Went to rotate tyres yesterday and upon trying to remove the rear left, realised it was stuck solid. Doesn't matter how much I swore and kicked, no movement. Got online that night and searched for remedies, found that sheer brute force was the only option. Double checked with a couple of tyre places this morning, same answer (heavy rubber mallet, block of wood etc.).

So tried again this morning, and using a metre long 4x4 started bashing the inner side of the rim/tyre (rotating as I bashed). Half and hour later, the wheel came off. The same process was needed for the right rear.

It seems as though that little bit of water that penetrates through to the hub had caused some rust/oxidation and fused wheel to centre of hub. Just sanded it back and applied copper based anti-sieze.

I'm glad I found this out before I ever had a puncture, or I'd be proper stuffed. So if you have never removed your wheels, especially the rear, please check...

**passatstef** · 14-05-2011, 10:53 PM

good work.we get a few of them at work.i know its a pain in butt.

**brimway** · 14-05-2011, 10:59 PM

I was going to add my comment here but realised I have a Golf not a Polo. So for fear of upsetting mods, I will keep my comments to myself.

**hazrd** · 14-05-2011, 11:06 PM

lol then why did u comment?

thanks for the heads up, was planning to rotate mine today but had a change of plans, so now, tomorrow ill be prepared!!

**tooch** · 15-05-2011, 10:14 AM

The easiest way to remedy this (and apparently VW themselves advise this) is to loosen off the bolts but leave them in place, and drive the car in slow circles, or just move the steering wheel sharply left and right while driving or reversing at slow speed. Don't totally remove the bolts though or you might have some trouble!

**Blitzen** · 15-05-2011, 10:21 AM

When you put them back on, put some grease or anti seize on the wheel hub to prevent it from happening again.

**GTI_PAPA** · 15-05-2011, 08:26 PM

Originally Posted by tooch

The easiest way to remedy this (and apparently VW themselves advise this) is to loosen off the bolts but leave them in place, and drive the car in slow circles, or just move the steering wheel sharply left and right while driving or reversing at slow speed. Don't totally remove the bolts though or you might have some trouble!

I actually tried this, but since it didn't work I chose not to mention it...

**Jmac** · 15-05-2011, 09:05 PM

Rubber mallet whilst the wheel is being spun works for me every time and has done for the last, well 20 odd years. Yeah copper grease and a good sandpaper for the win
Jmac