Removing and changing tires

[marks]

The sun is begining to takes its toll on the tires of my manlift. This lift weighs 22k, and the tires are 14 x 17.5, G range, tires and rims weigh 200#. Being that I'm in a somewhat rural area, the mobile service charge is in the $500 ball park. Granted, I haven't yet tried to break loose the lug nuts, but I assume that large cheater bar should be persuasive. Thus, jack it, block it, and use the loader for putting the tires in the truck... is there anything I'm missing?

 

[MikeD74T]

Spray the rim/hub with penetrating oil as soon as possible before you need to remove the tires. Many times rims won't come off a machine when the lugs are removed. If you start the soak time soon you may have a better experience later. MikeD74T

 

[westcliffe01]

I just replaced a set of steel wheels on my Dodge truck and had a helluva time getting the rim/hub joints to unlock. I didn't have penetrating oil, so I used ATF after heating the hub a little with a small propane torch (just enough to get the ATF to "flow"). After trying every trick in the book (and waiting half a day for the ATF to get in there) I found that more than just a puny human weight in load was required to break the grip of the rust.

In your case I would suggest cracking the lugnuts by about 1-2 turns then attaching a tow strap or chain to the side of your manlift and using the heaviest vehicle you have to put some sideways load on those wheels. In my case I was able to rock the vehicle sideways using the weight of the truck and the compliance of the springs to get it going. Since the lift probably has rigid axles, a 4wd truck in low range first gear should get it rocking... If you have a tractor to do it so much the better...

 

[AKfish]

I still have a big, 4-way lug wrench and a 3' cheater bar in the corner of my garage. I only get close to 'em if I REALLY have to...

Instead, I went to Home Deposit a few years ago and bought the biggest, electric impact drive (with black, impact sockets) that they had. And my back has been thanking me ever-since!

Once the lugs are off; the penetrating oil goes in real well around the studs and between the rim and drum. An hour or so later, with my 5lb sledge hammer and a few chunks of 2"x4" - I'm usually able to pursuade even the most stubborn wheel to come off!

Good luck.

AKfish