Wheel care during tire replacement

Denis54 · 07-01-2004, 03:49 PM

I own a 79 SC with the stock 16 inch wheels. I am about to have new tires installed.

My wheels are in like new condition right now and I would like them to stay that way. I would appreciate if someone could tell me what to watch for during tire replacement.

Zeke · 07-01-2004, 04:05 PM

With all the bling wheels out there these days that can cost upwards of 1K apiece, you won't have a problem if you go to a good tire store. Not a gas station. Not Sears or Pep boys. Go where you can hear the 10" woofers two blocks down. That's where the serious money is being spent on wheels. Hell, your little 16" Fuchs are cake. They don't scratch thousand dollar wheels, they won't hurt yours.

Denis54 · 07-01-2004, 06:48 PM

I know that mounting the tires will not be an issue.

However, I thought I had read that an air gun should not be used. Is that right?

What torque should be used to tighten the nuts?

Should any special "soft" socket be used in order not to damage the nuts?

Any thing else I should look for?

Zeke · 07-01-2004, 07:19 PM

You know, I overlooked the fact that tire idiots will reach for an air gun.

The soft socket will have to come out of your glovebox, they won't have a clue. Hand tighten to good and snug, drop the car and torque to 96 ft/lbs. That tool, as well, might have to come out of your trunk. My tire shop has one, but I check the torque around the corner after leaving.

There's not much else you can watch out for, unless they are just gross.
Do a search on balancing, knowing all about that won't hurt when you get there. If you don't want weights on the outside lip of the wheel, say so. They can do a decent job with all the weights on the inner side of the wheel, some close to the front and some at the back edge, this way correcting for dynamic balance.

RoninLB · 07-01-2004, 07:27 PM

removing the wheels yourself, remove the weights, clean the insides, and quick clean the outsides hopefully will keep them serious, hopefully. On a 16x6 weights can all go inside. On 16x7 is when they may have to put them outside.. personally I would only bringthem to someone you trust.. or bribe the manager with $20

Randy Webb · 07-01-2004, 08:36 PM

America's Tire seems to do a good job. Several have posted a good experience at Costco. And, in the PNW, Les Schwab tells me they use a torque wrench (and only impact to take off or to initially put the lugs down snug).

For sure take the wheels off and watch whoever it is like a hawk. If you don't do the former then watch them break your nylon soft socket insert or you can give them a Stoddard type Al one.

Wil Ferch · 01:40 PM

I demount the rims from the car to avoid wrong end of car mounting as well as air wrench headaches.
That leaves mounting scratches as a concern. Bribe the local Porsche dealer ( if known to be trustworthy)for after-hours handling of "your" wheels

-Wil

Denis54 · 07-03-2004, 04:03 PM

Is it OK to use the air gun with the soft socket to remove the wheels?

RoninLB · 07-03-2004, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Denis54
Is it OK to use the air gun with the soft socket to remove the wheels?

I said to myself wtf lets try it. then I sent the trashed unit in for a free warantee.. that deal took 3mo due to their research and confirmation bureau.

briankeithsmith · 07-04-2004, 04:34 PM

More importantly, worry about how they are lifting the car. People unfamiliar with our cars will easily crush the oil lines simply due to lack of experience.

I'd be more worried about the crushed oil lines than the scratched wheels.

I always take my wheels off throw them into my Honda, and take them to the tire store. That way I don't have to worry about someone inexperienced lifting my car at unsafe lift points.

Brian