07-07-2008, 09:04 PM | #1 |
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Can't Loosen Wheel Nuts
Good evening,
I purchased a new wheel for my Segway (damaged the last one on a pothole), and despite the fact that WWHopper assured me that "all you need is a wrench" and it's so simple to change "even a lawyer can do it"... I can't do it. I popped off the plastic "hub cap" and managed to get one nut off, but for the life of me, I can't budge the other two. They're completely jammed. I tried WD-40 but that didn't help. Any suggestions? Gas prices are killing me! I gotta get back on my Seg! Thanks!
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07-07-2008, 09:15 PM | #2 |
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Pour very hot water over the wheel nuts slowly, then quickly try again, using the right tool.
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07-07-2008, 09:30 PM | #3 |
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There is a chance that someone used "red" loctite on the nuts, if that's the case you have to heat them to get them to come off. I use a propane torch when this happens.
Loctite Products How long is the 13mm wrench you are trying? The wheel came with new nuts right? If you have new nuts, and you are worried about breaking the bolts off, go to Sears and buy a nut splitter. It breaks the nut in half. Nut Splitter at Sears.com
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07-07-2008, 09:44 PM | #4 | ||
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Quote:
Quote:
Yes, there are new nuts. Ooh, a shiny tool of destruction! That looks like fun! But "nut splitter" sounds more like it belongs in an S&M toolkit. Is it cheaper than a socket wrench? Is there a chance I can screw things up?
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07-07-2008, 09:48 PM | #5 |
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Let's back up one step. What are you using to remove these nuts?
I suggest a good 13 mm socket. Do not bother with a wrench if you are having some problems. I further suggest a short, 6 sided standard metric socket (Not a deep socket, nor a 12 point model). This should give you a balanced grip with plenty of torque. Often times a poor wrench, with a less than great grip on the nut, is the cause of your problems. A standard open end wrench uses two points of contact to turn the nut, a standard socket uses 6 points. Good luck.
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Karl Ian Sagal To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. "Well done is better than well said." (Ben Franklin) Bene factum melior bene dictum Proud past President of SEG America and member of the First Premier Segway Enthusiasts Group and subsequent ones as well. |
07-07-2008, 09:53 PM | #6 |
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A wrench I found in the basement. It's not a socket. I'll head down to the hardware store tomorrow after work and pick up a short, 6-sided standard 13 mm socket. Do you mean a short handle? Or "short" as in "shallow"?
Thanks for your help.
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07-07-2008, 09:57 PM | #7 |
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Some of us can & some can't
DCTENOR you sound as if your not very mechanical inclinded..Whats a socket wrench had me ROTFLMAO.. I surgest you take the seg to a Auto shop and ask if they would help you and remove the nuts ..Leave a nice tip for the guy and job done.. Watch what he does so u can do it later if need be
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07-07-2008, 10:00 PM | #8 | |
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Quote:
Short as in shallow. I would use a standard handle. If you are still concerned about strength, you can get a tool that is called a breaker bar. Ask at the hardware store... It has a longer handle and will give you more than enough torque.
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07-07-2008, 10:05 PM | #9 |
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07-07-2008, 10:14 PM | #10 |
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You might consider buying a penetrating spray from the local auto parts store for getting jammed nuts loose. It should work better for that application than WD-40. It has saved me a couple of times.
I didn't read the instructions, and used a box end wrench (six points) instead of a socket. |
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