Weld Drag Star stuck on studs

Larry Hill · 07-16-2014, 10:09 PM

Try heating the studs with a propane torch. this should cause a difference in expansion rates between the wheel and the studs and help break the bond. WD-40 the studs after they cool, jack up car so wheel will turn, get a 2" X 6"X 2 1/2' long so the end of the board will stand on floor and be against the sidewall. Now start asking the tire and wheel to start moving off the studs by using a 4lbs. hammer against the 2x6. Hit the 2x6 and rotate 180* strike again, rotate 90* and keep after it. Its kind of bouncy but you won't bend a wheel. Heat the end of the studs don't get them red hot, they are hot enough when a drop of water will dance on the stud. Keep in mind that there is a oil seal for the axle. Good luck!

ss3011 · 07-16-2014, 11:28 PM

I had that exact problem with my drag stars too. What I do is use a Stanley "Magic Bar" flat pry bar which fits perfectly through the spokes of the wheel, then pry between the wheel and hub, if you work it around in a star pattern, the wheel comes off no problem.

older racer · 07-17-2014, 12:33 AM

hi,I have found that tightening aluminum wheels and other parts down tight, causes the aluminum edge of hole to roll inward and grasps the shaft of the bolt tightly. therefore , it is locked!!!! I toruqe my 5/8 wheel nuts to 65 #. I've had to run a round file through the wheel holes at times to take out the lip.just food for thought.

Kegracing · 07-17-2014, 07:37 AM

Thanks for all the suggestions everyone. Traveling with work this week, but looks like I know what my Saturday morning will be focused around! LOL
At least it is only projected to be about 90 Saturday. Cool front for TX this time of the year!
Will let you know how it goes.
Ken

Kegracing · 07-19-2014, 10:45 PM

Well,
Little hand torch, some WD 40, rubber mallet and dead blow, and all is good again.
I did take a file and clean up the holes on wheels when done.
I did get the two aspirin and a cold drink afterwards too... getting old sucks! LOL
Thanks everyone.

Dragsinger · 07-20-2014, 07:58 AM

did you mix the aspirin with the wd40?

Bob Don · 07-20-2014, 10:08 AM

I hope the "cold drink" was of the "adult" variety!

07-16-2014, 10:09 PM	#1
Larry Hill Live Reporter Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Hickory, Ky Posts: 10,670 Likes: 1,967 Liked 10,895 Times in 2,255 Posts	Re: Weld Drag Star stuck on studs Try heating the studs with a propane torch. this should cause a difference in expansion rates between the wheel and the studs and help break the bond. WD-40 the studs after they cool, jack up car so wheel will turn, get a 2" X 6"X 2 1/2' long so the end of the board will stand on floor and be against the sidewall. Now start asking the tire and wheel to start moving off the studs by using a 4lbs. hammer against the 2x6. Hit the 2x6 and rotate 180* strike again, rotate 90* and keep after it. Its kind of bouncy but you won't bend a wheel. Heat the end of the studs don't get them red hot, they are hot enough when a drop of water will dance on the stud. Keep in mind that there is a oil seal for the axle. Good luck! __________________ IHM Used Parts https://ihmusedparts.com 888-821-1817

07-16-2014, 11:28 PM	#2
ss3011 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Southeast Michigan Posts: 910 Likes: 70 Liked 239 Times in 114 Posts	Re: Weld Drag Star stuck on studs I had that exact problem with my drag stars too. What I do is use a Stanley "Magic Bar" flat pry bar which fits perfectly through the spokes of the wheel, then pry between the wheel and hub, if you work it around in a star pattern, the wheel comes off no problem.

07-17-2014, 12:33 AM	#3
older racer Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 212 Likes: 13 Liked 68 Times in 26 Posts	Re: Weld Drag Star stuck on studs hi,I have found that tightening aluminum wheels and other parts down tight, causes the aluminum edge of hole to roll inward and grasps the shaft of the bolt tightly. therefore , it is locked!!!! I toruqe my 5/8 wheel nuts to 65 #. I've had to run a round file through the wheel holes at times to take out the lip.just food for thought.

07-17-2014, 07:37 AM	#4
Kegracing Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Red Oak, TX Posts: 441 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Weld Drag Star stuck on studs Thanks for all the suggestions everyone. Traveling with work this week, but looks like I know what my Saturday morning will be focused around! LOL At least it is only projected to be about 90 Saturday. Cool front for TX this time of the year! Will let you know how it goes. Ken

07-19-2014, 10:45 PM	#5
Kegracing Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Red Oak, TX Posts: 441 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Weld Drag Star stuck on studs Well, Little hand torch, some WD 40, rubber mallet and dead blow, and all is good again. I did take a file and clean up the holes on wheels when done. I did get the two aspirin and a cold drink afterwards too... getting old sucks! LOL Thanks everyone.

07-20-2014, 07:58 AM	#6
Dragsinger VIP Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Liberty City [East Texas] Posts: 1,760 Likes: 5 Liked 99 Times in 60 Posts	Re: Weld Drag Star stuck on studs did you mix the aspirin with the wd40? __________________ Larry Woodfin 471W

07-20-2014, 10:08 AM	#7
Bob Don VIP Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Greater Boston Posts: 1,497 Likes: 1,147 Liked 905 Times in 193 Posts	Re: Weld Drag Star stuck on studs I hope the "cold drink" was of the "adult" variety! __________________ Bob Don 128 SS

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