[mangogirl205]

This might be a dumb question but what is the best way to remove my rims without scratching/chipping them where the lugs are?

I have some 17x9 TSW rims and when they were installed there was a small amount of chipping..I guess when they tighten the lugs they hit the rim.

These guys were very pricey and I don't want this happening again..so any tips?

And the reason I am changing is because ( I know the braking is done in the front ) but this brake dust is driving me nuts!! There is none in the back but the front is like ARG! And these rims have a nice thick lip on them and they just catch the dust like crazy. I'm replacing all 4 pads with another brand of ceramic pads that I had on a previous car and there was NO dust what so ever! So I want to try and see If they will work on my stang.

My rims are dirty in 2 days. And get this I already have ceramic brake pads with drilled/slotted rotors.They've been on now for 2 years.I was thinking they just needed to "Break in".

But yeah what do you guys do to prevent this?(chipping)
AND would a Impact wrench do just as much damage?

[spaseghost]

my snap on guy has special sockets with a rubber coating on them made specifically for those super flashy wheels. im sure that sears or autozone or somewhere similar will have them as well.

[mcqueen]

^That is a good option. If you can't find something like that, you just have to be very careful. I never used an impact on my good wheels, I always put the lugs on and took them off with a socket (thin walled) and big ol torque wrench (it didn't measure torque well, just good for leverage).

[dschack]

Discount tire uses a thinwall socket that doesn't touch the sides, to be extra careful I would remove them by hand, not with an impact

[clidefr0g]

its called a thin wall socket, any tire store will have one. Make sure you torque your wheels to spec, and if they are new torque them again in 60 miles.

[Loki]

What do the lugs look like? I know a lot of them have a fat end so that you put the socket on without touching the rim itself..

Also, Sometimes when you buy rims.. You get a special socket with it. I have like 3 different ones in my box. Lol

If anything else, just be very careful.. I would probably put the socket on 3/4 of the way on the lug and try to turn from there. But only do this if you're confident you won't strip the lug or bust your knuckles by slipping. If it seems firm enough, then go for it. (I do this on a lot of bolts, but you have to feel it first or it can do some damage)

[mustangmike!]

patience

[mycurse01]

or u can get a set of spline lug nuts aka tuner nuts. the socket is alot smaller than the 13/16" socket.

[zinc-vert02]

plasti dip your socket lol

[Loki]

Originally Posted by mycurse01 or u can get a set of spline lug nuts aka tuner nuts. the socket is alot smaller than the 13/16" socket.

Actually, that's what I was thinking she might have had in my post. Lol, but mangogirl, if you don't.. It'd definitely be a good investment if you're worried about scratching them.

[zinc-vert02]

layer of electrical tape on the socket works to

[mangogirl205]

Originally Posted by Loki Actually, that's what I was thinking she might have had in my post. Lol, but mangogirl, if you don't.. It'd definitely be a good investment if you're worried about scratching them.

These are exactly what I have now I love them.

[mangogirl205]

Thanks guys for all the info I really appreciate it. I guess I am on the look out now for this rubber coated socket. If I can't find one I will use zinc-vert02's idea,electrical tape.*very smart*

And If I ever take it to a shop I will strictly specify..Please don't use an impact wrench.And If they say other wise...on to the next shop!

Alot of shops don't care If they mess your car up and geeez that makes me mad. Whenever it is at the shop I make sure I sneak into the work area to watch..lol.

But yes,patience,rubber coated socket and I electrical tape on the lug wrench.

Thank you guys

[clidefr0g]

no store will ever not use an impact wrench, if they have rubber sockets im sure they will use them, however a thin wall socket is just fine. If you came into my tire store (yes i own one) and asked me to take off your wheels by hand id tell you to do it your self and bring the wheels back.

[dschack]

Originally Posted by clidefr0g no store will ever not use an impact wrench, if they have rubber sockets im sure they will use them, however a thin wall socket is just fine. If you came into my tire store (yes i own one) and asked me to take off your wheels by hand id tell you to do it your self and bring the wheels back.

Actually we get a couple every month that want them taken off by hand, no big deal i just use a special 4way with a 1/2" drive end. Put them on by hand and torque to 100 ft lbs, and if you have lugs that take a key like the ones pictured you shouldn't need a thin wall socket as the key will be more than long enough

[clidefr0g]

i suppose some will, but no one around here would though to be fair I've never even had someone ask me to do that. The only reason i did it once was because we didnt have the right socket for this giant foreign truck with huge lugs so i used the bar he had in the cab for a single tire only.

With that said, i hope you don't torque EVERY wheel to 100ft lb's..

[dschack]

Originally Posted by clidefr0g i suppose some will, but no one around here would though to be fair I've never even had someone ask me to do that. The only reason i did it once was because we didnt have the right socket for this giant foreign truck with huge lugs so i used the bar he had in the cab for a single tire only.

You don't have a discount tire near you? If you do then there's someone around you that'll do it

Ps. No I don't torque every wheel to 100 ft lbs but that's the torque specs for mustangs

[clidefr0g]

Originally Posted by dschack You don't have a discount tire near you? If you do then there's someone around you that'll do it Ps. No I don't torque every wheel to 100 ft lbs but that's the torque specs for mustangs

No, i don't. I live in Canada, they wont even put a designated discount tire or tirerack installer where i am lol. I called to apply and they said they are not accepting any more installers.

[dschack]

Originally Posted by clidefr0g No, i don't. I live in Canada, they wont even put a designated discount tire or tirerack installer where i am lol. I called to apply and they said they are not accepting any more installers.

That sucks...

[Lt_Crazy]

Originally Posted by clidefr0g no store will ever not use an impact wrench, if they have rubber sockets im sure they will use them, however a thin wall socket is just fine. If you came into my tire store (yes i own one) and asked me to take off your wheels by hand id tell you to do it your self and bring the wheels back.

^^^ thats some good service right there. I would take my shit and go else where.



Just use a thin wall socket. Thats what I do and I take em off by hand. NO impact gun for my Chrome Godspeeds