[misguided_will]

Hi all

silly question.

i am trying to undo my lock nuts with my ratchet but they just won't budge.

do i just need more leverage, say, jump on the ratchet???

is this normal??

Thanks

[Gen13 F36]

Originally Posted by misguided_will

Hi all

silly question.

i am trying to undo my lock nuts with my ratchet but they just won't budge.

do i just need more leverage, say, jump on the ratchet???

is this normal??

Thanks

Are you the only one that do your tires... if not they could have been over tighten. I suggest using a pry bar if you don't have an air tool.

[misguided_will]

only ever been done by the dealer. first time i've tried doing a wheel swap myself.

also to ensure i'm going in the right direction.

is it ANTI clockwise i should be trying?

Thank you!!

[chowser51]

Get/Make a breaker bar.

I got an 18” one and it didn’t help. I’m 200lbs. I had to go to a friend with air tools to break them.

[misguided_will]

thanks.

also do you know off the top of your head if it's anti clockwise to loosen before i try jumping on the breaker bar.

i'm about 185 lbs

i've got a 15" breaker bar so will try that.

[Logicoeur]

Always "lefty loosey, righty tighty". So yes.

[greyf36]

yeah you weight 185lbs and have a breaker bar if the lugs are still not moving
you need an air wrench...or maybe this...this is what i have

https://www.amazon.com/TIROL-Electri.../dp/B01LYSLGFD

[johnung]

Originally Posted by misguided_will

thanks.

also do you know off the top of your head if it's anti clockwise to loosen before i try jumping on the breaker bar.

i'm about 185 lbs

i've got a 15" breaker bar so will try that.

Do NOT jump on a breaker bar! Many bad things can happen including you or your car getting hurt. Is it just your wheel bolts that won't come loose or are you trying to remove a locking wheel bolt with its wheel lock key?

If it is just plain wheel bolts, the way to get more leverage is to slip a longer piece of hollow pipe over your breaker bar to create a longer breaker bar that will apply more torque. If you have say a 21 inch long breaker bar then take it to the plumbing section of your hardware store. Buy a 3-4 foot piece of steel pipe that slips over the breaker bar. That length will supply 150+ ft lbs of torque which will remove your wheel bolts.

You also want to use a long (usually 17mm) socket that is 6-points inside because that will fit better than 12-point. Black sockets are hardened for high torque applications like this. Also 1/2" drive breaker bar and 1/2 drive socket are more heavy duty for this application than 3/8".

If it's a wheel lock key that you are using on a wheel lock bolt then you need a 3-4lb hand held sledgehammer and a manual impact tool to loosen. See photos

Hope this helps!