**HELP** Flat tire---can't get the flat off

bradym239 · 01-24-2005, 02:06 PM

I apologize if this is a stupid question but I'm in a huge hurry and when I went outside from work today my rear-driver's side tire was flat. I don't know what's up, but I got it up on a jack and got the lugs off. But now it won't pull off. I've almost pulled it off of the jack trying to pry the wheel off. The book's no help. anybody, please!?!

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Adam F · 01-24-2005, 02:09 PM

Try lowering the truck back down on the ground, and really quickly and shortly gas it, moving only just a few feet. It should break the bond and then you can jack it back up and get it off. May want to loosly put on a few lugs just in case.

bradym239 · 01-24-2005, 02:12 PM

Is that the best thing? I'm not trying to be a jerk, it's just that I went out to find it snowing like mad and I had a flat. I don't want to cause any damage or anything. This totally sucks. Plus laying on the ground in the snow eats.

BTW, thanks a lot for your input.

TacomaTRD · 01-24-2005, 02:16 PM

Just kick the rim in a cross pattern, like 12/6/3/9 on a clock, keep repeating until it comes loose... A little WD40 on the inner hole will help...

Adam F · 01-24-2005, 02:19 PM

Like he said, kick the tire, and use some sort of spray lube. If you can get a pry bar in there, try that.

But, you shouldnt hurt anything by putting the truck back on the ground.

bradym239 · 01-24-2005, 02:50 PM

Okay. I tried Adam's idea. Unfortunately, I'm stuck outside an office building with no access to WD40. . .I'll keep trying. Gotta love doing this in the middle of a snow storm. Thanks all for the inputs. Hopefully this round works.

bradym239 · 01-24-2005, 03:16 PM

Bump. Still no luck. I'm just going to call roadside assistance.

MTL_4runner · 01-24-2005, 03:21 PM

The most effective (but dangerous) way is to kick the tire from underneath the truck outwards. Be sure the truck is securely on the jack and make sure you are not under the axle in case it does come off. I have used this technique many times and it is very effective but again be careful when using it.

bradym239 · 01-24-2005, 03:41 PM

What about fix-a-flat? Does anybody know anything about this stuff? Right now I'm in a real bind. With this weather all of the people that they would dispatch are tending to accidents and the lady told me she called 23 different people and the wait was 3-6 hours. I'm stuck.

Tacoma Dude · 01-24-2005, 03:44 PM

Some places will charge you extra to deal with a spray can tire fix because the gasses involved are flammable. Just an FYI...

MTL_4runner · 01-24-2005, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bradym239

What about fix-a-flat? Does anybody know anything about this stuff? Right now I'm in a real bind. With this weather all of the people that they would dispatch are tending to accidents and the lady told me she called 23 different people and the wait was 3-6 hours. I'm stuck.

It does work but it makes a real mess of the tire/rim inside and makes it a pain to patch later.

bradym239 · 01-24-2005, 03:47 PM

At this point I don't care. It's either call my wife and ask her to pack up my 3 month old and come get me in this snow storm or just try the fix-a-flat. Obviously I'm not going to call her and maker her do that. This sucks so bad.

SHINYSIDEUP · 01-24-2005, 04:51 PM

Hope this catches you in time. Put all the lugs on loosely (tight and back off 1/2 turn) lower the truck and drive backward and forward a couple of carlength's. This will break the rim free of the hub. Jack back up and change the tire.

lee · 01-24-2005, 05:00 PM

try fix a flat. it will work well enough to get you somewhere to get the tire repaired.

TechWrench · 01-24-2005, 05:02 PM

If you have alloys, they usually get stuck around the center hub. If you don't want to try the drive it loose suggestion, this might work. Put the lugs back on, but leave them loose a couple of turns. Drop the vehicle back down off the jack, and try rocking the truck from side to side by pushing it. The weight of the truck rocking back and forth might break the hub loose without damaging the wheel studs.

Brendan · 01-24-2005, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SHINYSIDEUP

Hope this catches you in time. Put all the lugs on loosely (tight and back off 1/2 turn) lower the truck and drive backward and forward a couple of carlength's. This will break the rim free of the hub. Jack back up and change the tire.

sounds like the best suggestion of the bunch. BFHs come in handy too if available

Adam F · 01-24-2005, 06:03 PM

Thats exactly what I suggested in the very first post.

bradym239 · 01-26-2005, 05:19 AM

My thanks to all for your suggestions. Well, I discovered the flat at 4:25 and got home finally at 11:45. In short, I literally tried all of the suggestions. Nothing worked. I called roadside assistance and they showed up (around 9:00). The guy jacked it up and tried everything that he could for almost an hour. I ended up putting fix-a-flat in it and he put air in it from his tank. It didn't work and we drove it to an Exxon to put more air in it hoping that the driving would spread the fix-a-flat around and seal the hole. No luck. He called another guy who came and plugged it (there was a nail or screw or something that he pushed into the tire). The plug leaked so he put a BIGGER plug in it. Finally it was sealed and I drove home. I took yesterday off and went and got two new tires on the back (they were getting pretty worn in the first place). The guy at the tire place jacked the whole back end up and spun the wheel--while doing so he banged on the rim from the inside with a sledge and it finally popped off.

So again, thank you all for your help. It's really nice to know that there are kind people who will help somebody out.

Later,

Brady

aowRS · 01-26-2005, 06:34 AM

Brady,
Glad to hear you got the problem resolved. I would suggest taking each of the rims off when you have some time, and then properly cleaning around the mounting area of the front hubs and rear drums. Once you've cleaned these surfaces, spread a thin film of anti-seize paste around this area. I've done this from the beginning and have never had an issue getting any of my wheels off. An occasional nudge, but nothing major. It also helps to keep your tires in a 5,000 mile or so rotation.

Andreas

bradym239 · 01-26-2005, 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aowRS

Brady,
Glad to hear you got the problem resolved. I would suggest taking each of the rims off when you have some time, and then properly cleaning around the mounting area of the front hubs and rear drums. Once you've cleaned these surfaces, spread a thin film of anti-seize paste around this area. I've done this from the beginning and have never had an issue getting any of my wheels off. An occasional nudge, but nothing major. It also helps to keep your tires in a 5,000 mile or so rotation.

Andreas

I totally understand and (following a very painful lesson) wholly agree. I was not rotating my tires on a regular basis and I think that this is what really hurt me. I think that if I at least had gotten them rotated there wouldn't have been the amount of corrosion/binding on the hub.

Lesson learned.

TacomaTRD · 01-26-2005, 07:57 AM

FWIW

I wouldn't use a "plug," you should use a "plug patch" using a plug will just loosen over time and leak again. Back in the early 80's when I worked at a full service station the owner would not and did not carry plugs just for this reason, patch everything. They didn't have plug patches back then...

lee · 01-26-2005, 07:57 AM

yea, i was gonna ask if youve been rotating.. i do mine every 7500K or so.

bradym239 · 01-26-2005, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TacomaTRD

FWIW

I wouldn't use a "plug," you should use a "plug patch" using a plug will just loosen over time and leak again. Back in the early 80's when I worked at a full service station the owner would not and did not carry plugs just for this reason, patch everything. They didn't have plug patches back then...

The life of the plug was about 13 hours. I used it to get home and then to the tire place for new tires.

TacomaTRD · 01-26-2005, 08:38 AM

Well just if you have to have "newer" tires fixed make sure to use the plug patch. I have personally seen them last over 40K miles on my wifes michealins that had <5K on them when we had to have one fixed...

edit
BTW Pats are going to kick butt on the Eagles...

bradym239 · 01-26-2005, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TacomaTRD

Well just if you have to have "newer" tires fixed make sure to use the plug patch. I have personally seen them last over 40K miles on my wifes michealins that had <5K on them when we had to have one fixed...

edit
BTW Pats are going to kick butt on the Eagles...

I honestly appreciate the advice. It's strange. In almost 15 years of driving I've never really had a flat---other than a slow leak that somebody plugged. Apparently fate was trying to make up for overlooking me for those 15 years.

I truly hope that the Birds can at least hang. I don't have great expectations, but I just don't want to see them embarrassed. I will tell you this, though, the Eagles have a GREAT defense and may surprise you.

01-24-2005, 02:09 PM	#2 (permalink)
Adam F Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: Cincinnati Ohio Posts: 2,387	Try lowering the truck back down on the ground, and really quickly and shortly gas it, moving only just a few feet. It should break the bond and then you can jack it back up and get it off. May want to loosly put on a few lugs just in case. __________________ 88 4Runner. 350 V8, R150 5-speed. SAS, 36" TSL's, elocker rear

01-24-2005, 02:12 PM	#3 (permalink)
bradym239 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: P-Town, PA Posts: 114	Is that the best thing? I'm not trying to be a jerk, it's just that I went out to find it snowing like mad and I had a flat. I don't want to cause any damage or anything. This totally sucks. Plus laying on the ground in the snow eats. BTW, thanks a lot for your input. __________________ 2002 4Runner Sport Edition w/ Rear Heater, Moonroof, 16" Aluminum Wheels, Leather Trim Package, Limited Pearl Paint, Onyx Emblems, Clear Corners, Sunroof wind deflector, Blaupunkt PCc540, Blaupunkt PCc660, Kenwood DPX-MP4070, Delphi MyFi

01-24-2005, 02:16 PM	#4 (permalink)
TacomaTRD Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: NH Posts: 221	Just kick the rim in a cross pattern, like 12/6/3/9 on a clock, keep repeating until it comes loose... A little WD40 on the inner hole will help... __________________ 98 Taco TRD, 98 Taco 2.7ltr

01-24-2005, 02:19 PM	#5 (permalink)
Adam F Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: Cincinnati Ohio Posts: 2,387	Like he said, kick the tire, and use some sort of spray lube. If you can get a pry bar in there, try that. But, you shouldnt hurt anything by putting the truck back on the ground. __________________ 88 4Runner. 350 V8, R150 5-speed. SAS, 36" TSL's, elocker rear Last edited by Adam F; 01-24-2005 at 02:21 PM.

01-24-2005, 02:50 PM	#6 (permalink)
bradym239 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: P-Town, PA Posts: 114	Okay. I tried Adam's idea. Unfortunately, I'm stuck outside an office building with no access to WD40. . .I'll keep trying. Gotta love doing this in the middle of a snow storm. Thanks all for the inputs. Hopefully this round works. __________________ 2002 4Runner Sport Edition w/ Rear Heater, Moonroof, 16" Aluminum Wheels, Leather Trim Package, Limited Pearl Paint, Onyx Emblems, Clear Corners, Sunroof wind deflector, Blaupunkt PCc540, Blaupunkt PCc660, Kenwood DPX-MP4070, Delphi MyFi

01-24-2005, 03:16 PM	#7 (permalink)
bradym239 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: P-Town, PA Posts: 114	Bump. Still no luck. I'm just going to call roadside assistance. __________________ 2002 4Runner Sport Edition w/ Rear Heater, Moonroof, 16" Aluminum Wheels, Leather Trim Package, Limited Pearl Paint, Onyx Emblems, Clear Corners, Sunroof wind deflector, Blaupunkt PCc540, Blaupunkt PCc660, Kenwood DPX-MP4070, Delphi MyFi

01-24-2005, 03:21 PM	#8 (permalink)
MTL_4runner Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Montreal, QC Canada Posts: 8,807	The most effective (but dangerous) way is to kick the tire from underneath the truck outwards. Be sure the truck is securely on the jack and make sure you are not under the axle in case it does come off. I have used this technique many times and it is very effective but again be careful when using it. __________________ - Jamie 1996 4Runner SR5 4X4 Auto Deckplate Mod, Hayden Tranny Cooler, Amsoil Air Filter, OME 881/906 N86C/N91SC Lift Best OBD II scan tool I have used!. .....and I am AMERICAN!

01-24-2005, 03:41 PM	#9 (permalink)
bradym239 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: P-Town, PA Posts: 114	What about fix-a-flat? Does anybody know anything about this stuff? Right now I'm in a real bind. With this weather all of the people that they would dispatch are tending to accidents and the lady told me she called 23 different people and the wait was 3-6 hours. I'm stuck. __________________ 2002 4Runner Sport Edition w/ Rear Heater, Moonroof, 16" Aluminum Wheels, Leather Trim Package, Limited Pearl Paint, Onyx Emblems, Clear Corners, Sunroof wind deflector, Blaupunkt PCc540, Blaupunkt PCc660, Kenwood DPX-MP4070, Delphi MyFi

01-24-2005, 03:44 PM	#10 (permalink)
Tacoma Dude Contributing Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 8,360	Some places will charge you extra to deal with a spray can tire fix because the gasses involved are flammable. Just an FYI... __________________ Peter! 2002 Tacoma 1986 4Runner

01-24-2005, 03:47 PM	#12 (permalink)
bradym239 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: P-Town, PA Posts: 114	At this point I don't care. It's either call my wife and ask her to pack up my 3 month old and come get me in this snow storm or just try the fix-a-flat. Obviously I'm not going to call her and maker her do that. This sucks so bad. __________________ 2002 4Runner Sport Edition w/ Rear Heater, Moonroof, 16" Aluminum Wheels, Leather Trim Package, Limited Pearl Paint, Onyx Emblems, Clear Corners, Sunroof wind deflector, Blaupunkt PCc540, Blaupunkt PCc660, Kenwood DPX-MP4070, Delphi MyFi

01-24-2005, 04:51 PM	#13 (permalink)
SHINYSIDEUP Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: BOSTON Posts: 352	Hope this catches you in time. Put all the lugs on loosely (tight and back off 1/2 turn) lower the truck and drive backward and forward a couple of carlength's. This will break the rim free of the hub. Jack back up and change the tire.

01-24-2005, 05:00 PM	#14 (permalink)
lee Contributing Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: boston, ma Posts: 6,756	try fix a flat. it will work well enough to get you somewhere to get the tire repaired.

01-24-2005, 05:02 PM	#15 (permalink)
TechWrench Registered User Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Glenville, NY Posts: 512	If you have alloys, they usually get stuck around the center hub. If you don't want to try the drive it loose suggestion, this might work. Put the lugs back on, but leave them loose a couple of turns. Drop the vehicle back down off the jack, and try rocking the truck from side to side by pushing it. The weight of the truck rocking back and forth might break the hub loose without damaging the wheel studs. __________________ TechWrench If it ain't broke, fix it till it is. ---------------------------------- '03 SR5 V6, Titanium, 275/70-16 REVO's on '02 OEM alloys for winter. Anti-chipmunk mod for fresh air intake.

01-24-2005, 06:03 PM	#17 (permalink)
Adam F Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: Cincinnati Ohio Posts: 2,387	Thats exactly what I suggested in the very first post. __________________ 88 4Runner. 350 V8, R150 5-speed. SAS, 36" TSL's, elocker rear

01-26-2005, 05:19 AM	#18 (permalink)
bradym239 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: P-Town, PA Posts: 114	My thanks to all for your suggestions. Well, I discovered the flat at 4:25 and got home finally at 11:45. In short, I literally tried all of the suggestions. Nothing worked. I called roadside assistance and they showed up (around 9:00). The guy jacked it up and tried everything that he could for almost an hour. I ended up putting fix-a-flat in it and he put air in it from his tank. It didn't work and we drove it to an Exxon to put more air in it hoping that the driving would spread the fix-a-flat around and seal the hole. No luck. He called another guy who came and plugged it (there was a nail or screw or something that he pushed into the tire). The plug leaked so he put a BIGGER plug in it. Finally it was sealed and I drove home. I took yesterday off and went and got two new tires on the back (they were getting pretty worn in the first place). The guy at the tire place jacked the whole back end up and spun the wheel--while doing so he banged on the rim from the inside with a sledge and it finally popped off. So again, thank you all for your help. It's really nice to know that there are kind people who will help somebody out. Later, Brady __________________ 2002 4Runner Sport Edition w/ Rear Heater, Moonroof, 16" Aluminum Wheels, Leather Trim Package, Limited Pearl Paint, Onyx Emblems, Clear Corners, Sunroof wind deflector, Blaupunkt PCc540, Blaupunkt PCc660, Kenwood DPX-MP4070, Delphi MyFi

01-26-2005, 06:34 AM	#19 (permalink)
aowRS Contributing Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Ellicott City, MD Posts: 902	Brady, Glad to hear you got the problem resolved. I would suggest taking each of the rims off when you have some time, and then properly cleaning around the mounting area of the front hubs and rear drums. Once you've cleaned these surfaces, spread a thin film of anti-seize paste around this area. I've done this from the beginning and have never had an issue getting any of my wheels off. An occasional nudge, but nothing major. It also helps to keep your tires in a 5,000 mile or so rotation. Andreas __________________ 2001 SR5 4Runner 4WD, Dorado Gold, 181,XXX miles 2007 Volvo XC 90 AWD V6, Silver 1995 Porsche 993, Polar Silver

01-26-2005, 07:57 AM	#21 (permalink)
TacomaTRD Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: NH Posts: 221	FWIW I wouldn't use a "plug," you should use a "plug patch" using a plug will just loosen over time and leak again. Back in the early 80's when I worked at a full service station the owner would not and did not carry plugs just for this reason, patch everything. They didn't have plug patches back then... __________________ 98 Taco TRD, 98 Taco 2.7ltr

01-26-2005, 07:57 AM	#22 (permalink)
lee Contributing Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: boston, ma Posts: 6,756	yea, i was gonna ask if youve been rotating.. i do mine every 7500K or so.

01-26-2005, 08:38 AM	#24 (permalink)
TacomaTRD Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: NH Posts: 221	Well just if you have to have "newer" tires fixed make sure to use the plug patch. I have personally seen them last over 40K miles on my wifes michealins that had <5K on them when we had to have one fixed... edit BTW Pats are going to kick butt on the Eagles... __________________ 98 Taco TRD, 98 Taco 2.7ltr Last edited by TacomaTRD; 01-26-2005 at 08:40 AM.

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