Can't get wheel adapter off

[Austin O.]

I’m replacing my front axle u-joints and can’t get my wheel spacer/adapter things off that were put there by the PO to fit jk wheels.

With the impact drill and breaker bar holding it in place, they still won’t budge. What do I do? Thanks!

 

[06lj]

I'd try some heat. Most likely they were installed with loctite.

 

[Austin O.]

I'd try some heat. Most likely they were installed with loctite.

Just heat straight on the nuts for a few min, then try the same thing again? Thanks

 

[06lj]

Just heat straight on the nuts for a few min, then try the same thing again? Thanks

Yep. You will want to get the nut/bolt to just under 500 degrees. That will soften the loctite and they should be easy to remove. If that doesn't work I'd be concerned they were cross threaded.

 

[Austin O.]

That

Yep. You will want to get the nut/bolt to just under 500 degrees. That will soften the loctite and they should be easy to remove. If that doesn't work I'd be concerned they were cross threaded.

Just got them off. Thanks for the help! Is it necessary to put locktite on them when I put them back in?

 

[MutantNinjaTJ]

yes!!! they will come loose unless you check them often and we don't so we use locktie RED!

 

[06lj]

That


Just got them off. Thanks for the help! Is it necessary to put locktite on them when I put them back in?

It is definitely something you will want to use. Loosing a wheel no fun. I've had it happen.

 

[LJBean]

I use blue loctite and check them at every tire rotation. I've never had a lug nut loosen with blue loctite.

 

[JMT]

That


Just got them off. Thanks for the help! Is it necessary to put locktite on them when I put them back in?

No, you should not use loctite on them. Read what the manufactures say, “NO LOCTITE.” Torque to factory torque spec for your wheel, which for a TJ is 85-115ft-lb. But if the spec is above 110ft-lb do not exceed that value for the spacer.

https://www.cjponyparts.com/resources/how-to-install-wheel-spacers

https://www.titanwheelaccessories.com/pages/installation

 

[freedom_in_4low]

No, you should not use loctite on them. Read what the manufactures say, “NO LOCTITE.” Torque to factory torque spec for your wheel, which for a TJ is 85-115ft-lb.

That's definitely a unique perspective. I personally believe that properly torqued, they won't come loose (but should be checked at rotation time), and threadlock may have come along as a bandaid for common poor maintenance practice.

Buuuuut, my spidertrax spacers actually came with little tubes of the red stuff, and I used it without giving much thought to it. Not sure it's the same formulation as the permatex stuff because I can still break it loose with a 24" breaker bar.

So basically I agree with you in theory but I didn't practice what we're preaching.

 

[jjvw]

yes!!! they will come loose unless you check them often and we don't so we use locktie RED!

Do you Loctite your wheels, too?

 

[jjvw]

No, you should not use loctite on them. Read what the manufactures say, “NO LOCTITE.” Torque to factory torque spec for your wheel, which for a TJ is 85-115ft-lb. But if the spec is above 110ft-lb do not exceed that value for the spacer.

https://www.cjponyparts.com/resources/how-to-install-wheel-spacers

https://www.titanwheelaccessories.com/pages/installation

Agreed. I have run spacers multiple times over the years and have never used a thread locker. Nor have I ever had a spacer nut come loose, the same way I have never had a lug nut come loose.

 

[LONGJP2]

I’m replacing my front axle u-joints and can’t get my wheel spacer/adapter things off that were put there by the PO to fit jk wheels.

It doesn't look like you have much stud/thread engagement.

 

[LONGJP2]

No, you should not use loctite on them. Read what the manufactures say, “NO LOCTITE.”

I read through both of those installation procedures and I do not see where it says "NO LOCTITE".

 

[jjvw]

I read through both of those installation procedures and I do not see where it says "NO LOCTITE".

Do you also use Loctite on your wheels?

 

[Mike_H]

Agreed. I have run spacers multiple times over the years and have never used a thread locker. Nor have I ever had a spacer nut come loose, the same way I have never had a lug nut come loose.

I thought the same thing until I lost a wheel. Now I use red locktite

 

[LONGJP2]

Do you also use Loctite on your wheels?

I didn't say whether I use any or not.
I'm also not telling other people what to do.
However, I did notice it said not for use on public roads.

 

[Gollywomper]

There are several spacer manufacturers that recommend loctite. Both in the off road world and not. Spidertrax is one of them.
I would suggest neither and buy a wheel that fits properly.

 

[MountaineerTom]

Just some info, Permatex makes an Orange Threadlocker. Advertised as "the strength of Red Threadlocker with the removability of Blue Threadlocker."

I have some but haven't used it on anything yet nor have I ever used threadlocker on wheel studs.

Orange Threadlocker

 

[CMBD]

Spidertrax supplies thredlocker with their wheel spacers.

I dont think they would come loose properly torqued, but I followed the install instructions to the letter.