Wheel removal!

[Resfeber]

I am due to tour Scotland for a month from next week in my Cali, and having read the advice in this thread I spoke with an independent garage on the subject of wheel removal. They thought it would be a good idea to potentially make my life a bit easier in the event of a puncture. So today they cleaned the hubs and wheel centres with a wire wheel drill attachment, greased the hubs with high temperature grease and re-fitted wheels. My Cali is 3 years old and the mechanic said I would have had zero chance of getting the wheels off on the road side. They reckon they where some of the hardest wheels they've ever had to remove! So I am pleased I got the work done. Furthermore, they also recommended getting a breaker bar, as the tool in the VW tool kit just isn't going to do the job.

Also watch out for the security bolt.
Unless you maintain the bar holding the socket and key at 90 degrees to the wheel, the soft metal in the VW key rounds off and the key slips off the bolt and then it needs a specialist tool to remove the security bolt.
Quite likely if it has been tightened to 180 Nm.!!!
Best to ditch the security bolt and replace with standard. If someone wants your alloy wheel they come prepared, as the security bolt is not on show.

 

[Resfeber]

Mine was from Liverpool van centre collected 21/11 and dates in the van suggest it has been assembled since August 2024.

Let’s see what is revealed !

Very late update.
They just fell off when all bolts removed
Gave them a clean, copper grease to the hub centre and ceramic coated them.
Pressure wash and look like new.

 

[Benham]

So a quick update. I bought a Sealey 600mm 1/2" breaker bar. Encased it within some pipe lagging and then used a couple of Velcro ties to attach it to the 2 eyelets on the back of the sliding seat. I also invested in a Draper Hi-Torq 19mm Alloy wheel socket. So I am now feeling happier in the event of a dreaded puncture! I hope this little piece helps someone.

Breaker Bar 600mm 1/2"Sq Drive Premier Black | AK7322 | Sealey

Lifetime Guarantee - Hardened and tempered Chrome Vanadium steel bar with a fully polished electrodeposition finish. Long, slim style handle and spring-loaded socket retention.

www.sealey.co.uk

Draper Expert HI-TORQ® Wheel Nut Socket for Alloy Wheels, 1/2" Sq. Dr. (19mm)

Established in 1919, Draper Tools is a supplier of quality trade, professional and diy tools. Check out the massive range of tools available from one supplier.

www.drapertools.com

 

[Resfeber]

So a quick update. I bought a Sealey 600mm 1/2" breaker bar. Encased it within some pipe lagging and then used a couple of Velcro ties to attach it to the 2 eyelets on the back of the sliding seat. I also invested in a Draper Hi-Torq 19mm Alloy wheel socket. So I am now feeling happier in the event of a dreaded puncture! I hope this little piece helps someone.

Breaker Bar 600mm 1/2"Sq Drive Premier Black | AK7322 | Sealey

Lifetime Guarantee - Hardened and tempered Chrome Vanadium steel bar with a fully polished electrodeposition finish. Long, slim style handle and spring-loaded socket retention.

www.sealey.co.uk

Draper Expert HI-TORQ® Wheel Nut Socket for Alloy Wheels, 1/2" Sq. Dr. (19mm)

Established in 1919, Draper Tools is a supplier of quality trade, professional and diy tools. Check out the massive range of tools available from one supplier.

www.drapertools.com

View attachment 134479

The eyelets are the Isofix child seat tether attachment point but result if no kids that need anchored