You would be surprised how often vehicles need to be towed to the nearest service center simply because the vehicle owner could not remove the lug bolts in an attempt to change a flat tire. Changing a tire on the side of the highway on uneven ground using the factory-supplied tool is next to impossible even in ideal conditions. Add to that situation a set of corroded lug bolts that were installed 2 years ago at a tire store with a high-powered impact wrench. You can prevent this aggravation.
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Step 1: First thing to do is head for Sears, and purchase a 1/2" breaker bar and a 17mm six point 1/2" drive deep socket. If you intend to convert to studs and use lug nuts, then also purchase a 19mm six point 1/2" drive deep socket. You can slip this tool into a Fed Ex triangular mailing tube, (this will keep it from rolling around in your trunk) and place it in the trunk of your car.
On level ground, with vehicle in park and hand brake set, use the 17mm setup to break loose the lug bolts. Always have the wrench in a situation so that you are pushing down on the bar. This will avoid damaging the fender in the event of a slip. Next, lift the vehicle using a floor jack and jack stands for safety. Dealing with one wheel at a time, remove the bolts and wheel.
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Step 2: With a small piece of emory cloth, (sand paper) clean and remove any corrosion around the centering hub, and inside the wheel center bore. This area will corrode over time, making wheel removal almost impossible. Before reinstalling the wheel, place a liberal amount of anti-seize compound on the protruding lip. My suggestion at this time to replace the bolts with studs and nuts.
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Step 3 - Wheel Studs and Nuts: This system is much easier for installing and centering wheels. There is less chance of cross threading a stud, since you can see the exposed threads. In the event that you would damage a thread, replacement of the stud is far cheaper than replacement of the cross-threaded wheel hub.
The BMP design studs have a short threaded end, which is designed to bottom out and lock into the hub assembly. We recommend using lock-tite compound to install the studs to the hub for added security.
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Step 4: On the opposite end of the stud is a 5mm allen key opening for easy installation.
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Step 5: Once the required 4 or 5 studs are installed securely, add a liberal amount of anti-seize to the remaining threaded portion of the stud. You should also make sure the cone portion of the wheel nuts also receive a little anti-seize to avoid galling the aluminum wheel.
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Step 6: Final torque should be applied when the vehicle is on the ground. Check your Bentley manual for the correct torque specifications.
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