Seized FFR Spinner

[BornWestUSA]

Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgh.

I was installing @SJDave 's nice spinner retainers on the inside of the wheels, one step is to finger tighten the spinner before it's installation.

I did not use any lube and only hand tightened it, but it is seized. I got it to loosen maybe 1/2 a revolution, now it's jammed.

What is the best way to remove with the least destruction?

(Wheel is off the car)

201450

[narly1]

Could you maybe warm it up enough to get some crayon wax to melt and wick down into the joint?

The wax works as a lubricant. Old school magic.

Earl

[Jeff Kleiner]

I'm afraid that you're probably going to have to cut it and then make a call to FFR parts:

https://www.factoryfiveparts.com/16223-left-wheel-accessory-pack-driver-side/

Many recommend using anti seize but based on what I've encountered on the cars that I've had come through here I advise against it---reason being that dirt and dust stick to it and the resulting "gunk" makes it difficult to turn the spinner without having it bind on the center resulting in the whole works turning without a good way to hold the threaded adapter . Instead I recommend using dry graphite or PTFE spray.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=201451&d=1720207585

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=201452&d=1720207610

Jeff

[BornWestUSA]

I had the Graphite spray, but was waiting to use it "on the car"... live and learn?

I already ordered a spinner "only" $164. shipped!

Now to plan how to cut / drill / remove w/o damaging the wheel.

[Windsor]

BTW, best way to convince something to come off cleanly is to have already purchased its replacement.

[kgkeys]

I got one of my American Racing spinners stuck. I drilled a tiny hole in the face of the center, and then held the center from spinning with an Allen wrench in a pair of vise grips, while I spun off the spinner. May not work if it's REALLY seized, but did the trick on mine.

-Kyle
201477

[Lickity-Split]

One time I thought mine was seized, until I remembered to loosen the set screw ... D'oh!

Will the dry graphite wick into the threads like a penetrating oil to help loosen the seized spinner now that it's stuck?

Good luck. I'll be curious to hear how this goes.

[F500guy]

Drill a couple small holes in the end of the center piece for a spanner type wrench like on a grinder to hold the center section, put a little heat on the outside and a rubber mallet...

[lance corsi]

I don’t have experience with wheel spinners, but as a machinist who’s chased plenty of threads, it sometimes helps to tap the circumference of the outer spinner with a softer material such as lead or babbitt. This helps to push back any offending pickup spots back into their original position, therefore freeing the problem spinner or nut. A little heat wouldn’t hurt either but too much will soften the aluminum and worsen the problem. Aluminum against aluminum is problematic to say the least. A dry lube such as suggested above would be best.

[BornWestUSA]

I drilled out the spinner in 3 places and broke it off with a small prybar.

Notice the thread damage, as if the threads were welded together.

201493

[Mike.Bray]

That's called galling, non-ferrous metals are very bad about it. Always use a lubricant, I've had stainless bolts & nuts seize just tightening by hand. Once they're galled they are just like welded as you found out.

And never ever use an impact wrench on non-ferrous fasteners even with lubricant, a sure-fire way to lock them up.

[J R Jones]

These parts are decorative, likely soft aluminum castings. One can experience similar galling with stainless threads on stainless threads.
Real spinners would be forged or billet stainless, maybe aluminum, likely 6061 T6.
A real hub would be steel. My Borrani center locks are stainless on steel.
Installation instructions should be specific to this application.
jim