new tires and alignment..

[Cliff330i]

I have a quick question guys... Recently, I had ordered new tires (michelin pilot sport A/S) and in stalled them on my car replacing the old Conti's. However, before I had them installed, I had to put my spare on the right front as I got a flat due to a screw. The problem I ran into was that I couldn't get the rim off. I took out all the bolts but the rim was stuck as if rust or brake dust had seared it on. I had to call road side assistance to actually come to my house and take it off. The guy got it off after 10 minutes of kicking, pulling, prying, and wacking the wheel. Make me think, if I ever need to change a tire on the side of a road, will I be able to get the rim off? Anyhow, my question is, after I put the spare on, I noticed that the car pulled ot the right. I thought, no problem, it's because of the new spare tire and all. After I got the new tires installed, my car still pulls to the right. Could all the pulling and kicking of the wheel throw the alignment off? My next question is, can this wait for a month till my service appointment or should I have this done immediately since off alignment would break in my new tires unevenly? Any thoughts? Thanks :thumbup: Cliff

[DD525I]

Having a tire stuck like that is not uncommon at all. I would suggest carring a small rubber mallet although a good hard kick is usually enough to loosen it up. It is possible although unlikely that Roadside knocked your car out of alignment. I would take it to get it checked before your tires start to wear unevenly.

[Pinecone]

The other thing to do, especially if you don't take your tires off very often (unlike those of us who track and autoX and whose tires are on and off monthly), is to put a small bit of high temp grease on the hub of the wheel.

The part you want oto grease primarily, is the center circular protrusion that the wheel locates on. Just a LITTLE bit, a light smear of grease is enough. You can also use Anti Seize available at most auto parts stores.

This prevents the wheel from rusting to the hub.

Of course the other thing is, take the wheel off every so often. :)

[Cliff330i]

That sounds like good advice. I will certainly try using Anti Seize on the part that you mentioned. I gather I should aviod getting that ANYWHERE near the screw threads and bolts as that can be dangerous. THanks again.

[Pinecone]

Not that bad, in fact some people put a dab of anti sieze on the lug bolts.

The big thing is to make sure you put just a smear on. Too much and it can be flung only the brakes, making them a bit less effective. :)