spokes rusted solid

[MadKaw]

replaced the brake disc and the sprocket yesterday and went to tighten the spokes as there were a couple loose. found that I couldn't get even 1 of them to move. shot them with a little WD40 and we'll see 9f that helps, but I have my doubts. so should I just run em til they break, or cut em and replace em?

[don46]

Was it me I'd get a spoke kit and replace them. If they break they may cause more damage.

[serafin]

Soak the nipple real well with wd40 or simular product and let stand overnight. Then apply a little heat using a a small propane torch.  Using a big screw driver (if there is a enough slot in the nipple head working from the inside of the rim) carefully and slowly work the nipple loose.  I have uesd this technique a few times with great results.

Serafin

[KXcam22]

I don't find WD40 all that usefull for penetrating rust.  Liquid wrench is much better and gun powder solvent is excellent (try it).  serafin has the right idea on loosening them up.  Should be no problem with some patience.  I wouldn't recommend riding it before fixing as you could break the hub or rim. Cam.

[alan]

Agreed! WD40 is the most overrated product I have ever used! 

[MadKaw]

well, crap!!!  gonna be even longer til I ride it now...the tire is still on the rim, should I try to heat them after some lube time and see if they'll break free, or do y'all think there is no hope. haven't rounded off any of the nipples yet, so thats a plus...

[Platypus]

Third the WD-40 motion.  I use PB Blaster.  It is has broken free every single bolt I have used it on.  It can be found in any auto parts store.

[MadKaw]

I'll try it...would like to be able to get these out cleanly even if I replace them anyway. so y'all think some tourch lovin will get em loose?

[KXcam22]

The heat should help. Watch the nipples though since they are soft metal and might melt at a lower temp than you expect. Cam.

[MadKaw]

I've never messed with replacing nipples before, how do they attach to the rim? is the rim end just setting in there in the middle groove? if I remove the tire and cut the spoke with bolt cutters will they just come out of the rim, and then just slide the stump out of the hub?

[KXcam22]

Once you have the tire off it is easy.  The nipple just sits in a pocket in the rim and is held in by tension only.  If you cut the spoke it will pop out easily.  The back of the nipple has a screwdriver slot. Once you put in some liquid wrench, if you put a spoke wrench on one side and a large flat screwdriver in the slot on the other side, then you should be able to work the two to get it to turn without rounding the nipple.  When you get them worked loose then take the time to tighten them all nicely; going by sound is the best - shoot for a nice musical "tink". When you are done make sure to replace the rim band with a number of wraps of black electrical tape. Tape produces less adhesion to the tube (less flats) and the sticky side holds the nipples from loosening. Cam.

[MadKaw]

thanx Cam...so you think I can salvage them if I get the tire off? I'm sure not having an extra75$ laying around right now...they aren't rusty looking, maybe they put lock tight on them before or something. so is it like a flat head slot on the back of the nipple? and yeah, I love the "tink" sound when they're tight. thats what i wasn't hearing..I have a bear of a time getting these tires to bend to will though, they seem to hate me ..can never seem to get them off, guess I'll have to take it somewhere.

[KXcam22]

Mad,
  Make a bead breaker out of a long 2x4 and a 12" 2x4 and lever it under your truck. Easy and costs nothing.
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         ||                                  looks like that with truck bumper over the far end and bead under the little block.
         O)===(O

leverage is the word.  Hope you like my diagram. Cam.