Spoked wheel disassembly soaking solution

[BSABEN]

I would like input on an economical solution to soak my wheels in to loosen the spokes. My idea is to submerge the whole wheel for two weeks while I'm on vacation.

Any thoughts?

[oldbike54]

 What type and brand of spoked wheel ?

 Dusty

[BSABEN]

1972 El Dorado

[Mike Tashjian]

If your not trying to reuse them I use bolt cutters.  Otherwise any penetrating fluid of your choice can just be sprayed on periodically instead of soaking the whole wheel.  I doubt you would use a whole can.  I think ATF mixed with something(Acetone?) is suppose to be a real good one of the home brew style.   Mike

[old as dirt 2]

the very best penetrant is Aerokoil ,  http://www.kanolabs.com

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

If your not trying to reuse them I use bolt cutters. 

An Eldorado has nice stainless steel spokes, it would be a shame to cut them.

[Tom]

 :1:

[jbell]

To loosen stuck nipples, frequent spray of penetrating fluid.  If the spokes are stuck in the hub, careful application of heat to the hub (use a non-contact thermometer to prevent disaster), drill a spoke sized hole a couple of inches deep into an aluminum bar and use that to tap out the spoke.

[jetmechmarty]

Steel rim?



This stuff will destroy the corrosion.  If the rim is chrome, it won't hurt it.  It's the answer.  Sometimes Home Depot has it.

[Tom]

Must be okay.  The hand in the picture is in the solution.

[canuck750]

This


http://www.thisoldtractor.com/moto_guzzi_loopframe_wheel_disassembly_-how_to_remove_the_nipples_and_spokes-.html

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Steel rim?



This stuff will destroy the corrosion.  If the rim is chrome, it won't hurt it.  It's the answer.  Sometimes Home Depot has it.

Alloy rim. Rust isn't the issue.

[JoeW]

White vinegar. Works wonders.

[cruzziguzzi]

I like the ATF acetone mix for lots of stuff including the OP's.

I mix it up in El Pato cans and use a rubber cat-food can cover to keep the acetone from evaporating.

Dabble it on with little grease brushes or the like.

Other favored uses for the mix:
Lug nuts
Suspension components
Firearms
Pocket knives
Gate hinges


Great penetrant.


Todd.

[jabberwocky]

Are you just assuming they are seized up? I just disassembled/reassembled my rear wheel, which was pretty crusty, but none of the spokes or nipples  stuck. I just sprayed wd40 on everything just minutes before proceeding to take it all apart.

[BSABEN]

I haven't tried loosening them but since I'm in no hurry I figure it's best to soak them. I had seen the acetone/ATF recommendation but I posted to see if anyone had actually used this mixture for this task. Think I'll give it a try

[cruzziguzzi]

I haven't tried loosening them but since I'm in no hurry I figure it's best to soak them. I had seen the acetone/ATF recommendation but I posted to see if anyone had actually used this mixture for this task. Think I'll give it a try

That's very often my pre-ATF thinking: "Why risk it?"

Todd.