How do I take a wheel off a '99 Saab 9-5?

Question

I am trying to change the breaks on a '99 Saab 9-5, but I can not get the wheels off the car. The instructions state popping out the cap in the center of the wheel, but I just broke the decal off, and there doesn't seem to be a way to fit a screwdriver in there. Am I the only person that can't get the wheels off this car?

Answer 1

Unless you have aftermarket wheels the lug nuts should be exposed. The only exception would be the special order Aero wheel. It does have a center lug nut cover over all of the lugs but there is a small notch to pry into at its edge. I believe your biggest problem is the fact that your alloy wheel has frozen itself to the center hub ring. This is a very common problem with the alloy wheels. If you do get the center cap out, and it does pop out, spray some penetrating oil into the wheel/hub mating area. After you let it set for while jack up the vehicle and while rotating the tire by hand use a LARGE rubber mallet or soft faced hammer and hit the inside of the wheel as you turn it. Trust me it may take some hard and many swings to get it free, but it will come off. After you get done and before you refit the wheels make sure to liberally coat the center hub area with "Never Seize" compound to prevent a recurrence. Good Luck