1997 Honda Civic Rim Won't Come Off

HONDA CIVIC
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WGRIMES
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  • 1 POST
Need to ask a stupid question. My daughter had a flat tire on her 97 Honda Civic, 86,000 miles, 4 cylinder. How do you get the tire/rim off. How does she remove the cener "H" cap in the cener of the rim. She says her owners manual doesn't tell her how. She said there isn't a notch or groove to get the cap off. They removed the lug nuts but the rim won't come off.

Having not seen it, I'm at a loss.

Thanks in advance for your help.
Jan 27, 2007 at 3:00 PM
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BRUCE HUNT
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 3,754 POSTS
Once the lug nuts are off there is nothing holding the tire on. However, there technically is and it is called rust or corrosion. I would venture to say that the tire has been on awhile. I would take a rubber hammer and wrap the tire in a couple of locations along the edge. For a lack of a rubber hammer you can use you foot. Becareful not to get crazy and knock the car off the jack. But it should come loose.
Jan 28, 2007 at 1:29 AM

Suggested Repair

With the lug nuts removed, the wheel is likely stuck from hub rust or corrosion. Tap the tire edge in a few places with a rubber mallet, or carefully use a foot, until it loosens. Do not strike hard enough to knock the car off the jack.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1997 Honda Civic asked how to remove a flat tire after the lug nuts were off and how to remove the center H cap, noting no notch in the cap. The expert said nothing else holds the wheel once the lug nuts are removed and that corrosion is likely binding it. They recommended tapping the tire edge with a rubber hammer or carefully using a foot, while avoiding knocking the car off the jack.

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