eric_in_sd

I'm no weakling, and honestly, putting the wheels on is a giant pain in the rear.

I try to get them lined up to the hub, and then rotated to the right position so I can screw in the lug bolt. If Mercedes used lug nuts like the rest of the civilized world, this would be nowhere near as difficult.

Usually it takes several minutes of sweating and cursing to finally get the wheel lined up in the right spot and one of the lug bolts in. The wheels and tires are heavy, dammit.

Any tips or tricks to make reinstalling the wheels easier?

ItalianJoe1

They make guide bolts that you thread into the lug holes first, then slide the wheel on. Bolt up another lug, then remove the guide. We make them from old tie rod ends at work but you can buy them for cheap also.

eric_in_sd

Ah! I heard about this once before. Quite mad at myself for forgetting. Dammit - I even remember seeing the guide bolt in the spare tire kit.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2PCS-Mercede...H/131502083283

The GL450 lug bolts are M14, right?

DennisG01

Mercedes isn't the only company that used wheel bolts instead of studs. But, yes, it's a bit of a pain at times. I haven't pulled a wheel off yet on the Merc as I haven't had it very long, but for my BMW I have found lightly propping my foot against the BOTTOM of the tire (to keep it from swinging outwards), makes the job very easy. Put tire on hub, rotate to align holes, brace bottom of tire (brace, not push) and insert a bolt at the top to keep it in place/hang it. Don't have to insert the bolt all the way. I'm aware of the guide bolts, but so far I've been too lazy to buy one...

stappin

I agree bolts are a pain in the but but here in Europe theres quite a few cars that use them.

I find lining one hole up with a long screw driver then whizzing in a bolt in another hole works quite well. On wheels of 19-22 inches it's some bloody weight and you feel it after doing 4.

I keep meaning to challenge myself against the clock to see if I get any better when changing a full set over. Never gonna get to F1's 2.5 seconds but fun to see how quick you can do it in

eric_in_sd

Thanks for the tip. I was kinda doing something like that. Didn't quite get the hang of it, though.

Problem is, on the GL, the hub is only maybe 1/8 inch proud of the rest. So there is almost nothing to hang the wheel on. I went ahead and ordered a pair of guide bolts and look forward to trying them out.

LOL, go for it. I'll do the timing. While I drink my beer.

alx

Raise the vehicle so the tires are about an inch off the ground. Lift the tire in the vicinity of the hub and Use your Hands and feet/ side of big toes to raise/ maintain the wheel at the right level. Once on the hub push and hold at 6 o'clock the tire- not much effort is required to keep it on the hub and turn to align the holes.

DennisG01

About an 1/8"... that's about the same as the BMW.

ALX - sounds like you're doing pretty much the same thing as me.

eric_in_sd

Yeah, it seems like it ought to work. I don't know - maybe I'm just retarded. Or i need to lift weights more. Maybe the guide bolts will do the trick for me.

Thanks for the comments, guys.

DennisG01

Well... I didn't want to be the one to say it...

Just kidding. I think it's just one of those things that you have to do a few times to figure it out -- and then it's super easy. But, the guide bolts are a nice solution, too.

eric_in_sd

Okay, I'm wimpy AND retarded!

My guide bolts arrive tomorrow. I'll make use of them, as I'll be swapping pads and rotors soon.

DennisG01

You're a good sport! I looked in my tool kit last night and I have a guide bolt. I think I'll give it a try next time.