Removing and reinstalling wheel rings without issues.

Butzy · Mar 5, 2023

Ford Bronco Removing and reinstalling wheel rings without issues. 20230305_165644

Ford Bronco Removing and reinstalling wheel rings without issues. 20230305_183802

After reading the horror stories in here on removing the rings, I continued through all the comments before proceeding.

I have both T and TP bits in my box. The bolts looked to me like Torx. I didn't have a good T45 bit but thought I would entertain a TP40 as TP45 wouldn't fit at all. The TP40 was a very sloppy fit.

I decided to start fresh and purchased a brand new $6 T45 Kobalt bit from Lowes. I successfully removed 120 bolts and reinstalled them in less than 2 hours I would estimate closer to 1 hour.

I started with my trusty 3/8" craftsman ratchet and T45 bit on my spare which was mounted on the beast. I backed out each bolt about six strokes (more for the more stubborn bolts). Only got out my cordless 1/4" impact to speed up the removal process. Repeat the process for the remaining 4 wheels still mounted to the vehicle.

Feeling good with no catastrophes, moved on to the wildtrak wheels. Same procedure only working at elevation.

Now, after wiping down the rings and wheels, I moved on to the installation.

Carefully paying attention to the recess for the valve stem, I started by hand threading each bolt through the ring and into the wheel. Approximately 2 turns to ensure a good start with my fingers only. No tools....

After a couple turns with the ratchet to verify I wasn't crossthreaded, I ran them in with my 1/4" impact. I don't think it has the torque to strip these out but I stopped shy of home so I could get a good feel with my ratchet once again. 120 bolts via 3/8" manual ratchet snugged up and we are feeling good.

Nothing stripped!!!!
120 bolts out
120 bolts in
Nothing is stripped!!!!!

BroncoWTFAN · Mar 9, 2023

Nice job, which rings did you get and how much?

topnotch2023 · Mar 9, 2023

My experience was also flawless. I have my warm alloy beauty rings for sale- only 50 miles on vehicle before swap.

My vehicle looks so much better, as does yours. I should be receiving black lug nuts today, and they should make it look even better.

Do you like the tint on your vehicle? I'm on the fence.

whyart · Mar 9, 2023

Did the same operation on my Badlands, but with a socket wrench. One or two wheels a day. My palm still hurts. Next project, black lug nuts.

Hossfire · Mar 9, 2023

Butzy said:
After reading the horror stories in here on removing the rings, I continued through all the comments before proceeding.

I have both T and TP bits in my box. The bolts looked to me like Torx. I didn't have a good T45 bit but thought I would entertain a TP40 as TP45 wouldn't fit at all. The TP40 was a very sloppy fit.

I decided to start fresh and purchased a brand new $6 T45 Kobalt bit from Lowes. I successfully removed 120 bolts and reinstalled them in less than 2 hours I would estimate closer to 1 hour.

I started with my trust 3/8" craftsman ratchet and T45 bit on my spare which was mounted on the beast. I backed out each bolt about six strokes "more for the more stubborn bolts". Only got out my cordless 1/4" impact to speed up the removal process. Repeat the process for the remaining 4 wheels still mounted to the vehicle.

Feeling good with no catastrophes, moved on to the wildtrak wheels. Same procedure only working at elevation.

Now, after wiping down the rings and wheels, I moved on to the installation.

Carefully paying attention to the recess for the valve stem, I started by hand threading each bolt through the ring and into the wheel. Approximately 2 turns to ensure a good start with my fingers only. No tools....

After a couple turns with the ratchet to verify I wasn't crossthreaded, I ran them in with my 1/4" impact. I don't think it has the torque to strip these out but I stopped shy of home so I could get a good feel with my ratchet once again. 120 bolts via 3/8" manual ratchet snugged up and we are feeling good.

Nothing stripped!!!!
120 bolts out
120 bolts in
Nothing is stripped!!!!!

The gloss black rings look great!

Riverjeep · Mar 9, 2023

Thanks for the info, I gotta say this Torx size is driving me crazy on the Bronco. The steel front bumper uses TP40 bits and now you tell me the wheels use a regular T45 bit. I wish Ford had used some consistency on the Bronco all over.

Bchrist1971 · Mar 9, 2023

Ford Bronco Removing and reinstalling wheel rings without issues. 1678373430376

One of the first mods I did. No problems with the bolts either. Great choice.

Tricky Dick · Mar 9, 2023

Mine all came out fine too. Cracked by hand with a ratchet and then zipped out with a 1/4"' impact. I could swear I used a TP45 though.

cbrenthus · Mar 9, 2023

Butzy said:
Feeling good with no catastrophes, moved on to the wildtrak wheels. Same procedure only working at elevation.

120 bolts out
120 bolts in

So wait, you're saying you removed that rings from your wheels, then removed the rings from another set of wheels, then installed each set on the other set of wheels?

Wouldn't it have been far easier to swap the wheels?

MFP2241 · Mar 9, 2023

I think the initial loosening by hand is the key. When you start out with the impact gun, if one of the bolts has an issue, you probably wouldn't notice until it's too late.

Nice write up.

telenerd · Mar 9, 2023

What sliders do you have on Wildtrak? Or those retractable steps?

PNWChris · Mar 9, 2023

There are only 60 bolts?

Stache12 · Mar 9, 2023

1/2" drive speed handle, best way to go.

dan79 · Mar 9, 2023

PNWChris said:
There are only 60 bolts?

two sets!

ClaviusBase · Mar 9, 2023

I did it all by hand, no issues whatsoever. Cracking the thread locker definitely requires a little force but after that, it's like any other bolt. I was nervous because all the stories on here but there was absolutely no need to be.

I honestly think people using tools that are overkill for the job are part of the issue.

Also added the black rings.

Removing and reinstalling wheel rings without issues.

Butzy

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BroncoWTFAN

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topnotch2023

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whyart

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Hossfire

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Riverjeep

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Bchrist1971

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Tricky Dick

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cbrenthus

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MFP2241

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telenerd

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PNWChris

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Stache12

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dan79

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ClaviusBase

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