1. Preparation:
* Safety First: Engage the parking brake firmly. Chock the wheels diagonally opposite the one you're removing (place blocks behind the tires to prevent rolling). Work in a well-lit area. Wear safety glasses.
* Gather Tools: You'll need a lug wrench (the correct size for your Contour's lug nuts), a jack, and jack stands. Penetrating oil (like PB Blaster) is highly recommended. A breaker bar can also be helpful for very stubborn lug nuts.
2. Loosen the Lug Nuts:
* Before Jacking: This is crucial. Attempt to loosen the lug nuts *before* you lift the car. The weight of the car holds the wheel in place, making it much easier to break the lug nuts free. Spray penetrating oil onto each lug nut and let it sit for 10-15 minutes to work its way in.
* Lug Wrench Technique: Use the lug wrench firmly but don't apply excessive force initially. Try using your body weight to apply leverage; avoid jerky movements. If they're truly stuck, a breaker bar might be needed for extra leverage. Go around the wheel, loosening each lug nut a little at a time, before fully removing any. This prevents the wheel from binding or dropping unevenly.
3. Jacking Up the Car:
* Jack Point: Consult your owner's manual to find the correct jacking points for your 1998 Ford Contour. Improper jacking can damage the car's frame or undercarriage. Typically, you'll find reinforced points near the pinch welds (the area where the body panels meet the frame) along the side of the vehicle.
* Securely Jack: Raise the vehicle until the tire is a few inches off the ground. Then, immediately place jack stands under the vehicle's frame, near the jacking point. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.
4. Remove the Wheel:
* Unscrew Lug Nuts: Once the car is safely supported, fully unscrew the lug nuts and keep them together in a safe place.
* Remove the Wheel: Carefully pull the wheel straight away from the hub. It may require a little force, but avoid prying or using excessive force. If it's extremely difficult to remove, double check that all lug nuts are off and inspect the wheel and hub for any obstructions.
5. Addressing Stubborn Lug Nuts:
* More Penetrating Oil: If the lug nuts are extremely stubborn, apply more penetrating oil and let it sit for a longer period. Try tapping the lug nuts lightly with a hammer to help the oil penetrate deeper.
* Heat: As a last resort (and use caution!), you can carefully apply heat to the lug nuts with a propane torch. This can help expand the metal and break the corrosion. Be extremely careful not to overheat the wheel or brake components.
* Impact Wrench: If you have access to one, an impact wrench can easily break free even the most stubborn lug nuts. This is often the best solution for extremely seized wheels.
6. Reassembly:
* Once the issue is resolved, reverse the steps to reinstall the wheel. Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern (opposite nuts first, then the ones in between) to ensure even pressure. Lower the car to the ground and then fully tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench.
Important Considerations for Stuck Wheels:
* Corrosion: Rust and corrosion are the most common culprits for stuck lug nuts and wheels. This is especially true for older cars in areas with harsh winters.
* Over-tightening: Previously over-tightened lug nuts can become seized.
* Wheel Studs: Damaged or broken wheel studs can also prevent wheel removal. If you suspect this, you'll need to address those before you can remove the wheel.
If you're uncomfortable performing this task yourself, it's best to take your car to a qualified mechanic. They have the tools and expertise to handle even the most stubborn wheels safely and efficiently.
