* Brake Caliper or Parking Brake: The most likely culprit is the parking brake (emergency brake) still being engaged. The brake shoes or caliper can be holding the rotor (and thus the wheel) in place, preventing it from being removed even when the lug nuts are off. Try releasing the parking brake fully and trying again. Sometimes, if the cable is stuck, even a fully released parking brake lever might still keep the brake engaged.
* Rust and Corrosion: On older cars like a 2003 Neon, rust and corrosion can weld the wheel to the hub. The lug nuts might have broken the initial bond, but residual rust is strong enough to hold it on. This is especially common in areas with harsh winters.
* Studs or Hub Damage: It's possible that one or more wheel studs are broken or bent. This would leave the wheel partially supported even without the lug nuts. Alternatively, the hub itself could be damaged or worn, preventing the wheel from sliding off freely.
* Seized Wheel Bearings: While less likely to completely prevent wheel removal, severely seized wheel bearings could create enough friction to make it extremely difficult to remove the wheel.
What to do:
1. Release the parking brake completely. This is the most common cause.
2. Inspect the wheel studs: Carefully examine the wheel studs for damage or breakage.
3. Check for rust or corrosion: Look for any signs of rust between the wheel and the hub. A rust penetrant spray (like PB Blaster) applied several hours in advance might help loosen it.
4. Try gently rocking or tapping the wheel: Once the parking brake is off and you've checked for other obstructions, try gently rocking the wheel back and forth while pulling it towards you. Don't use excessive force.
5. If the wheel still won't come off, seek professional help. A mechanic will have the tools and expertise to diagnose and solve the problem safely, possibly requiring more specialized tools or techniques to address seized components or damaged parts.
Safety First: Always use jack stands when working under a car. Never rely solely on a jack. If you're uncomfortable performing these checks yourself, take your car to a mechanic.
