How to Unfreeze a Rusted Trailer Wheel

Trailers attach to vehicles and allow you to tow larger loads than you could in your automobile alone. While the size and make of the trailer bed is an important feature on a trailer, the wheels are arguably just as important--without working wheels, it's impossible to tow the trailer anywhere. Owners often leave trailers outdoors to weather the elements, and metal trailer wheels and wheel assemblies often fall victim to rust, turning wheel removal into a chore. Unfreezing a trailer wheel that's rusted solid involves a little bit of chemicals and a lot of elbow grease.

• 1

  Park the trailer on level ground. Jack the trailer up so that the rusted wheel is completely off the ground. Ensure the trailer sits very securely on the jack.

• 2

  Remove any bolts connecting the wheel to the trailer.

• 3

  Whack the wheel with a rubber mallet or dead blow hammer. Strike the outer edges of the wheel at the 12, 3, 6 and 9 o'clock positions. Repeat near the center of the wheel, between the holes where the bolts and lug nuts sit. Try to remove the wheel.

• 4

  Spray the rusted areas with a penetrative oil, such as PB Blaster, WD-40 or Liquid Wrench. Allow the oil to sit for 5 to 10 minutes, then strike the wheel with the rubber hammer in the same locations as before. Try to remove the wheel.

• 5

  Loosen any visible rust with a wire brush if the wheel is still frozen onto the hub. Climb underneath the trailer and scrub any rust on the wheel hub as well.

• 6

  Spray the rusted areas with penetrative oil, allow the oil to settle for 5 to 10 minutes, then strike the wheel with the hammer again. Alternate spraying penetrative oil and striking the wheel until the rust breaks and the wheel comes off the trailer.