Wheel Buddy

Y-Blockhead

Y-Blockhead

Well-known member
Does anyone know where I can get a set of "Wheel Buddys"? I have one set but would like to get a second set for my Traveling Tool Box. I tried contacting the fella that made them but get no response.

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They screw onto two wheel studs to help align the wheel when installing. Helps weak, old dudes get their wheels on. Approx 6” long.
 
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Thanks Bob. I didn't think to look on Amazon. The ones I have were made by a Model A enthusiast, I didn't even think they might be commercially available.
 
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updraught said:
These are a good idea.
You could probably get away with one pin on the top bolt to hang the wheel on. Then swing the wheel back and forth to line the studs up.

I usually use a shovel to lift heavy wheels, but lining the studs up is difficult.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fsab44A46O8
Click to expand...

I guess that is why they sell them single on Amazon. The ones I got came as a pair. I am surprised they are not more common. They make installing a wheel so much easier.
 
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One time, I helped a guy install a wheel and tire on a big passenger van. At the time, I had lift limits from the doc, so I couldn't try to lift it, so I lined up the holes with the studs by eye and had him slowly lower it with his hydraulic jack and I slipped it right on as the hub lowered. It was a two man job.

One or a pair of these Wheel Buddies might be a good idea as I "progress" in years.
 
As I sit on the ground facing the hub, I cradle the wheel on my two ankles. By shuffling my feet closer together or farther apart it raises or lowers the wheel. Scoot forward to put the wheel on. Works better with boots. Sounds awkward until you do it a few times. Not too sure I’d like to try it with a AA wheel but for a passenger car wheel it works fine.
 
All good tips on lifting the wheel but none address the issue of aligning the lugs with the holes except the Wheel Buddy or mounting the spare.

I really like the idea of the Wheel Buddy.
 
When I remove my wheels they are only about 1 1/2 inch off of the ground, reinstalling I sit on a milk crate, roll around seat, 5 gallon bucket, or just my a&$ . I turn the brake drum with a lug at the top, roll the wheel into place with a lug hole on top, I grab the wheel spokes at about 3 & 9 , with my elbows resting on the legs I only have to lift about 1 1/2 inch ( you could use some scraps of wood to reduce the lifting height ) and stab the wheel into place, I use my feet or foot to hold the wheel in place and then install a nut or two near the bottom, finish installing the rest of the nuts snugly, low the car just so the wheel doesn’t rotate and tighten/ torque the nuts in a chris cross pattern. This took longer to type than to do ! The real trick is using elbows on your legs and leverage the wheel up and on . This has worked for me as a 70 lbs kid or a 70 year old !
 
Manuel said:
I wonder if they make a male one for Dodges-Chryslers that use wheel bolts instead of studs?
Click to expand...

Just get some long bolts, cut the heads off, and grind a slight taper on them. Probably wouldn't hurt to hacksaw a screw driver slot in the end, just in case.
 
I am 82 and my muscles have gone elsewhere. When I jack my "A" to remove a wheel, I jack the axle just barely enough to get the wheel off of the ground.This makes it much easier to get the wheel back on.
 
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