Dennis C

I removed my summer wheels and tires today, and I installed my winter wheels and tires. I am using my OE wheels with my winter tires, and aftermarket wheels with my summer tires. This was my first time changing center lock wheels.

Overall, it was much easier than I expected! I have read numerous threads about this, and I expected the application of the proper 440 lb./ft. of torque to be very difficult. It wasn't difficult at all; this wheel swap was as easy or easier than the 5-lug wheels that I've swapped in the past. I think the key is having the right tools.

I used JackPoint Jackstands, and the Precision Instruments torque wrench. I had to use Race Ramps to get the jack under the car, but it was very easy. I'm not going to provide a step-by-step guide here, as there are plenty of those online. I just thought I'd give a few impressions and quite a few pics.

1. The JackPoint Jackstands were very easy to use. The 991 cabriolet body is very stiff, so jacking it from the rear jackpoint raises the front wheel also.
2. The Precision Instruments torque wrench must be assembled correctly for clockwise (CW) tightening of the centerlock bolt, as opposed to the CCW setting.
3. It's good to have lots of rubber gloves ready for use with the Molub-Alloy aluminum paste.
4. A centering tool is VERY handy to protect your PCCB rotors.
5. This was much easier than I expected! If you've changed standard 5-lug wheels before, then you can change centerlocks.

Here are a few pics:

JW1

Nice. Glad it went easier than expected. Like all things, having the right tools is key.

Hvdv85

Thanks for your contribution and congrats with the swap. I hope to do this myself but I first need to get me some ramps.

MaxLTV

No need for ramps if your jack is low-profile. I do not use ramps even on a GT3

Dennis C

My jack is low profile. It fits under the car without ramps when not using the JackPoint jack stands. With the JackPoint puck on the jack, it won’t fit.

Nanook

Dennis very nice a/m wheels...what is the make and finish ?

Dennis C

Thanks! They are AG Luxury AGL23 monoblocks. The finish is champagne with gloss clear coat.

911tts-LA

I read some other posts that maybe a breaker bar is needed or used. What is that for?

Dennis C

The breaker bar is shown in my 6th photo, on the white towel. It’s used to break the bolt loose. The torque wrench is used to tighten it.

911tts-LA

Thank you.

Dennis C

No problem. The breaker bar is approximately the same length as the torque wrench, so I don’t think it applies greater torque. I think it’s recommended to keep from damaging the ratchet mechanism in the torque wrench when loosening the bolt. I can’t think of another reason why it would be necessary.

Joemat

Where did you get the Centering Tool?

Dennis C

I got it from Rennlist member SmokinGTS. He makes them, as well as jack “pucks”. The centering tool is made of delrin, and it has a threaded cap to protect the threads and keep the Molub-Alloy paste from getting all over your tool box.

Penn4S

Great job Dennis. The pic with the breaker bar near the side of the car gave me sweaty armpits. Great looking wheels.

Randyc151

Great stuff! I just use a couple of short pieces of 2x12 board instead of the ramps, and it's enough to get my low profile jack and the top of the jackstands under the car. I get the aluminum paste from Suncoast Porsche online, and I use their aluminum centering tool. Agreed, it's easy, and I have never had any instance where the breaker bar or torque wrench were in danger of hitting the side of the car. I thought those wheels were HRE P101's, but now I see a couple of very small differences. Nice!