[OAC_Sparky]

oldeguy,Nov 19 2007, 09:45 AM Wrote:Why do the aluminum rims become a pain in the neck to remove and get stuck to the steel of the wheel hubs? [right][snapback]253066[/snapback][/right]

It's because of galvanic corrosion current through dissimilar metals.

Meaning, quite literally, aluminum against iron plus water/water and salt creates current flow that causes the aluminum to corrode. Which is why the wheels pit on the inside -- it's the aluminum's equivalent of rust. The clearance between the hub and the inside of the wheels is unusually tight on the Focus; when it fills up with corrosion it welds the hub and wheel together.

Silver anti-seize is the best to use -- it won't wash away or migrate like grease or oil does.