I think “weld” is a bit strong. The corrosion pits the steel and aluminium surfaces, and the solid corrosion products then bind the roughened surfaces together. Unless there’s a mechanism here that I’m unaware of, which has been true before and will likely be again…
WD-40 actually attracts water? How does that work? I’ve found it stops functioning as a water displacer quite quickly, but as far as I know it’s simply a light oil with thinning solvent and an aerosol propellant.
Just a thought. Can you use your car jack itself to provide a gradually increasing force to the stuck wheel?
I’m thinking along the lines of:
…car up on jackstands, but just enough so both tires clear the ground
…lay the jack on its side, and somehow brace it to the car (maybe a large post up against the opposite wheel?).
…gradually apply more and more pressure with the jack 'till the wheel pops off (or you discover you’ll have to remove the ‘a’ frame).
If you’re careful about lining up the forces, this could work, and keep you out from under the car. It has the advantage of gradual application of pressure (you can control this and back off if necessary), and you’re not limited by your arm-strength.
Put the lug nuts back on, just not tight, and then drive it a few feet. Hit the breaks hard a couple of times, ect. At least with the lug nuts on (but not tight), you can drive it further (I know it would be on the flat tire, but I’d say it’s worth a shot to try it again).
Perhaps bond is a better word. You are correct about the process, which is similar in principle to electroplating, but the result can be a bond that is quite strong.
When the petroleum distillates evaporate the remaining “gunk” becomes humectant (attracting water). WD-40 is great for freeing up moving parts and disolving accumulated residue, but for long term preservation teflon- or silicone-based lubricants are much preferred.
Stranger