wheel nut threads

Discussion in 'General Motoring' started by hubops, Dec 16, 2007.

  1. hubops

    hubops Guest

    When I switched-over to my winter tires, a few weeks ago,
    I had almost every lug nut thread off "stiff" ... not exactly
    stripped threads - but not finger-loose (like I'm used-to)
    Someone at work said the threads can be "stretched" from
    over-tightening ... others are saying never use any lube on them..
    I have always used a small amount (just a few drops) of oil
    on the studs, any time I have a wheel off. I realize that I probably
    should be using a torque wrench for tightening ... just never had a
    problem in the past (30 + years of driving)
    Any ideas or suggestions ?
    Torque specs ? ( just normal steel rims )
    2002 SL1 100,000 km. I've had the car for just over a year.
    Thanks ;
    John T.
     
    hubops, Dec 16, 2007
    #1
  2. hubops

    C.H.U.D Guest

    IIRC spec is 95 ft-lbs. Use a torque wrench until you get a feel and
    you can come quite close. I always use anti-seize compound and it
    works OK. Anytime the threads have rust or other crud I clean with a
    wire brush.
     
    C.H.U.D, Dec 16, 2007
    #2
  3. hubops

    Oppie Guest

    Use a torque wrench especially on aluminum wheels. They are particularly
    sensitive to damage from over-tightening.
    I use some grease on the threads but not on the flared portion of the nut.
    This keeps the nut from binding onto the stud but uses the friction in the
    flared area between the nut and the wheel to hold things in place.
    I don't know when I last saw good 4-arm lug wrenches for sale. I had one I
    bought in Sears about 30 years ago. They had two types, welded (so-so) and
    forged (very strong). I got the forged one which I damaged last year trying
    to remove the lugs on a neighbor's lexus. Figured the heck with it and got a
    1/2" drive 2.5' breaker bar with a set of deep sockets. Hasn't failed me to
    get of a stuck lug yet. I keep it in the spare tire well.
    Oppie
     
    Oppie, Dec 17, 2007
    #3
  4. hubops

    hubops Guest

    Torque value ? For regular steel rims.
    John T.


     
    hubops, Dec 18, 2007
    #4
  5. hubops

    p_vouers Guest

    100 ftlbs
     
    p_vouers, Dec 18, 2007
    #5
  6. hubops

    hubops Guest


    Thanks .
    John T.
     
    hubops, Dec 19, 2007
    #6
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