Swollen/Deformed Lug Nuts
#1
Swollen/Deformed Lug Nuts
Yeah, it happened to me...
2011 RAM 1500 SLT
The tires have only been off 3 times for rotation with 30k miles on them. Took it in for an oil change about a month ago and the service tech said they were having trouble getting the lug nuts off and back on. Initially I thought he was nuts so I googled the problem.
There are several causes, and it's been a problem that has been around since the 70's but the main problem is mechanics using an impact wrench instead of a torque wrench to reinstall the lug nuts. Rust, Corrosion, Salt, and Hot Cold cycles have been noted as causes too.
So the tech quotes me $171 to replace all 20.... I was about to ask him if he was just stupid or completely nuts...
I needed new tires on the truck so googled around a bit and found some Gorilla Automotive Lug Nuts from Amazon for $38.65, $52 and change for 2 day shipping. Will have them installed when the new tires go on today.
DPAccessories makes some that look more like stock but I couldn't wait around for em this time, but they are made from much better steel apparently and won't deform when put on with an impact wrench.
I think from now on I will second guess any dealership suggestions on what is needed for my truck, cause this is just stupid...
2011 RAM 1500 SLT
The tires have only been off 3 times for rotation with 30k miles on them. Took it in for an oil change about a month ago and the service tech said they were having trouble getting the lug nuts off and back on. Initially I thought he was nuts so I googled the problem.
There are several causes, and it's been a problem that has been around since the 70's but the main problem is mechanics using an impact wrench instead of a torque wrench to reinstall the lug nuts. Rust, Corrosion, Salt, and Hot Cold cycles have been noted as causes too.
So the tech quotes me $171 to replace all 20.... I was about to ask him if he was just stupid or completely nuts...
I needed new tires on the truck so googled around a bit and found some Gorilla Automotive Lug Nuts from Amazon for $38.65, $52 and change for 2 day shipping. Will have them installed when the new tires go on today.
Amazon.com: Gorilla Automotive 26193HT Small Diameter Duplex Acorn Chrome 5 Lug Kit (9/16" Thread Size) - Pack of 20: Automotive
DPAccessories makes some that look more like stock but I couldn't wait around for em this time, but they are made from much better steel apparently and won't deform when put on with an impact wrench.
Amazon.com: DPAccessories LCB3D3HCOCH04020 20 Premium Chrome Lug Nuts For Factory/OEM Aluminum Wheels (9/16-18) 22mm Hex: Automotive
I think from now on I will second guess any dealership suggestions on what is needed for my truck, cause this is just stupid...
Last edited by Sniper_Merc; 04-04-2016 at 07:15 AM.
#4
With my 2010 Dakota (traded it in for my 2013 Ram, which was totaled a few months later, but thats another story), put new tires on it at around 30k-40k. The lug nuts were swollen, they had to go up 1mm in their wrench sizes from what they were supposed to need to get the lug nuts off.
I bought the Gorilla units as well. Worked well until I traded her in, look and feel much nicer quality than the OEM units.
I bought the Gorilla units as well. Worked well until I traded her in, look and feel much nicer quality than the OEM units.
#5