Damaged lug nuts

paul_ottawa · 09-10-2018, 07:04 AM

As I was checking the torque on my lug nuts on my x213 after my last trip, I noticed that 2 of them had started to split (in the picture, notice the crack right next to the hub).

Upon closer inspection, it looks like it is just the outer chrome layer has a split in it, but the inner metal should be fine.

I had the same issue with my previous SUV (Toyota Highlander), and they had swollen enough with rust that I had a hard time getting my lug nut wrench on it (I used the next size up until I bought new nuts all around).

I opted to pick up some new ones to replace the ones that have cracked, and will keep an eye out on the others in the future.

Just something to keep an eye on in the never-ending maintenance.

Happy Camping!

Sundancer330 · 09-10-2018, 07:58 AM

Hopefully you purchased the solid lug nuts, I replaced all of mine after those covers cracked and became loose making them hard to get off.

Marcm157 · 09-10-2018, 08:41 AM

I have the exact same issue occurring on my 2016 - 28BHBE - I plan to replace all during the off season.

namusmc65 · 09-10-2018, 08:56 AM

I have already replaced all of mine. Those outer covers may look good, but are worthless!

Girth · 09-10-2018, 12:50 PM

Many different cars and trucks, from various manufacturers, have used those over the years. I guess its a cost savings measure, but they are junk. Remove them and replace them. Besides becoming unsightly, they can cause issues. If that cap comes off, as they will eventually, your lug wrench will not fit properly. I've seen more than a few round off when people tried to break torque with the car's OEM lug wrench. If you have a need to remove them, I would reinstall with a better lugnut.

DocBrown · 09-10-2018, 01:11 PM

X2 what Girth said. In the meantime before you can replace them with "real" lugs, know that you can chip off the outer cover and still use a socket on the remaining solid lug nut.

paul_ottawa · 09-10-2018, 01:25 PM

Hmm... Any suggestions on "solid" lug nuts?

I had been looking at these on amazon: http://a.co/d/2UvjcsS
(I originally picked up the 4-pack at Canadian Tire for $10, but for $20 I can get the whole set from amazon)

Anyone know if they would be suitable? The reviews are kind of a mixed bag (as most reviews seem to be)...

Thanks,
Paul

Girth · 09-10-2018, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paul_ottawa

Hmm... Any suggestions on "solid" lug nuts?

I had been looking at these on amazon: http://a.co/d/2UvjcsS
(I originally picked up the 4-pack at Canadian Tire for $10, but for $20 I can get the whole set from amazon)

Anyone know if they would be suitable? The reviews are kind of a mixed bag (as most reviews seem to be)...

Thanks,
Paul

You know, I always just figured lugnuts were lugnuts, but then I've never tried to buy them online. I've always just gone to the local tire shop, and paid their premium.

You never know with Amazon, but as long as you've got the thread pitch correct, and you don't need an XL for longer studs (doesn't look like it)…. should work? Reviews are funny, but like you said, that's kinda normal. Any standard chrome lug will get marred up too, if you bang it around with an ill-fitting lug wrench.

That's another thing to keep in mind too, the size socket you need. Kind of unusual, but I've seen both 3/4 and 13/16 (19 or 21mm equivalent) in a 1/2in thread nut. Just something to be mindful of, making sure you have the right tools with you. You can get flip sockets with both sizes in one socket.

To be fair though, if you have a socket that fits well, even the ones on there will keep working. Might not be perfect, but nothing is.

**norty1** · 09-10-2018, 04:37 PM

I'm having the same problem with several of mine. I plan to replace them all eventually with solid covered lug nuts. Mine are 1/2 x 20. I have purchased a few open ended ones to replace the ones that lost the cover because it was not chrome. I'll get them all matching eventually.

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