Stuck or Broken Lug Nuts

[grimmjeeper]

Some years ago, I had to pay to have two wheel studs replaced when the "tech" at the dealership disclaimed responsibility for the excessive torque that compelled said replacement. I complained to the Svc Mgr, relevant documents in hand, but No Joy. This was during the annual inspection appt. and I needed the vehicle (and the corresponding windscreen sticker), so I took the repair cost on the chin.

Now, even if the Service Writer says I don't need to do so, I purposely write "Hand tighten and hand torque ALL fasteners" in red ink on the work order. This links up with my belief that impact wrenches should be sold with loosening -- i.e., counterclockwise -- rotation only.

Yes, time is money, but the service bays aren't a NASCAR pit stop, FFS. Use your toys intelligently.

Loosening only is a bit of overkill.

I have a battery impact that is well under 130 ft-lb that I use for an initial tighten. Gets them around 80-90 pretty consistently. Then I put the tire on the ground and hand torque.

But threads like this is why I don't let tire change techs touch my wheels if I can help it.

Edit: I also hand start every lug nut to make sure I don't cross thread them.

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[Heimkehr]

Loosening only is a bit of overkill.

I have a battery impact that is well under 130 ft-lb that I use for an initial tighten. Gets them around 80-90 pretty consistently. Then I put the tire on the ground and hand torque.

Agree, in principle, but their wholly avoidable misuse cost me real money.

I know I'm not going to change any minds or practices. Hopefully my experience just convinces a few folks not previously aware of the risk to be on guard when at the dealer.

 

[roaniecowpony]

I replaced every single one just to be on the safe side.

Good call.

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