Ford chrome lugnuts expanding

[Snaker]

Anyone else have problems with the lugnut plating cracking on the corners, rusting, and then expanding so the wrench won't fit? It happened to me again yesterday.

 

[Diamondpilot]

No. Where do you live? Salt and rust can be a problem on anything. Do you keep the wheels clean? How old are the lug nuts? Lots of factors here.


Chris

 

[timswi]

Anyone else have problems with the lugnut plating cracking on the corners, rusting, and then expanding so the wrench won't fit? It happened to me again yesterday.

I've seen that happen on aftermarket chrome lugs...Rarely on factory ones.

 

[Mace Canute]

These won't do anything about your present set of lug nuts, but they might save your next set if the socket is cracking the chrome...and if you have the room for the bigger socket they require.

Plastic Wrench/Socket Inserts - Bojo Tools Online Catalog

 

[Snaker]

Its a 1993 with the aluminum wheels. I bought it used but assume most if not all nuts were original. It first happened a few years ago on the road. I was rescued by a passerby who had a socket that wiggled on enough to loosen the nut. After that I stopped by the Ford dealer to pick up a bunch of lugnuts to go through and replace any questionable ones. They wanted over $6 apiece. I left with 1. I have since found some nuts at a auto parts store for I think about $8 per 5 pack. I have been going around the truck and testing the wrench fit each spring when I do a tire pressure check. If I found one that wasn't loose fitting, I would replace it. Even when doing this, I still just found one that the wrench wouldn't go on. At least this time I was at home.

The nuts are sunken into the wheel which aggravates the problem. Can't fit much else in there.

Most of the cracks (splits) are by wrench marks. I don't know if the marks are from many years of wear or from impact tools. It justs seems like I have enough to do without worrying about stinkin lugnuts.

Do I live around road salt? Ohyea. I have replaced the leaf spring shackles and mounts which gives a good indication of where I'm at with this truck.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Its a 1993 with the aluminum wheels. I bought it used but assume most if not all nuts were original. It first happened a few years ago on the road. I was rescued by a passerby who had a socket that wiggled on enough to loosen the nut. After that I stopped by the Ford dealer to pick up a bunch of lugnuts to go through and replace any questionable ones. They wanted over $6 apiece. I left with 1. I have since found some nuts at a auto parts store for I think about $8 per 5 pack. I have been going around the truck and testing the wrench fit each spring when I do a tire pressure check. If I found one that wasn't loose fitting, I would replace it. Even when doing this, I still just found one that the wrench wouldn't go on. At least this time I was at home.

The nuts are sunken into the wheel which aggravates the problem. Can't fit much else in there.

Most of the cracks (splits) are by wrench marks. I don't know if the marks are from many years of wear or from impact tools. It justs seems like I have enough to do without worrying about stinkin lugnuts.

Do I live around road salt? Ohyea. I have replaced the leaf spring shackles and mounts which gives a good indication of where I'm at with this truck.

Well on a 20 year old truck its to be expected. I would just bite the bullet and buy all new lug nuts for it right now that way you do not have any surprises on a dark rainy night with a flat tire.

May be the best $40 you spend on that truck.

Chris

 

[George2615]

Are they real chromed lug nuts or regular nuts with chrome caps on them?
Real ones don't usually crack unless subjected to sever harsh winter where a lot of salt is used.
If they are the ones with caps the link below sells Stainless Steel ones.
Americana Trailer Wheel Lug Nut - 13/16" Diameter - Stainless Steel - 1/2" - 20 Americana Accessories and Parts AM90054