Topic: Stuck Lug Nuts

[Gnarly4X]

also, looks as if 22RE Performance (You know, that shop that builds some of the best R series engines in the world) sells anti seize and says

"Recommended for any fastener that threads into aluminum (spark plugs, studs, bolts..etc). Also recommended on any fastener near coolant and for anything else you’d like to remove in the future (exhaust nuts, oxygen sensor nuts etc) that can rust or gall."

Now he doesn't say anything about lug nuts, but he does say he uses it on spark plugs...and for the reason I stated. Steel threading into aluminum can turn into a crappy situation. a lil anti seize never hurt anyone.

If you put 12 NASCAR Crew Chiefs in a room and ask them each the question: "How do you win a race?", do you think they would all have the same answer and all agree?

If you put 12 PhDs in World Economy in the same room and ask the question:  "Does Socialism work in a civilized society?", do you think they would all have the same answer and all agree?

Here's the best overall basic explanation I've read so far for the use - or not - of anti-seize on spark plugs:   You can decide for yourself, apparently as 22RE Performance and Slabzilla have already decided.

http://ricksfreeautorepairadvice.com/anti-seize-spark-plug-threads/

If I were to use or recommend the use of anti-seize compound on spark plugs, I would use this:

https://www.permatex.com/products/lubricants/specialty-lubricants-anti-seize/permatex-copper-anti-seize-lubricant/

"To acquire knowledge, one must study; but to acquire wisdom, one must observe." ~ Marylin vos Savant

That's just my opinion - it may be worthless. 

Gnarls.

[83_P/U_4x4 [OP]]

As for the latest question of getting the lug studs in I’m going to have them pressed in since I don’t believe any of those parts are anything but steel (the hub, rotor and lugs studs) and since I have steel wheels for the moment I don’t think I need to worry about antisieze but I’ll apply some conservatively.

I’m sure I could keep pounding them in but I know a place that might do it for free so I’ll just go there for the sake of expediency, and I don’t “technically” have a mini sledgehammer . BTW I believe they are stuck because they’re new and haven’t been worn down yet so after the intitial setting into the hub they should be fine after.

Low Range Off Road is the video I’m following religiously and it has been a god send so I can’t recommend it enough.

As a last side note, where does everyone stand on using thread locker blue in place of antisieze on the stud threads? Thread locker blue being the “light duty” version of thread locker.

[300k]

Torque them properly and they won't come off. You'll be in the same position but worse 3 years from now. I see a lot of people draw wheel studs in by starting the stud, and then using a piece of pipe or tube as a spacer over the stud and start tightening the lug nut. Kinda hard to out in words but you get the idea

[Gnarly4X]

As for the latest question of getting the lug studs in I’m going to have them pressed in since I don’t believe any of those parts are anything but steel (the hub, rotor and lugs studs) and since I have steel wheels for the moment I don’t think I need to worry about antisieze but I’ll apply some conservatively.

I’m sure I could keep pounding them in but I know a place that might do it for free so I’ll just go there for the sake of expediency, and I don’t “technically” have a mini sledgehammer . BTW I believe they are stuck because they’re new and haven’t been worn down yet so after the intitial setting into the hub they should be fine after.

Low Range Off Road is the video I’m following religiously and it has been a god send so I can’t recommend it enough.

As a last side note, where does everyone stand on using thread locker blue in place of antisieze on the stud threads? Thread locker blue being the “light duty” version of thread locker.

There are stud install tools:  https://www.amazon.com/Lisle-22800-Wheel-Stud-Installer/dp/B000ETUD22

https://imgur.com/a/x7Ou3Lk

They would most likely work well when you can do R&R without removing the hub.  But.. since that method is pulling the stud through the hub with lots of torque, I'd be very cautious not to strip the threads on the stud.

Having the studs pressed into the hub is a good idea, and some hubs may be thin and could be damaged if using a BAH and a punch to drive in the stud.

Regarding using Locktite... I would NOT use Locktite (or anti-seize compound) on my wheel stud threads.  I agree with bgen its probably OK to use anti-seize on the stud spline to make installing the studs into the hub easier.

Obviously if the nuts or bolts are installed into the wheel DRY, and with the proper foot pounds of torque, there should be no reason for the nuts or bolts to come loose..... AND... no reason to pull a wild-a$$ guess out of your butt on how much torque to reduce from the correct dry spec'd torque when using anti-seize compound.

Gnarls.

[jimbo74]

no anti-seize
properly torque the wheels

I have installed thousands of wheels with that method, and never had a problem

[Gnarly4X]

no anti-seize
properly torque the wheels

I have installed thousands of wheels with that method, and never had a problem

Hey Jimbo,

Since lug nuts were first used on wheels, there have been a ga-zillion billion (just a wild guess) lug nuts installed that way "and never had a problem"!!! 

Gnarls. 

[300k]

I see cars running around with 2 or 3 lugs nuts ALL THE TIME. Never seems to be an issue

[Gnarly4X]

..running around with 2 or 3 lugs nuts ...

   I run around with 2 nuts... and I doubt that 3 nuts would work any better!! 

Gnarls.

[300k]

  I run around with 2 nuts... and 3 nuts would not be any better!! 

Gnarls.

Baby nuts. M4-.7

[Gnarly4X]

Baby nuts. M4-.7

No need for anti-seize.....and only minimum torque required to keep them snuggly!!

  Not metric... full SAE with hair and they prefer an air impact for proper tightening!!

Gnarls.

[83_P/U_4x4 [OP]]

I'm loving this thread  cheers everyone !!

[kneedownnate]

Since there seems to be a little confusion on the use of antiseize, it makes no difference what type of alloy the wheels are.  You aren’t putting it on the point where the lug contacts the wheel but on the threads to help keep them from galling or to avoid having the lug seize to the stud.  It has nothing to do with the lugs coming off on their own. 

The industry is split on whether or not you should use antiseize.  I use it on my older trucks but would not on my 07

[H8PVMNT]

I look for the truth in experiences.  I'll try lots of stuff and see what happens, then I know based on the real world results and my own observation. 

I used to keep my lug nuts dry.  They were a pain in the butt to take on and off, especially after winter roads and de-icer, etc.  I experienced broken studs, cross threaded studs and even had a couple wheels fall off from loose lug nuts after leaving the tire shop.  I don't trust those guys anymore haha   .

I started using anti-seize on wheel studs occasionally and they spin off and on nice and smooth every time.  I haven't ever had any ill effects from using it. Nothing has ever stretched out, broken off or came loose.

I also like to use it on spark plugs and most bolts that thread into dis-similar metals.  How many of us have had all those little 10mm head bolts threaded into aluminum snap off when we tear an engine down.  It sucks, but when I use anti-seize the next time I tear it down it comes out smooth.  Once I had a bolt snap off on my thermostat housing, that sucked. 

I have had old spark plugs rip aluminum threads out of heads, twice.  Once in a 22re head and once in a 215 Buick V8.  Since I have used anti-seize on my plugs, just a thin brush of it on the threads, they always come out nice and smooth and you don't get that sketchy, popping loose feeling when you take them out.

I'm not saying it's the right thing to do and there may be real data on why you shouldn't, but based on my experience it works great for me and I've had less stupid things happen with it than without it.

This is a highly personal decision, right up there with spirituality and sexual preferences, and everyone has to make their own choice based on their beliefs.

As discussed in the past strawberry jam is also a good choice for wheel studs .

[cbeers]

H8PVMNT I love your posts!
 

CB

[Gnarly4X]

H8PVMNT I love your posts!
 

CB

2X that. 

Gnarls.

[jimbo74]

Hey Jimbo,

Since lug nuts were first used on wheels, there have been a ga-zillion billion (just a wild guess) lug nuts installed that way "and never had a problem"!!! 

Gnarls. 

you are right, but I am talking from personal experience

[gnob]

New spark plugs are coated in a manner that no longer requires anti-sieze.  Ive personally found it can be a little more difficult pulling plugs that have anti-sieze.

[jimbo74]

I do want to add that adding anything to the threads will alter the torque loads and lead to improperly torqued fasteners. this includes wd-40, thread locker, oil, anti-seize, etc