SeeManRun

So last weekend I changed to my winter tires, and elected to do it myself. I usually have the tire shop do it as they do it for free, but since I have all the tools I thought I'd just get it done at my convenience.

I have only used the tire iron that came with the truck once before to get a flat off, and no problems. This time however, I could broke the little chrome case that is on my lug nuts. I have the XTR package in Canada which includes chrome. On the lug nuts there is a little chrome like case the seems to provide some movement. It is annoying but looks nice. Well the case on the lug nuts extends out beyond the hexagonal sides making it very difficult to get the Ford OEM tire iron onto them. I damaged 3 of them when trying to remove the wheels. The case started to turn and tear off.

The only reason I was able to complete my work was by hammering on an impact socket to smooth over the damaged case and actually get a grip on the nut.

In my opinion, the Ford OEM lugs that came with my truck are unsuitable for the tire iron they also provided. If it had been a flat tire on a deserted highway, I may have had a serious problem.

Anyone else experienced this? I will be picking up a new set of lug nuts on my own dime unfortunately, unless Ford Customer Service sees this and wants to throw me a bone.

Thanks

Steve Osborne

I dealt with this problem too with my winters....older dodge and others that use a chrome cap over the nut...rusts/swells up.....carry 3 different sockets in case... 18mm for no cap/19mm for the semi good ones and a 20mm for the swollen ones...in our case the sockets would be bigger....lol....or just throw them out before your stuck and get some good solid nuts- chrome or no chrome...

SeeManRun

I see the people over at f150online had this issue and said the same thing. Anyone have a good replacement option?

I wonder if Ford has an option for non capped lugs.

North of Seven

Just dealt with this crap today.

Without going on a rant, left the dealership $10 less in my pocket and 1 new lugnut.

bs to the 9's.

Just to clarify to this is for my stock tires and rims going back on for the winter. But I still got the " O your the gentleman with the oversize rims and tires" at the service counter.......

Steve Osborne

will check prices around town.. but for now, I'm looking for black...
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/24-BLACK-TRUC...933162&vxp=mtr

albertschmitz

iTrader: (1)

I had 5 bad on one wheel so I purchased chrome fluted ones that have their own socket that fits my lug wrench.

The caps are crappy and after they have been used a few times it looks like the impact sockets / b**ch sticks tear them up to be unusable after a couple years of use.

BlackHD06

use the right tool.....
this or similar.
http://www.eagleday.com/softlugsocket.html

Steve Osborne

yes its still needs a quality nut....not cheap caps...lol

BlackHD06

Its a liability thing. If they put a solid end nut on and there is a difference in the wheel mating thickness or stud length it will bottom out and not snug up, this way it pops the end off and tightens down.


that and its cheap as hell for some kid in china to wrap inferior grade steel nuts with left over Hershey kisses wrappers.

mcfarmall

How about some genuine chrome plated aftermarket lug nuts?