Lug Nuts Welded On

[Citizen]

Ok, not really, but...

I'm trying to get the RF tire off for repair of a slow leak. I cannot get the lug nuts off even using my full strength. So I tried a "cheater" on a lug tool. I applied so much force, it bent the tool. Here's a picture...

59847

I finally stopped trying, and decided to post here to see if anyone had any suggestions. While waiting, I've sprayed the lug nuts with PB Blaster, as best as I could.

Thanks,
Thomas

...

[dn010]

Go for a drive, let it heat up from the brakes and then try it. Otherwise, I use a 1/2" socket wrench and a 3' pipe over the handle for things like this. Not trying to insult you, but crazy things happen all the time - be sure you're trying to go the right way to remove them.

[Citizen]

Go for a drive, let it heat up from the brakes and then try it. Otherwise, I use a 1/2" socket wrench and a 3' pipe over the handle for things like this. Not trying to insult you, but crazy things happen all the time - be sure you're trying to go the right way to remove them.

Can't drive it now, have a bad failing water pump. May try a heat gun as an alternative. Thanks.

Yep, I used a 3' (or so) pipe over the lug tool (as well as a socket wrench). That's how I was able to apply so much force to bend the lug tool.

No insult taken, thanks for offering suggestions. I'm 99.99999999% sure I was going the correct way...CCW anyway.

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[Bitsyncmaster]

Those four way lug wrenches are made pretty cheap and will bend. I did the same thing many years ago. Your best bet is a good impact wrench (1000 ft/lbs reverse). But use a well made tool with a cheater pipe will probably work.

[Michael]

Dumbass lazy mechanics and their FU@#ING impacts set to max.

[DMC-81]

Hi Thomas,

I used this principle to remove rusted hex nuts when I was refurbishing my exhaust: http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?14704-Refurbishing-stock-exhaust


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFdFsfSAuyc

It worked for me, of course it would be tough/tricky to do this on our lug nuts because they are recessed in a painted wheel.

[Josh]

Dumbass lazy mechanics and their FU@#ING impacts set to max.

Was going to comment this as well.

Never tighten lug nuts (final pass) with an impact.

[Michael]

Was going to comment this as well.

Never tighten lug nuts (final pass) with an impact.

This is one reason I have elected to do a lot of the work on my car myself. My neighbor has a lift and we have plenty of tools. I will not put an impact anywhere near my wheels because even loosening and pre tightening, they have a way of beating the lug sockets and lugs themselves up. It takes a few extra minutes but I'm not on flat rate so I don't care...unlike the mechanic who A: Doesn't give a shit about your wheels and B: Is more worried about getting the car off the rack before lunch than doing the job right.

[lazabby]

Sounds like the problem I'm currently having with getting the calipers off to work on them. I can't budge the bolts, even after soaking in PB Blaster.

[DMC1890]

Those four way lug wrenches are made pretty cheap and will bend. I did the same thing many years ago. Your best bet is a good impact wrench (1000 ft/lbs reverse). But use a well made tool with a cheater pipe will probably work.
I start to worry when using cheaters to create massive torque that the fastener will snap or twist. Somehow the impact wrench seems safer.

[eight8toy]

I had a summer job working in a garage once and I remember using impacts on the wheels but using a certain torque attachment/stick. Best summer job I ever had.

I agree with above being nervous about huge cheater bar and applying torque constantly. Impact in reverse would be safer... that's also how I ended up getting the front main seal pulley nut off.

[Some guy]

I messed up once and over tightened the lug nuts. I tried everything to loosen then and ended up having to drill out the lugs.

It was just lots of oil and time sitting there drilling. It really was not as bad as i though it would be..