22 Feb How to Remove a Seized Lug Nut?
If you are asking how to remove a seized lug nut, then you are not in a fun place to be. Here at Fluid MotorUnion, we have seen our fair share of seized and stuck bolts and nuts – and I mean really really stuck. But seized lug nuts are especially bad because more often than not you run a high risk of damaging a potentially expensive wheel during removal.
Seized lug nuts are most often caused by corrosion, either on the threads or at the base nut. This happens when oxygen and water (and often salt and road grime) mix together and deteriorate the surface of the metal. Oxidization is a nasty occurrence and if something is left alone like this for a long enough time, it can completely destroy it. We have seen normal bolts with heads and threads, turn into what looks like a roofing nail – flat and smooth.
The first step of how to remove a seized lug nut is always lubrication. The key to success working on vehicles is also the key to success in the bedroom – lots of lube.
Let the lug nut sit in your penetrating oil of choice for as long as you can. A couple of hours at least, and overnight if possible. Next, you want to choose the correct socket, the tighter the fit around the lug nut the better. If the socket does not fit firmly on the lug nut, you have an increased risk of it slipping around it and stripping it. Another useful trick is to slide a long pipe over the handle of the rachet or breaker bar you are using. This gives you more leverage and can actually double or even triple the amount of torque you are applying. If you have access to a pneumatic impact tool you can use that as well, but be warned sometimes they are so strong that they will just round out the lug nut. When applying force you want to be patient, and find that area of leverage just before the tool can slip-free and round the lug.
If all these tactics fail then it might be time to turn to the pros. Fluid MotorUnion has been breaking free seized lug nuts for years, and we have the tools and tactics to drill out lug nuts and minimize the risk of damage to your wheel.
To book an appointment or find out more information, hit up our website or email/call:
🖥 – www.fluidmotorunion.com
📲 – (630) 305 3054
📩 – [email protected]
🎦 – Facebook.com/FMU
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