Log In | Register
Skip to main content
Topic: Lug-Nut Covers (Read 6 times) previous topic - next topic
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
Lug-Nut Covers
Yahoo Message Number: 50743
As we all know, LD recommends tightening the lug nuts every 1,000 miles. Of course it was done when the valve extensions were installed in Ridgecrest, but not since. In preparation for my trip to NM tomorrow, I thought it would be wise to do this - having already driven considerably more than that and never tightened them to date.

I have all the correct tools in place, but have never used a torque racheting wrench, so am not quite sure what to expect when I get to that point. I do have it set at 140... but then what happens once I begin racheting?  But this is the least of my problems. I haven't even gotten to square one yet:

What is the secret to getting the lug nut covers off? I'm using the tool LD provides, but the covers do not budge no matter how much force is applied. Is there something I don't know about?  Helllllp.

David
Re: Lug-Nut Covers
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 50748
Quote
As we all know, LD recommends tightening the lug nuts What is the secret to getting the lug nut covers off? I'm using the tool LD provides, but the covers do not budge no matter how much force is applied. Is there something I don't know about?
Presuming we're talking about the standard wheel covers, there is indeed something you need to know.....

The wheel cover is attached to the lug bolts by *two* sheetmetal lugnut covers.  The others are *fakes* and will not come off.

Look carefully at the eight nut covers.  Two of them have slight dimples on their sides (on two sides of each removable lug-nut cover).
 These are the two that remove.  Unscrew them and the sheetmetal wheel cover will come off.  Now tackle the real lug nuts with your torque wrench.
 For this and other persuasive (to me) reasons, I installed Alcoa allow wheels on my rig last year.

John
 
Lug-Nut Covers
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 50746
Quote
David wrote: I have all the correct tools in place, but have never used a torque racheting wrench, so am not quite sure what to expect when I get to that point. I do have it set at 140... but then what happens once I begin racheting?
Apply torque. When your force is such that 140 ft/lbs is applied at the lug not, you will get a very definite click. You just cannot miss it. Then stop applying force and move on to the next one.

What is the secret to getting the lug nut covers off? I'm using the
 
Quote
tool LD provides, but the covers do not budge no matter how much force is applied. Is there something I don't know about?  Helllllp.
Someone put the nut covers on too tight. I believe you have two choices. 1) get someone stronger to remove them 2) get a deep socket the size of the not cover and use a socket wrench and extension. I keep such a socket in my toolbox for that exact reason.

FWIW, I checked my lug nut torque every 1000 miles for awhile.
After a few thousand miles I found they were never loose. Now I never check them. Not that that is what I recommend.
TJ