Frozen Wheel Nut

[jgeorg]

My wife's 90 Limited has a flat tir but I can't get off one of the wheel nuts. Before I have it towed, what things can I try to get it off.

[erikka1475]

You might try slipping a long pipe over the lug wrench for leverage, or maybe checking at one of your local parts stores that loan tools and get a breaker-bar. There is also a lubricant you might try along with those suggetions call PB Blast works really well. Good Luck

[Smith1000]

A socket (3/4"), with a 1/2" drive ratchet, with a pipe slid over the handle of the ratchet will work great for that. Sometimes they will come off with out the pipe if you pop the ratchet handle with a hammer. Sometimes they break off too and you have to replace the lug.

[jgeorg]

I ended up using a salad mix of WD-40 and a penetrating oil liberally while letting it sit for a few hours between soakings. I borrowed a 1/2" flex head socket bar about 17" long. All it took was one little force down and the nut moved no problem. The strange thing was I used a 19 mm socket to remove 4 wheel nuts but the one stuck needed a 18 mm socket. So this doesn't happen again, is it wise to put a dab of anti seize compound on each stud?

[Lasota]

I strongly suggest not putting anti seize on lug nuts. They may come off on their own. This did happen to a friend on mine on an Audi.

[gbrand]

heat with propane torch. Spray on penetrating oil(Wrench, PB Blaster, etc.) , tap with hammer and use proper socket with breaker bar/hammer if need be. repeat if needed. They will come off. use a drop or 2 of wd-40, oil or whatever on threads and torque properly, but dont over torque. Been through this many times, bought 99 LeSabre 3 weeks ago and ALL 20 lug nuts were jackhammered on by some previous moron.

[Smith1000]

The other thing is, with lubricant on the threads like anti-sieze, they don't torque down right to the specs. They are too slick and the torque wrench won't click like a dry thread does.

[jgeorg]

Thanks for all the great advice. It's nice to know there are so many people "out" there who are glad to helpout.

[urbancaveman]

if all else fails...a hot wrench, i.e., acetylene torch, will get 'er done. you'll have to replace the lug which isnt difficult. propane will take forever and the whole hub is going to get hot which is not so good.

oh, and a nut splitter will probably work also. available at sears for about $15 (Sears item #00904772000
Mfr. model #4772)

['97ventureowner]

My father used to use graphite powder on the lug nuts when he re-installed them on the vehicle. He used it over 45 years and that did the trick. He never had trouble with a frozen lug nut. That might work better than anti-seize.