

| Subject: | ??? LUG NUTS & FRETTING CORROSION??? |
| From: | Rico Sapolich |
| Date: | Mon, 4 Sep 2000 14:47:09 EDT |
What can be done to ease the removal of Vanagon lug nuts? I have always had a bitch of a time taking off the lug nuts. I think this is caused by fretting corrosion whose effect is compounded by their metallurgical composition and heat treatment. I have installed the lug nuts dry and tightened with a torque wrench; I have cleaned the threads scrupulously and used antiseize (Fel-Pro & Neverseize) at assembly; I have sprayed them with PB Blaster when removing them. No matter what, they are a son-of-a-bitch to remove. How tough is it? Well, I use the largest, high quality metric 4-way I could find. I am far from a wimp-ass and still I have to use a cheater and say a prayer. Once, I had to take a 2WD to a garage to remove the front lug bolts. The mechanic hammered on them for about 20 minutes with an Ingersoll-Rand (no junk tool) impact wrench. On a couple of them we even had to heat them to cherry before they would give up their hold. From what I know of fretting corrosion, I am confident that this is the cause of the problem. The lug nuts finally release their tenacious grasp with a start, accompanied by a sharp retort and a puff of reddish brown dust. My references all talk of measures to take to reduce fretting in order to maintain fatigue life. All I want is to be able to remove my wheels in a predictable manner. Any suggestions? No, I am not going to carry my cutting torch in the van and I already have a AAA membership. Rich
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