Can't get lug nuts off

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seawolf18

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I have a 2000 LS V8. I am trying to take the passenger side front wheel off the inspect the ball joints. I cannot get three of the lug nuts off. It looks the the plastic cover is slipping over the steel part of the nut. Is there any tricks to get them off?
 
Options:

1) Lug nut remover tool (looks like a funky socket)
2) A slightly-under sized and disposable socket, beat it on, wrench it off, harbor freight 12-point cheapo sockets are your friend
3) Dynamite

All options destroy the lug nut so you will need replacements.
 
Usually, the problem is the covers, but I have had one where the issue was that the stud was turning with the lug nut.
 
I bet its the cover, its just the kind of sh1tty design of the lug. I've had it happen on about 8-10 different lugs on different wheels

+3 on #2, you can also use a small flat head screw driver and hammer to chisel off the cover, then you should be able to find a socket that will fit the bare lug
 
Pfft, this thread is biased against the other removal methods. One is obviously superior! :)
 
seawolf18 said:
I have a 2000 LS V8. I am trying to take the passenger side front wheel off the inspect the ball joints. I cannot get three of the lug nuts off. It looks the the plastic cover is slipping over the steel part of the nut. Is there any tricks to get them off?
Click to expand...

The "cover" isn't plastic; it's a pot metal or tin. Once you pry off the "cover" you should be able to get a socket on the nut.
 
Why are you taking the wheel off to inspect the ball joint? Jack up the car and have a helper put a 2x4 under the tire and lift up and down while you watch the ball joint for play. If it is just a visual inspection you are looking to do, jack up the car and look behind the wheel. There is no need to remove the wheel to 'inspect' the ball joints.

However you do have to solve the lug nut problem incase you get a flat tire. I have never had the lug nuts with the plastic cover on them. Is it even possible to remove the lug nut with the plastic cover on?
 
I had this issue, and I used the Lug Nut destroyer sockets. I got them at sears. It just ripped the chrome off most and took the lugs off on the others. I them took a die grinder and cut all the chrome off. I know have ugly lugs, but they come off every time.
 
G-RELL said:
i'd imagine an impact would just spin also... Breaker bars are a must with wheels (IMO)... But do double check the studs not spinning
Click to expand...
I say impact wrench because that's what they use to get the main nut off of alternators. It's the only way because the thing just free spins otherwise.

I must not be understanding the problem. Are there two piece lugs being used out there? I'm so confused on what the problem really is.
 
our stock lugs have a "thin metaled" cover over a normal lug/ nut... Many companies use them to beautify normal lugs... The problem is these covers separate from the nut itself and spin on top.. making removal difficult.
 
Interesting... I didn't have any trouble when I changed the brakes pads and rotors last month. Did it all by hand using that breaker bar, a torque wrench and a deep impact socket.
 
They dont all fail... just depends on use and abuse... Just like you di........ nevermind
 
My original ones help up good until this year, 12 years of abuse. I used one of the stripped bolt removers, although it was kind of a waste since all I had to do was peel back the cover.
 
yes, its the tin covers that are stripped out on the lugs. I tried the try the covers off, but it was 107 degrees out and the car was parked in the sun. After about 10 - 15 minutes of messing with it I gave up for the day. The car needs tires anyway, so I think im just going to take it into the tire shop.

I actaully just bought this car from my brother inlaw. He was letting his brother drive it. He took it away from him because he tried to out run the cops through a corn field, and broke the front left lower ball joint. He also got caught. He got the ball joint fixed, and the rest of the suspension inspected before I bought it. Car still needs a front end alignment, but the rest of it was good according to the guy that worked on it.

When I got it: it had a miss at idle but would smooth out when you have it some gas, the oil change was on about 8k miles, and the airfilter was plugged full of crap.

I got the oil, fuel filter, and air filter changed. Changed the plugs, and found one coil pack that was bad. Its a nice car overall has no body damage. Interior is perfect in it, and runs excellent now.
 
seawolf18 said:
... Changed the plugs, and found one coil pack that was bad. Its a nice car overall has no body damage. Interior is perfect in it, and runs excellent now.
Click to expand...

They are COPs (Coil-On-Plug) not coil packs. Anyway, you will regret that you didn't change all of them.
 
Note to Self: When in Indiana visiting the grandfather, the LS doubles as a corn combine.
 
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