Nuts about lugs

[cwf]

These lug nuts obviously are not in good shape. Also, the wheel lug holes have more corrosion than I had on them when I replaced the axles last year...

So, will need to do serious cleaning on wheel and replacement lugs on order.

Here is video and a picture..

I am not at all pleased with this.

[Jim & Susan]

Same problem here. Same issue on that cheap "hub" on mine. There was a rather, um, spirited, yeah, that's the word, thread a couple years ago about Stainless lugs. Unfortunately can't find it right away.

Good luck and love to see some after pics.

Jim

[DaveP]

I just uncovered my AS to prepare for a spring trip. Last summer, I cleaned and polished the wheels and lugs with Mothers Chrome and Mag polish (which leaves behind a wax coating). Everything was still very shiny and no rust or oxidation.

[cwf]

Originally Posted by Jim & Susan

Same problem here. Same issue on that cheap "hub" on mine. There was a rather, um, spirited, yeah, that's the word, thread a couple years ago about Stainless lugs. Unfortunately can't find it right away.

Good luck and love to see some after pics.

Jim

Note: first post I meant NEW LUG NUTS, not the lug bolts. Also, new center caps.

Jim, I followed that tread until it was no longer helpful.

As the pictures show (I hope) the lugs are "new" and not damaged. The lugnuts are "due" as they apparently wear out... this is not a place to go cheap. I have new McGard replacements inbound...

I hope I do not need new wheels!!!!

A side noteSeveral years ago I had a document created by our tax dollars at NASA... they should know fasteners.. about proper torques, thread lube, etc.. also about using proper "securing of the fastener by wire, thru bolts, lock washer or locknut. They learned the hard way about pushing margins... this design works.. with proper components and condition of parts and installation.

note: this thread is exploring the options and experiences of fellow Airstream owners who "do their own work"... using standardized components... nothing exotic or out of specs.

[A W Warn]

The lug nuts and center hubs on my 99 looked very similar to yours, but my wheels were awful. My wheels are the original, gray painted with chrome trim rings. I replace the nuts with new Mcgard nuts in spring of 2016 and repainted the wheels. Also removed the center hubs and did a serious buff/wax to remove the rust spots. April 2017 the nuts are still looking good, but the center hubs reverted almost to their previous condition, though not bad for 18 years old. I buffed and re-waxed them again. Good to go for another year!

[Bluto]

Channing,
I hope you don't need new wheels too!
But, if you do need them and are using the 15" size please let me know as I have never put mine up for sale yet. They are like brand new, aluminum, and I have 5, one still in the box, plus one like new steel spare. I also have 4 hub covers and 20 original lug nuts. Let me know if you want to see them. All wheels but one have tires on them. 2 never hit the ground yet. Although I stored them in a climate controlled room they are a few years old now.
I see you live close by now. Even better!
Either way, PM me when you get the time.

[cwf]

Update 1
New MCGARD s arrived. I have enough to do my Airstream... Almost 3 times!! So, if anyone needs/wants to buy a few at a great price.. let me know

Update 2
The old nuts didn't need any help to thread up and "wobbled" going on... all the way till I start torquing. The MCGARD s are RIGHT. About two full rotations and there is very little discernible slack!!! Halfway on and you can feel things are properly engaging... I am glad To do this... this IS a "maintenance item".

Still have to clean up a couple wheels to be sure they are still GTG.. "good to go"

I know the wheels are getting to their EOL... so,,,,, may have to replace wheels...

[Ted S.]

The rusted nuts in the first post look like Mcgards ?

[cwf]

Originally Posted by Ted S.

The rusted nuts in the first post look like Mcgards ?

They originals shown above are similar, but do not have the MCGARD markings. The new MCGARDS are nearly identical in appearance... but add the MCGARD stamping.