Stripped Lug Bolt Removal-Just Turns

[mbrownao24]

Been there with my 2016 Classic. Same thing but discovered swollen chrome caps trying to retorque wheels. A 1/4” chisel and some easy peeling I replaced all lugnuts when a total of 7 appeared the same problem. Then I discovered my 2016 F150 had the same issue.
There is a removal tool for this. About $30.
I found an 18mm lugnut under the cap and was able to do all the work with the chisel. I think it’s crap made in China to save money, just not our money.

[Goin camping]

Originally Posted by rollieboy

Here's an update after tackling the lug nuts. I drilled a 1/4" hole in center of cap. Then I drilled a 3/8" hole. The drilling is easy because the metal is thin. After I did that I took a straight screwdriver and worked in down one side until I got all the way in. The metal kind of peels back. Actually I was surprised it went pretty smooth. Hope this helps somebody with this issue. Also want to thank everyone who helped guide to thru the repair.
Travel safe.

Happy it worked out for you and the drilling info as well.

[dayner]

Go to auto parts store. Buy lug nut removal tool that fits your nut. They are used to remove security keyed nuts when you don't have the keyed socket. Go to YouTube look for how to remove wheel nut lock without a key and you will see several ways, relatively easy, without damaging your wheels.

[KKbambi]

I found I had these lugs on my Bambi out in the middle of eastern Oregon. Tire blew out on Bambi, got to love those Marathons, looked over at wife who said should we call roadside assistance? I, of course , said no I can change a tire 3 times before they could get here. Long story short, after rounding over the covers, 5 hours later , about midnight we were back on the road. Roadside assistance guy was very nice asked why Airstream “the finest trailer in the world “would cheep out on these lugs. I just smiled and shrugged I think he got a good laugh out of it. If you know where Farewell Bend in Oregon is we were between there and Baker City. Replaced lugs with solid ones.

[Tim A.]

The stainless steel capped lug nuts are not a product exclusive to Airstream. MacLean-Fogg developed them about 30 years ago and they have been used for many vehicles. Here is what MacLean-Fogg says about them:

"Decorex Stainless Steel Capped Wheel Fasteners The world's leading automotive wheel fastener, available as original equipment on decorative wheels from most of the world's leading automakers. Our Decorex stainless steel capped wheel nuts are the most durable, the most attractive and without the negative environmental impacts of chrome. Visit the Decorex page on the MacLean-Fogg Component Solutions website by clicking here. Decorex stainless steel capped wheel fasteners are manufactured at our Royal Oak, Michigan factory."


Tim

[tjdonahoe]

Originally Posted by shannon

Okay, So get rid of the Marathons, and replace with? And a replacing (one piece) lug nut is what?

Good year Endurance. Made in USA

[Action]

Originally Posted by KKbambi

Roadside assistance guy was very nice asked why Airstream “the finest trailer in the world “would cheep out on these lugs. I just smiled and shrugged I think he got a good laugh out of it.

If you know where Farewell Bend in Oregon is we were between there and Baker City. Replaced lugs with solid ones.

My guess on the answer to the question above .... because that is what Dexter supplies. And market forces drive a manufacturer to do what they do. Once the decision is made typically the die is cast for hundreds if not tens of thousands of copies. In the automotive world it approaches millions.

And it is possible to remove those type of lug nuts without damage to the lug nut. However it is difficult to do that. Especially repeatedly.

As to that section of US 26, yes been there, done that surrounded by cattle on a drive on that highway near John Day.

Action

[Tim A.]

Originally Posted by Action

And it is possible to remove those type of lug nuts without damage to the lug nut. However it is difficult to do that. Especially repeatedly.

I think the answer is already in this thread. Properly fitted 6-point sockets make repeated removal and retightening easy and damage free. If the stainless steel covering has been already damaged, all bets are off, of course.

What with repacking bearings and getting new tires, I have dealt with these nuts on our 2002 (bought new) repeatedly and they are still undamaged. On the other hand, a friend bought a newer used Airstream a while back and we immediately put McGard nuts on it because the stainless covers on the originals had been damaged with 12-point sockets. I would guess those sockets were attached to an impact wrench.

Tim