Wheel Components lug nut failure?

[ambradley]

I purchased lug nuts from wheelcomponents.com to mount Nissan factory alloy wheels on my Datsun. I bought a few extras, just in case. We initially tightened to 75 lbs using a hand torque wrench, but after the first broke we lowered it to 65 lbs, and two more still broke. They sheared off at the head of the bolt, leaving the shank screwed on the stud. Fortunately, since they don't bottom out, we were able to remove the shank carefully using pliers.

But now I'm afraid of the lugnuts on the car. Has anyone else experienced this? I talked with both Wheel Components and White Knight (the supplier) and they should be sending me some new lugnuts shortly. I just don't want to have them shear off, especially when I'm on the road.

Also, what is appropriate torque for lugnuts on our cars?

[toolsnob]

Sheared lug nuts at the torque you stated is scary!!! Torque amounts depend on the size of your lugs (diameter). I used to be told that 80lbs on aluminum and 100lbs on steel but later was told that the stock 7/16 lug requires 80lbs and if you go to the larger 12mm (z car) then 100lbs.

No way to verify but I would think that would get you close.

Alexi

[dbrick]

That would make me nervous. I would do four things,

1. Change every wheel stud on the car with replacments from a reputable vendor, there are alot of counterfeit bolts out there. Confuscious' mechanic says "new studs are cheaper than new car"

2. Check your torque wrench against a known good wrench. If you know a Snap-on dealer he might be able to test it. Otherwise tighten oiled threads with your wrench to a random value (70 pounds) on something that doesn't matter and then see what it takes to loosen it with the othet wrench. Reverse the procedure, tightening with the "good" wrench and loosen with yours. Numbers may not be exact, but results should be similar.

3.Make sure the wheels fit properly to the hub. I don't know if these cars use the hub or the lugs to center the wheel. More experienced minds may chime in.

4. Lay off the Wheaties.