Random Wheel Lug Bolt Rant

[badwolfe]

So my local Toyota Dealer does a fantastic job! Just let me get that out of the way. However - I took my 2021 (A91) back in Nov to get ceramic dustless brake pads put on. I would normally have changed them myself but this was the first pad change and I had read how hard it was to get the OEM glued pads out of the front calipers. Well - a couple weeks ago I tried to remove wheels to put on new center caps. No go. I could not break the lugs loose (and I am not a small guy). My brother could not either. Using lug wrench. Took back to dealer and they offered to remove wheels and take center caps out - free of charge. I asked them to NOT use impact wrench to put back on. Went to pick up and service rep said they had to use impact wrench and torque to spec since they took them off. Got it back home and I STILL can't break lugs. My youngest son (much more burly than I) came over and could not break them either. Sigh........ I can't believe these things are torqued at only 104 ft lbs (which I think is the spec)......... Now I have to find somewhere else to take it to take them off and let me use my lug wrench to put back on and tighten..... Oh well - things could be worse

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[razorlab]

This is reason #66373782829 that dealers will not touch my cars unless they 1000% have to.

Way back when I had to use a six foot breaker bar to take an oil filter off from a dealer oil change.

 

[badwolfe]

This is reason #66373782829 that dealers will not touch my cars unless they 1000% have to.

Way back when I had to use a six foot breaker bar to take an oil filter off from a dealer oil change.

WOW - And here I thought I had it bad !!!!

 

[suicidaleggroll]

Get yourself your own impact. I use this one, it has no problem with the lugs or any of the 150+ ftlb suspension bolts, it's a beast:
https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Power-Tools/Fastening/Impact-Wrenches/2767-20

 

[badwolfe]

Get yourself your own impact. I use this one, it has no problem with the lugs or any of the 150+ ftlb suspension bolts, it's a beast:
https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Power-Tools/Fastening/Impact-Wrenches/2767-20

I had a (much smaller) 24v Kobalt but it won't budge them - I've looked at some of the larger more powerful ones (inc this one) but I'm not sure I want to spend that kind of $$ for something I won't use very often - at least once I get the lugs loose this time

 

[LateBraker5]

https://www.harborfreight.com/85-amp-12-in-impact-wrench-with-rocker-switch-64120.html

I went SUPER cheap and got this from Harbor Freight years ago when I had to break loose the front hub nut on a 911. Those are torqued to 250ft lb from the factory, and this driver has no problems

 

[badwolfe]

https://www.harborfreight.com/85-amp-12-in-impact-wrench-with-rocker-switch-64120.html

I went SUPER cheap and got this from Harbor Freight years ago when I had to break loose the front hub nut on a 911. Those are torqued to 250ft lb from the factory, and this driver has no problems

Nice! - I ordered a Porter Cable on Amazon - similar specs and price - should be here tomorrow night so I'll give it a go on Friday.... Of course - I've been needing an excuse to make a trip to HF so.....

 

[razorlab]

Why didn't you just get a long ass breaker bar? Or just like a 4 foot metal pipe for like $20. That's what I have. I call it the destroyer.

 

[badwolfe]

Why didn't you just get a long ass breaker bar? Or just like a 4 foot metal pipe for like $20. That's what I have. I call it the destroyer.

LOL - that crossed my mind for sure - I've not had a chance to go somewhere to buy a piece of pipe - plus - always need another reason to be another tool

 

[razorlab]

LOL - that crossed my mind for sure - I've not had a chance to go somewhere to buy a piece of pipe - plus - always need another reason to be another tool

haha. I was half joking. I do have a pipe like this and I do call it the destroyer because honestly I think it has done more hurt than good. Lots of snapped bolts and busted knuckles. haha.

I use a cordless high torque dewalt for garage and track use. I bought it in 2016 for $325 and it's been worth every penny.

One thing to keep in mind with these high torque tools. Don't get your ears close and/or use ear plugs. It will make your ears ring.

Also shy away from using it on aluminum casing. My dumbass used it on a transmission bolt once and it cracked the case. :-/

 

[LateBraker5]

LOL - that crossed my mind for sure - I've not had a chance to go somewhere to buy a piece of pipe - plus - always need another reason to be another tool

Buys length of pipe from Home Depot

Buys new chop saw to cut length of pipe to desire length

Shows the significant other how you “saved” and bunch of money on your homemade cheater bar

Ultimate ploy for new power tool!

 

[kaj]

I use a 1/2" breaker bar + floor jack handle to break lugs loose when I don't have my impact. Works like a charm.
OP: what were you using?

 

[badwolfe]

Buys length of pipe from Home Depot

Buys new chop saw to cut length of pipe to desire length

Shows the significant other how you “saved” and bunch of money on your homemade cheater bar

Ultimate ploy for new power tool!

Man - you must have my home bugged as that is EXACTLY how I have these conversations with the wife about new equipment coming into my hobby wood working shop LOL

 

[badwolfe]

I use a 1/2" breaker bar + floor jack handle to break lugs loose when I don't have my impact. Works like a charm.
OP: what were you using?

So far - just my oversized lug wrench- issue is not being able to keep lug wrench from slipping off while I'm applying leverage.. That could be more of my issue than the lug wrench though but there's not a lot of "lug" sticking out of the stock wheel....

 

[kaj]

So far - just my oversized lug wrench- issue is not being able to keep lug wrench from slipping off while I'm applying leverage.. That could be more of my issue than the lug wrench though but there's not a lot of "lug" sticking out of the stock wheel....

I'll be dealing with this over the weekend. Luckily I'll have my impact so can hold the socket on place.
So the OEM bolts have shallow heads, like a flywheel bolt?

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