Just today I had to change a flat tire. Not a big deal, right? Well, it turnd out to be a huge deal! I just couldn't get the tire off! It was so tight that I didn't get the tire off but had to drive - with still some air in - to the next repair shop in order to have it taken off with the air gun or whatever they call it and have id fixed! Does this happen a lot with tires? Or just some?
ps I'm not the weakest guy but I just didn't get the thing off!!!
2006-08-17 13:06:19 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Yeah, i meant the 'lug nuts'. Thanks guys, helpful stuff!
2006-08-17 13:26:13 · update #1
I also tried 'stepping' and 'jumping' lol, but unfortunatly I had nothing but little slippers on and that didn't really work either. It's like being barefoot and I just would get myself hurt or something. Unfortunate situation...grrr
2006-08-17 13:33:13 · update #2
for some odd reason lug nuts seem to tighten with age. Must br a rust thing. the best way is to throw away the the wrench they give with the car and go to your local auto store and get something decent. like a foue way. then get in a good postion and jump on the sucker. like bounce. they will break loose every time. by the way, a good bar will tighten more than the normal air wrench used. torque for a lug nut is around 80 lbs and it is a must for any good shop to use a torque wrench. too much damages expensive things like rotors. and of course u don't want your tire to fall off. by hand just tighten what you figure is pretty tight.
2006-08-17 13:25:36 · answer #1 · answered by La-z Ike 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I guess you're saying you couldn't get the lug nuts off. Tire shops that are careless let the setting get to high on their air powered wrench with the result that the nuts are overtightened. It's a bummer and can do more damage than you your frustration level.
2006-08-17 20:20:55 · answer #2 · answered by DelK 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nope, common problem. You see, the air gun is supposed to ratchet and prevent over-tightening. Unfortunately, this warranty lasts for only one year and the mechanics don't keep their tools under warranty... or maintained. You had your tire overtightened by a mechanic with a worn out air gun.
To prevent this in the future, request the mechanic to hand tighten the lug nuts. You will find that it doesn't matter how they tighten them, they will stay on. However, the hand tightening will keep them easier to remove.
2006-08-17 20:16:06 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it can be a problem. If you have aluminum wheels, try to put some no-ox or at least some grease on the lug nut flares. Sounds like someone really cranked them down. Sorry for your troubles.
2006-08-17 20:14:36 · answer #4 · answered by jeff s 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
did you try stepping on the lug wrench and even kinda jumping on it a little, always works for me and when I tighten them I step on the lug wrench again and this makes sure they are tight, onetime though, it was a mazda 323 I think, I broke 3 studs but those studs on that car were too little, most cars you can do this on
2006-08-17 20:23:55 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
well it has to come off the front side for one thing. if you have a tire machine handy you flip it over and take them of the front i think its a bit smaller. you also have to break the bead and push the tire down so you have clearence to get the tire off
2006-08-17 21:30:15 · answer #6 · answered by mike L 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they are torqued pretty tight at the factory...i could see that it could be problematic but not common
2006-08-17 20:12:47 · answer #7 · answered by bobsled 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
haven't seen it that often........unless you've had your tires done at VIP discount auto.........that place SUCKS!!!!
2006-08-17 20:11:47 · answer #8 · answered by num1accent01 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋