Do wheel lug nuts rust? or are they suppose to?

Question

I am buying a car, and the lug nuts on the wheel are rusted. Is this normal or should i have them changed?

Thank you! Lots Of helpppp!

Answer 1

Yes, Lug nuts do rust and it's normal,it sure wouln't hurt to replace them, but there's no need to, clean them up on a wire wheel and paint them, also clean up the threads on the studs with a wire brush and wipe a little anti sieze on them.
George

Answer 2

If they're original nuts, they should not be all brown rusty, but some rust is common as they're only metal after all. Most rust are with after market locking nuts, or customs nuts. Rust on outside won't affect the performance of the nut itself, just the appearance. Hey, depending on how the car body is, the rust might match the panels...

Answer 3

I'd change them as new ones are cheap and if you have to remove them it might be easier, but its normal for a lug nut to rust if it hasn't been galvanized or otherwise made rust resistant.

Answer 4

Thats actually very normal but on most newer cars they take a good while to rust. The chrome plated ones will especially rust easily unless you buy some that are garunteed rust resistent. Have chrome ones on my trailer and on the cragars on my 73 camaro and usually replace them every two to three years.

Answer 5

any untreated steel lugs can and will rust. surface rust isn't a problem, if they rust solid to the stud, then changing the tire becomes a chore. take one of the lugnuts to a local auto parts store and get aftermarket chrome ones. They will be able to match up the size for you and the thread pitch.

Answer 6

The only way you will prevent lug nuts from rusting is to purchase a set of stainless steel.
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Answer 7

just change them. even if it is normal it looks like crap. check the hubs and make sure there isn't something else rusting underneath. that would cause serious problems. ive never seen lug nuts rust before. and i know they arent expensive

Answer 8

if they are rusted they will be hard to remove when you change a tire. They are cheap and can easily be replaced. This is something anyone can do. Do it one at a time and you don't have to jack the car up. After you have changed them all and drive a little recheck them to be sure they are snug.

Answer 9

if there aluminum lug nuts they wont rust if they r steel they will . a little rust is normal

Answer 10

It's very common, but unless they're rusting to the point of failing to hold your wheels on, then they're fine.