So, how many of you car owners believe in DIY? We certainly do. And that’s why our maintenance section offers you such great DIY blogs. And this time, we’re going to explain how to remove rounded wheel nuts like a pro.
Often, when you try to remove these wheel nuts, the wrench slips and rounds off the edges of the bolts. So it becomes extremely difficult to remove that wheel nut when you want to change it. And since you might want to prepare your car for the upcoming winter months, you can learn more about wheel nuts.
Here, we explain how to remove a rounded wheel nut.
The Practical Tutorial on How to Remove Rounded Wheel Nuts
You need to pay attention to wheel nuts because they keep the wheel attached to the threaded wheel studs. The wheel studs, in turn, connect it to the car’s axle.
Before we start explaining how to proceed, let’s see what we need.
Required Tools
- 1/2″ drive breaker bar $15-20
- 1″ diameter iron pipe, 36″ length $10-15
- Twist socket set for nut/bolt extractor $20-100
- 3 lb hammer $5-10
- WD-40 or alternative penetrating oil $5
- Replacement wheel nut $3
- Total cost: $58-153 if you have nothing and need to buy everything
With your other emergency supplies stored in your car, I highly recommend keeping these items in the car as well, in case you need to repair your tires when you’re away from home.
Here’s how to remove rounded wheel nuts in 4 simple steps.
Step 1. Breaking the Rust
First, you apply targeted and generous amounts of WD-40 to the base of the lug nut to allow this penetrating oil to be drawn into the bolt threads by capillary action. If it’s very rusty, hit it a few times with the hammer to break up some of the rust before applying the WD-40 oil. Give the penetrating oils time to work, up to a day if you have enough time.
Step 2. Installing the Socket
Simply because the wheel nut is rounded, it can be difficult to install the socket onto the nut. So, take a socket, place its mouth over the wheel nut, and tap it on the back with the hammer. Make sure not to hit too hard. This could cause a bad socket lock. Keep tapping until it fits snugly.
Step 3. Working with the Breaker Bar
Now take the breaker bar and install it on the back of the socket. Start hitting the handle of the breaker bar with the hammer towards the left (counterclockwise).
When you do this several times, you’ll feel like you’re about to break the wheel nut.
Step 4. Breaking the Lug Nut
With persistent pressure to the right, the wheel nut will come loose with a snap. Now turn the socket a bit clockwise and counterclockwise and remove it. It will come off easily. But that’s not where the tutorial on how to remove a rounded wheel nut ends.
Step 5. Removing the Nut from the Socket
Once the nut is removed, you still have a problem: the wheel nut will still be stuck in the socket.
Screw the nut back on loosely with the socket. Then, gently tap the socket from top to bottom with the hammer. The socket will come out while the nut will be right there, slightly screwed on. You can twist it with your hand and remove it.
Alternative Strategies
Although our professional method usually works, some problems with removing rounded wheel nuts can arise and will require different strategies.
1. Stripped Stud
The lug nut spins freely but it doesn’t come off the stud. You drill the lug nut or the stud. Select a carbide drill bit that matches the size of your stud. You apply strong pressure while drilling at low speed to drill the center of the lug nut until it’s no longer attached to the stud. However, to drill the stud, you’ll need to replace it, which can be quite tricky for some vehicles.
2. Preventing the Problem
Those careless mechanics can easily overtighten wheel nuts with their impact wrenches. You should consider talking with your mechanic to ensure they apply the correct torque before starting work on your car. Remember that different cars have different lug nut tightening requirements. Cars require 60 to 100 foot-pounds of torque. Larger vehicles may require up to 300 foot-pounds of torque. You should consult your owner’s manual for the correct torque requirements.
Conclusion
Removing rounded wheel nuts can be a challenging task, but with the right approach and tools, it’s possible to overcome this common problem. It’s important to be patient and avoid applying excessive force, as this could further damage the wheel nuts or the wheel. There are several methods you can try to apply. Each method has its advantages and limitations, and the appropriate approach may vary depending on the specific situation.
I hope all this information is helpful to you. This is by far the simplest DIY tutorial on how to remove rounded wheel nuts like a pro. Let us know if you like it in the comment area below: