Swollen Lug Nuts - Recommended Replacement?

[SublimeHiPpOs]

My 2018 Plati is at the dealership for some service and warranty work, the called me stating that the lug nuts are swollen and that I'd likely have trouble or be unable to remove them roadside in the event of a flat. I only have about 46,000 miles on it and I really don't think there's been any abuse (at least on my part) to the lug nuts. Apparently they're considered a wearable part (so not covered under my PremiumCare warranty). I understand not covering damage from abuse or misuse, but considering nearly all the nuts have this issue, to me it seems like more of a defective design. It would seem a simple solid stainless nut would be superior to the two-piece design they use.

Anyway, the dealer quoted $50 for a new set, which actually seems fairly reasonable. Before I proceed with that, I was wondering if there are any better aftermarket lug nuts that would have better longevity?

 

[2020FordRaptor]

My 2018 Plati is at the dealership for some service and warranty work, the called me stating that the lug nuts are swollen and that I'd likely have trouble or be unable to remove them roadside in the event of a flat. I only have about 46,000 miles on it and I really don't think there's been any abuse (at least on my part) to the lug nuts. Apparently they're considered a wearable part (so not covered under my PremiumCare warranty). I understand not covering damage from abuse or misuse, but considering nearly all the nuts have this issue, to me it seems like more of a defective design. It would seem a simple solid stainless nut would be superior to the two-piece design they use.

Anyway, the dealer quoted $50 for a new set, which actually seems fairly reasonable. Before I proceed with that, I was wondering if there are any better aftermarket lug nuts that would have better longevity?

Did he send pictures? I've never heard of swollen lug Nuts.

 

[Gumby]

Yes, it's a thing. My 2018 gets it too. Not really sure why, as I have never experienced this with any other vehicle I have had. Inferior product maybe? My dealer has replaced them at least one (n/c)....

 

[MattG]

Gorilla spline nuts have always been good to me. Non spline should be decent as well.

If you are in snowbelt, the splines will show some rust after a season or two.

 

[Zig10]

I switched over to chrome McGuards last spring after finding one of my lug nuts jammed in the socket. So far so good, though winter is coming so we'll see how they hold up.

 

[JimW]

Yes this happen to me. i replaced them with Gorilla spline.

 

[aggiegrad05]

Lots of threads on this topic. Here is one, which includes another post of mine with links to a bunch of the other threads:

Lug Nuts

Trying to avoid an issue. Which is the best replacement McGard, Gorilla or what. Would like a part # if possible. Also where to order from. 2021 King Ranch 4X4 TIA

www.expeditionforum.com

 

[Tuck]

The chrome part of your lug nut is just a cap that sits on the steel lug nut. Moisture gets in between the cap and the lug nut which causes corrosion and swelling. Gorilla and McGuard make quality one-piece replacements which won't rust for not much more than the OEM replacements your dealer is offering. The OEM replacements will have the same problem as your original ones. Buy once, cry once. The McGuard and Gorilla are probably about equal on quality. Pick your poison. I went aftermarket with 5 regular lugnuts and one locking lugnut per wheel. I don't have the part numbers or total cost in front of me but can probably find it if you want it.

Be careful which lugnuts you order. Some of the most popular sizes aren't deep enough for our wheel studs. If you're not sure what to order, call McGuard or Gorilla direct and they can tell you which part numbers fit your vehicle or just go with what your dealer is offering.

 

[Deadman]

Forged Gorilla

 

[5280tunage]

glad I found this thread, those stupid chrome caps absolutely suck. I'm surprised they are even allowed still, when I bussed tires for years and now, just this last weekend doing a brake job, they cause so many issues with torque bars and impact sockets. I can normally hammer in six lugs in seconds, but fighting with the stupid caps takes 10x that. I'll look for a set of the Gorillas per @Deadman.

Anyone know the dimensions of these? I know 21mm, but with factory wheels do most do the 1.4" or the 1.9" long, or even better share a part number that worked for the factory 22's. is it 61148/61147

Edit: maybe I found the kit, part number 71644N

 

[sjwhiteley]

Did he send pictures? I've never heard of swollen lug Nuts.

It looks like you live in Nevada? I’m guessing you don’t get a lot of winter salt, there.

The ford lug nuts have a stainless (?) tight fitting covering over the lug nut. Except it is not that tight. Moisture and salt get under it which then corrodes the nut like crazy, causing the stainless outer to swell up. You then have problems. First getting a lug wrench/socket on the nut, and even if you do, the excessive corrosion can cause the nut to just round off under the cap.

 

[2020FordRaptor]

It looks like you live in Nevada? I’m guessing you don’t get a lot of winter salt, there.

The ford lug nuts have a stainless (?) tight fitting covering over the lug nut. Except it is not that tight. Moisture and salt get under it which then corrodes the nut like crazy, causing the stainless outer to swell up. You then have problems. First getting a lug wrench/socket on the nut, and even if you do, the excessive corrosion can cause the nut to just round off under the cap.

Live near Lake Tahoe. 32 IN. is normal here. I see how they can swell, I just never heard of it before. Now I have.

 

[TheDoug]

I also purchased gorilla lug nuts... the stock ones were complete garbage

 

[Scadu]

Just had my 2017 Limited lug nuts changed, same situation routine service and they noticed a very common problem. I'm in Florida, no snow, etc. so it is a "thing". Went with a solid one, not the current design, factory specs, etc. The price you got quoted $50.00, if it's for all 4 wheels, good price from a dealership.

 

[tacoduck]

“Ford tough” my arse. Lug nuts are a wear item? Terrible. Had the same issue on my 2016 expo.

 

[Michael D Morris]

I pre-emtively replaced the lugs nuts on my 2019 Expedition Max Limited with these before the OEM ones deteriorated. These work just fine and look good.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B082TT5LPC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Rtfd406]

I replace mine with Gorilla lug nuts as well. Have on my last three vehicles after had some factory nuts swell and had a heck of a time getting them off.

 

[LexpeditionKy]

I had the Ford dealer install solid Dorman lug nuts on 2012 XLT model with stock aluminum wheels. They are a perfect fit and holding up well.

 

[Arlin]

Recommend the Gorilla solid aftermarket lug nuts as they have the correct length 60 degree seat, are the correct overall length. correct color, etc. The Gorillas are often about $50-60 for 24 on eBay. The Gorillas held the 150 ft/lbs torque spec on the first go--- an early McGard from Summit Racing (the available model then had a too short 60 degree seat) set had to be rechecked 2-3 times. My 2015 Expedition 4X4 got new full sets at 11 and 34K under basic Ford factory warranty. Wonder about $50 Ford dealer lug nuts as they can easily run $11-13 per each times 24, plus sales tax--often push $300 out of a Ford parts window here in Tennessee. My first set of regular chrome solid Gorilla's have begun to have superficial rust after about 55K that I suspect will polish off easily enough--otherwise full performance. Still unclear the cause of such early Ford lug nut failure--for sure rust did not happen in 11K. Besides the Ford cheapo design, the culprits seem to be the impact wrenches and heat from the brake rotors. Even the class action lawsuits on the subject don't seem to pin down exact cause(s)? Have owned six new Expeditions. (BTW, had a personal email from a Gorilla national sales manager on this subject--very helpful getting the correct model for my 15 Expedition.)

 

[Speedboosted]

I experienced this as well recently on my 2017. Mine were so bad I had to use a 22mm socket to remove them instead of the 21mm (13/16th) that they should be. I ordered these from Gorilla, it's the correct oversized tapered seat for the factory wheels: https://www.ebay.com/itm/163837776755