Lug Nut Rust

[Dan]

How do you guys deal with rust on painted lug nuts? I`ve got some that are silver (maybe zinc) and starting to rust a bit. I was thinking about buying some of that zinc rustoleum paint but it seems to be a duller gray, ideally I`d like to find some more glossy silver spray with zinc.

[Mic575]

This is a good question. I have just replaced them which seems like a waste to me so I am hoping someone has a good solution.

[Accumulator]

I`d just replace them, preferably with Stainless ones. How much are you gonna go through for a) the cost and/or b) the chance that a fix won`t last?

You can derust them either chemically or mechanically or, most likely, both. Then you could paint/powdercoat/replate them and I bet somebody like Eastwood has a paint that`ll look right. But I just don`t see those fixes lasting or being worth the time/hassle/expense.

For fragile-finish lugs, well...ones that show...remember to a) wrap the lug with plastic wrap/etc. to protect the corners, even if your wrench/socket supposedly "grips the flats" and b) find a socket that fits properly (I have a scad of 19mm ones for the Audis and one always fits one set of lugs better/worse than the others).

[The Driver]

Replace them or Cap them. There are a few OEM`s that make good looking caps, just make never to lose the remover otherwise good luck getting the wheels off if you get a flat.

For the record those fit my 19mm lugs perfect
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/vol...r-kit-31439227

https://flic.kr/p/2astQ5m

SR Nut by Joseph Cipriano, on Flickr
SR Front by Joseph Cipriano, on Flickr
SR Wheel by Joseph Cipriano, on Flickr

[Dan]

I`d just replace them, preferably with Stainless ones. How much are you gonna go through for a) the cost and/or b) the chance that a fix won`t last?

You can derust them either chemically or mechanically or, most likely, both. Then you could paint/powdercoat/replate them and I bet somebody like Eastwood has a paint that`ll look right. But I just don`t see those fixes lasting or being worth the time/hassle/expense.

For fragile-finish lugs, well...ones that show...remember to a) wrap the lug with plastic wrap/etc. to protect the corners, even if your wrench/socket supposedly "grips the flats" and b) find a socket that fits properly (I have a scad of 19mm ones for the Audis and one always fits one set of lugs better/worse than the others).

I wouldn`t mind buying new ones, if I was sure they were good quality and would not run into the same issue again. Looking at the options, good german bolts are in the $7+ range each, and that is not even stainless.

[Accumulator]

The Driver- Yes indeed, the caps are great (as long as you don`t lose that tool)! Got `em as oe on the A8 and the Tahoe, our two Dailies, and those are our only vehicles where the lugs show, lucky me

If the lug pockets have enough room for `em, that`d be a great solution, good thinking!

Heh heh, a Roadside Assistance guy that an acquaintance called didn`t realize they were caps and you can guess what he tried to do Accumulatorette was all that he didn`t just change the flat himself or at least know to tell the guy that. "RTFM!" indeed.

[Accumulator]

I wouldn`t mind buying new ones, if I was sure they were good quality and would not run into the same issue again..

Maybe try coating them and using the plastic wrap. I used lots of KSG on the MPV and as long as I was careful with the wrap...very careful...it worked OK, only had a bit of edge-issue on one or two of `em (as best I can recall after all this time).

[Desertnate]

I`d just replace them, preferably with Stainless ones. How much are you gonna go through for a) the cost and/or b) the chance that a fix won`t last?

This would be my vote. I don`t recall lug nuts being all that expensive unless you are looking for some special shaped ones for aftermarket wheels. Even then they aren`t too expensive.

For fragile-finish lugs, well...ones that show...remember to a) wrap the lug with plastic wrap/etc. to protect the corners, even if your wrench/socket supposedly "grips the flats" and b) find a socket that fits properly (I have a scad of 19mm ones for the Audis and one always fits one set of lugs better/worse than the others).

Wouldn`t wrapping the lug nut make it really hard to get the socket to fit properly? I picked up a set of sockets specifically designed for doing wheel changes off Amazon for pretty cheap. They fit perfectly on the lug nuts/studs and the outer wall is nylon lined so they don`t marr the wheel.

[The Driver]

OEM lugs are around 6-8$ a pop for German alot of German cars

[Desertnate]

That sounds about right. I had to buy a set for my BMW many years ago, and I think they were about $30 per set (5x bolts). No one would sell my just one. A set for my GTI is about the same price at Tire Rack.

[GearHead_1]

Gorilla makes a great set of replacement lug nuts if you’re replacing the entire set.

Gorilla Automotive Products

I saw a set of black ones for a Ford truck not too long ago, seems like they were around $70 for a set of 24 lug nuts with no locking nuts. Their black chrome plating was surprisingly nice.

[Dan]

Well, gorilla doesn`t make lifetime lug bolts, just nuts so no go there. After thinking about it, I got some bolt covers for $8, we`ll see how they work out.

[Accumulator]

Wouldn`t wrapping the lug nut make it really hard to get the socket to fit properly? I picked up a set of sockets specifically designed for doing wheel changes off Amazon for pretty cheap. They fit perfectly on the lug nuts/studs and the outer wall is nylon lined so they don`t marr the wheel.

I have those nylon-sleeved ones too, easier to avoid an "oops!" all right.

I`ve never had a problem with the wrapping interfering with the socket fit. I`ve even used a nitrile glove before. There are obviously limits, but overall there`s always been enough wiggle-room.

[GearHead_1]

Well, gorilla doesn`t make lifetime lug bolts, just nuts so no go there. After thinking about it, I got some bolt covers for $8, we`ll see how they work out.

I think McGard has a warranty against chrome chipping.

Lug Bolts – McGard

[JohnZ3MC]

If you do decide on the paint route, Wurth sells cans of spray paint that matches German silver wheels. It`ll either match your Volvo wheels or be extremely close to Volvo silver.