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I've had my car 4 almost a months. I took the rear wheels off to fit splash guards.
I bought a 17mm long socket and it fits fairly snug.
When putting the wheels back on, I torqued them to 60 ft lbs, then 80, no real problems, but when I went to 100 the wrench would click and the socket seemed to slip. In fact, it slipped and jammed up to where I could not get the socket off. I finally had to back the nut off to get the socket loose - about 20 minutes to get it off..
See photos.
Do I have the right lug nuts or the wrong socket (Hex, six points?
The nuts are grooved and the flat areas are really minimal in width, which is probably why the socket slips.
Those are spline drive lug nuts. You need a spline drive socket for them. Maybe the previous owner put the socket in the lug key holder, rear trunk area, drivers side, hidden under carpet. If you don't have the key/socket I would just get some new lug nuts, unless you want to try finding the correct socket.
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
C5 of Year Winner (performance mods) 2019
go to autozone/oreilly/etc and get the correct spline drive socket, they should have those in stock... take one lug just to double check but they look to be the generic spline drive "tuner" lug nuts as they are commonly referred as... do not drive the car until you get the proper socket or new lugnuts and get the wheels torqued correctly
Thanks, Steve, but - OH CRAP!
I'll look for the socket. Never thought something would be under the carpets. I learn something every time I start a project - even after doing some research.
Thanks, Neutron82!
Last edited by WetMountainMan; Mar 20, 2018 at 08:04 PM.
The lug nuts are special to avoid theft usually tire replacement stores sell them or places that sell rims try a good year firestone or another big name tire store
I finally found the original (19mm) socket and it's way too big, the nuts must have been changed to 17mm at some time. I'm going to auto parts stores today to hopefully find the right socket.
The "spline-drive" lug nuts use a special deep socket designed for the lug nuts. Companies like Gorilla and McGard sell the socket separately so that you can have an extra socket or two.
I have Gorilla lug nuts on both my C4 and C5 and the brand name is on them. McGard lug nuts also show the brand name. The cheap/fleabay nuts will not typically show a brand name.
The other measurements you listed refer to the size of a OEM style lugnut. GM OEM lugnuts for passenger cars typically use a 19mm socket for removal. A 3/4" socket is for 3?4" lugnuts and is nearly identical to a 19mm so the 3/4" socket can be used for a 19mm lug nut. A 21mm and or 13/16" socket are usually for lug nuts on light trucks.
The M12x1.25 refers to the dimensions of the wheel stud and thread pitch. This a common GM size for car wheel studs and really has nothing to do with the size of a socket to remove or attach lug nuts.
Thanks everyone for the info and help to this newbie.
I went to four auto parts store in Canon City, CO today, No one had what I needed. They all said to go to a tire dealer, but they weren't sure they would sell me one. The closest was Big-O Tires, where I bought a new battery about a month ago. The first counter guy was puzzled as to what I needed so he yelled at a tech in the shop, He took me to a back room where he said I could look at some "overflow" parts in a box. We pulled out two that looked right and I asked if he could mic the inside for me. He did and they were 17 mm. I ask the price and he said he'd just give me the socket/key - wow! After all that running around, I got a free one. I got home and it fit. I finished torquing the rear wheels to 100 ft lbs. Then I went to the fronts to check them. They were nowhere close to 100 ft lbs, so they are now in spec. I'll run them a while as weather permits and check them again.
Thanks everyone for the info and help to this newbie.
I went to four auto parts store in Canon City, CO today, No one had what I needed. They all said to go to a tire dealer, but they weren't sure they would sell me one. The closest was Big-O Tires, where I bought a new battery about a month ago. The first counter guy was puzzled as to what I needed so he yelled at a tech in the shop, He took me to a back room where he said I could look at some "overflow" parts in a box. We pulled out two that looked right and I asked if he could mic the inside for me. He did and they were 17 mm. I ask the price and he said he'd just give me the socket/key - wow! After all that running around, I got a free one. I got home and it fit. I finished torquing the rear wheels to 100 ft lbs. Then I went to the fronts to check them. They were nowhere close to 100 ft lbs, so they are now in spec. I'll run them a while as weather permits and check them again.
Thanks everyone for the info and help to this newbie.
I went to four auto parts store in Canon City, CO today, No one had what I needed. They all said to go to a tire dealer, but they weren't sure they would sell me one. The closest was Big-O Tires, where I bought a new battery about a month ago. The first counter guy was puzzled as to what I needed so he yelled at a tech in the shop, He took me to a back room where he said I could look at some "overflow" parts in a box. We pulled out two that looked right and I asked if he could mic the inside for me. He did and they were 17 mm. I ask the price and he said he'd just give me the socket/key - wow! After all that running around, I got a free one. I got home and it fit. I finished torquing the rear wheels to 100 ft lbs. Then I went to the fronts to check them. They were nowhere close to 100 ft lbs, so they are now in spec. I'll run them a while as weather permits and check them again.
Sweet Deal....It's worth at least a 6 pack for the Tech who took care of you no ?
Help - trying to torque wheels
