Eminitrader

Hi guys.. I dont even know if this makes sense.. but let me try to explain.

I am installing(or trying to) my new wheels and tires that I bought from Tirerack.

They fit fine on the car. The problem is when I put the socket on the lug nut, there is not enough clearance from the socket to the wheel,. In other words, I can only tighten about 1 turn then the socket hits the wheel.

I have one of those Mac Tools one that protect the lugnut. I've also tried an impact socket as well.

Has anyone had this type of issue. Better yet, any solutions?

I hate to send these back but there useless if I cant get them on...

Corby

Are the wheels hitting the calipers or brackets?

Eminitrader

no. But I cant get the socket all the on to the nut. The socket hits the wheel as i try to fit it over the lug nut

BeetleBailey

Try a regular socket , they are thinner than the impact tool ones.
Also a lug wrench may clear the wheel.

I tighten all my wheels with a regular Craftsman socket and torque them to 100 Ft/Lbs. in a star pattern.

Hope this works for ya.

SinisterC6

agree, if your trying to protect your lug nuts put some painters tape on them.

saplumr

Wrong lug nuts?

wayback

Sounds like you need a thinner walled socket. I have a double sided socket for lug nuts that you can put a 3/8th extension in from either side. Seems to be thinner than an impact socket.



Hope it helps.

05C6GAC

gp56

Did you get new lug nuts to go with your wheels or are you using the ones you had? I recently got new wheels and they came with lug nuts that were smaller than the ones I had on my stock wheels.

B y r o n

I wouldn't use a 3/8" drive to install the lug nuts as it might not withstand the 100 lb-ft of torque and fail possibly causing you to damage the finish on your new wheels. Stick with 1/2" drive.

Gearhead Jim

Personal experience. Wheels (1998 Camaro) undamaged but cut my hand when the (Craftsman, back when they were good quality) socket split apart.

Eminitrader

Thats what I needed. Thanks guys. I had no idea!! they are on and ready to test!

Eminitrader

Do you know where I can get a set of these? TireRack is sending me one but would like to see if I can find one that is rubberized like my Mac

Vette5.5

Did you contact the Tire Rack, as some lug nuts are larger than the standard 3/4"/19 mm socket size. Had your problem trying to change a blown tire on another car once. I use a standard SK 19mm socket and 3/4" drive ratchet changing things on the Vette with problems.

Eminitrader

Yes, I did. I had the same problem with their lugs and my exising - both same size. They are sending me a thin wall socket but I used a normal socket and was able to get them on.

But still want to buy a thin wall with that plastic coating..

Don-Vette

Every garage should have one of these,it's all I use.Old skool...

Z16chevelleguy

Yes you are correct, every garage should have one. But only if its designed with thin walls or you have some thin walls designed to fit a lug wrench. Several of my wheels will not work with any socket or lug wrench unless it is thin wall .There just isn't enough clearance between wheel and socket.

I also have a 1/2 inch breaker bar that i can add a cheater bar on when there are overtightened lug nuts ( usually on my 1 ton truck).Never fails where some Gorilla has ran the nuts on with an impact wrench and trying to take them off with a ratchet just wont work.