Ford Lug Nuts Swelling - Removal & Upgrade: HOW TO ESCAPE

This video is to show what to do when your Ford lug nuts are "swelling". They are really deforming on the outer cap, but this will show you exactly what's happening, as well as a few different ways to remove them and replace them with a more reliable alternative.
AMAZON LINKS:
- CTA 19.5mm Flip Socket: amzn.to/3d3UN65
- Eisen Performance Lug Nuts: amzn.to/3E3Ap12
- McGard Locking Lug Nuts: amzn.to/3xzgvIB
- How to Escape Amazon Storefront: www.amazon.com/shop/howtoesca...
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FordEscape.org Forum Link: www.fordescape.org/threads/sw...
CHAPTERS:
(00:00) Intro
(1:15) Teardown / Factory Lug Nut Pieces
(1:50) Swollen/Deformed Lug Nut Removal Methods
(1:55) Flip Socket Method
(3:15) Brute Force Method (hammer)
(4:15) Chisel Method (cap removal)
(6:10) Recommendations
(6:28) Aftermarket Single Piece Options
(9:15) Exit / Outro
THIS VIDEO SHOWS HOW TO REMOVE SWOLLEN LUG NUTS and VERY GOOD AFTERMARKET SINGLE PIECE AFTERMARKET LUG NUT REPLACEMENTS.
When the 2 piece factory lug nuts are overtorqued, poorly wrenched, or overheated, the chrome caps will swell, making it exceptionally difficult to remove the nut with factory equipment.
Sometimes you have the luxury of time to tinker and play with these kinds of things, but other times you're on the side of the road and need to change a wheel as fast as possible.
This video is a guide to know the BEST way to remove these swollen lug nuts, as well as other more "desperate" means to remove the lug nuts if you no longer care about aesthetic appearance. Overall, we recommend an upgrade the the above recommended single piece lug nuts. We hope this video helps and prepares you if your factory lug nuts are starting to show signs of wear and expansion!
Have you ever had a bad experience with your factory lug nuts? Where were you? How hard was it to get them off? How did you do it? We'd love to know in the comments below!
#fordlugnutsswelling #fordlugnuts #swollenlugnuts

[@user-xw8by2js6d]

Thank you for this video - I followed your instructions and bought the 19.5 socket and it worked like magic!! Still had to put some muscle into it and on several lugs I had to hammer it on but it is so well made and thick, I didn't need a piece of wood over it. Your video saved me over $200!

[@jvnnyoung]

You are a star! I've been waiting months for my Ford dealership to get replacement lug nuts for my 2016 Escape...much higher price tag and I now know that the replacements would be these same troublesome parts. So happy that I got frustrated with waiting, and found your channel! Thanks for the links - I'm ordering the Eisen!

[@treetom77]

Ford is doing great at taking short cuts on quality that affect the ability to operate the car as intended. They need to send the CEO out on a cold rainy night and have him change a flat tire. I'm sure the pennies saved will quickly be realized when he can't get the factory lug wrench on the cheap, deformed lug nuts.

[@erichousel4054]

You’re 100% right. Something so simple can screw so many of us. They obviously don’t care, or there’d be a recall on this years ago.

[@gottalovepiano5682]

Agreed! I’m very disappointed with Ford!

[@SirReginaldBlomfield1234]

Who isn't 😣🇬🇧👍

[@katif3353]

This was EXTREMELY informative! Truly appreciate it. Was stuck trying to change my tire and this video answered why I could only get one lug nut off. Currently waiting to replace all my lug nuts with the recommendation you gave. Thank you!

[@HowToEscapeDIYTipsandReviews]

Awesome!!! Yeah glad the flip socket worked well for you! Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback and sorry for the delay in response!

[@francestyrrell6135]

This was great! I just got my car back from the dealer for a tire rotation, and got hit with a surprise bill of $160 to replace the swollen lugnuts, and they replaced them with the SAME OEM 2- piece ones! Wish I would have seen this video beforehand, and I would have ordered the better ones ahead of time and had them replaced with the better ones.

[@TubbysExplorationsYT]

I'd discovered this issue the hard way: during a driveway brake job. Spent a lot of time with screwdrivers and needle nose pliers trying to get the shell off so I could remove the lug nut. Turns out, if I keep a rubber mallet next to my four way (no OEM tire tool by the time I bought the car), I can "hammer" the four way right onto the lug nut, and I might say it (at least temporarily) stamped the shell right back down onto the nut; when I had to buy new tires, the shop had no problems getting them off. STILL going to replace the whole set though, so thanks for that link to the one-piece lug nuts!

[@ACTube415]

Thank you for posting this! I found out about this problem the hard way when I hit a pothole and couldn't change the tire without the help of someone with a more heavy duty tire iron that we hammered onto the lug nuts (ruined them, but at least was good enough at midnight in a bad area). This should be a recall!

[@HowToEscapeDIYTipsandReviews]

Sorry this is so late in responding! Yeah- glad you got out of there - that's exactly the type of situation you DONT want to be in hah. Glad you still got everything off and were on your way! Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@danp8126]

Good video. The flip method is the best choice. I had to have my 2020 Escape swollen lugs replaced. Fortunately, it was covered by the warranty and the dealer removed and replaced them with new ones.

[@HowToEscapeDIYTipsandReviews]

I agree, @danpcr1 - thanks for taking the time to leave a comment - glad you were able to have your lug nuts under warranty- that rocks. I'm surprised you already had them expanded with your 2020 Escape but I guess it is 2022... time flies. Hope you have smooth sailing with your Escape! Give a shout if there's anything else we can help with- I'm not sure as yours is 2 body styles up, but maybe we can! have a great day and thanks for subscribing! I really appreciate it!

[@BryanGrimmage]

Thank you so much for this video. Method two deff worked. Only a few dings in the nuts, but hey I got them off!

[@ravagingwolverine666]

I forgot about this issue. I saw a video on it a couple of years ago, but hadn't thought about it. Fast forward to earlier today, and I was going to rotate the tires on my mother's car, a 2015 Fusion, and most of the lugs on the left front wouldn't take the socket. Luckily, that was the first tire I worked on, so I only wasted a few minutes. What an irritating problem. Luckily, I encountered it in a non-emergency situation. Looks like I'll be replacing all the lugs as soon as I can. I'll have a look at the links and probably get that flip socket too. The socket makes sense since we have another Fusion as well, though I suspect its lug nuts were already replaces as it's older, but the nuts are in better condition, but that likely won't last. Very helpful video. Thanks!

[@HaiSpy]

In an attempt at changing the ABS wheel speed sensor those caps proved to be incredibly frustrating. The hammering on method didn’t work for me and I knew I was going to have to remove the caps somehow, I ended up using the third option and it worked like a charm. Thank you so much for posting and saving me a trip to the mechanic 🙏🏻

[@HowToEscapeDIYTipsandReviews]

I know it's a huge pain, but glad you got them off on your own time instead of an emergency or paying through the nose for a shop to do it- have a great weekend!

[@markbranan]

This was great info and saved a tow trip! Thanks for posting it!

[@HowToEscapeDIYTipsandReviews]

Awesome- yeah they're not convenient when they become enlarged, but it's good to know how to get them off in a pinch. Glad it helped and you got out of a jam!

[@simeon8360]

This is awesome! Thank you

[@TMM6900]

Thanks Ford for this intelligent Design!

[@1davidsbush]

I had an alloy wheel repair business. Changed over 12,000 wheels. In my experience, here is my professional opinion. 1. It is a poor design, also used by Chrysler on some vehicles. 2. There is no 'swelling' by rust or heat. Only impact wrench damage. 3. The solid chrome lug nuts are the best replacement option. 4. Ask the dealer to show you the lug nuts, guarantee they are damaged If you did not have to use a garage for inspections or tire replacement, and only used a breaker bar and torque wrench w/proper deep 6 pt.socket, they would last for the life of the car. (Same goes with hubcaps. 95% of damaged / missing hubcaps are caused by tire/repair shops)

[@maximillianpalaza]

Thanks for this video. Just went to do my pads and rotors on my 2018 SEL. and I noticed all the heads looked swollen. This just answered my questions. I'm punching holes and removing them now. Gonna take a lot longer than I thought just to change my pad than rotors😂

[@artistAlexS]

Thanks a lot for the video man and all the info. I fixed my ford fiesta S 2015 with ur video. And those beautiful lug nuts fit on my ford fiesta too. Cheers 👌🙏🙏🙏❤️

[@IrieIDam]

Thanks a lot for this video ! I've got the same issue on a Ford Mondeo (fusion in US) with few of these shit*y lug nuts previously destroyed by a mechanic with his impact driver when changing the tyres and I was wondering how to remove this before staying stucked on the side of the road. It helps me a lot !

[@SiteReader]

Good video. I have the same type of two-piece lugs on my 2001 Taurus wagon. They have been swelling over the past 10 years and finally reached the point where I had to hammer on the socket. I had already been using a 3/4" socket on these 19mm nuts (an increase of 0.002"), and getting away with lightly tapping the bigger socket on and rattling it off. But the last time I had to take off a wheel it took multiple hammer blows to get the sockets on, and a cold steel chisel to drive the nuts out of the sockets. That's how I learned they are two-piece construction. I'm replacing them with McGard 64012 lug nuts, just ordered from Rock Auto for $3.40 each. These don't require a special key (or at least they don't say so). I'll let readers know how it goes.

[@erichousel4054]

Thanks for the video! I’ve had my ‘13 Fusion for 2 years and brakes done once and new tires another time. Never had a flat (knocking on wood). I was wiping my rims and noticed one lug nut jiggled so I thought it had some kind of chrome cover … but just to be sure I got out my factory lug wrench to make sure everything was tight. To my surprise the wrench didn’t fit on ANY of my lug nuts. So I was concerned and researched a possible issue. I had no idea this has been and ongoing Ford issue. Kinda pissed and disheartened, but at least I know now before I’m stuck and need to be towed. Thanks again!

[@HowToEscapeDIYTipsandReviews]

Yes! Its frustrating but WAY better to catch it now before you're in a bad spot. Glad you were able to find the issue and take care of it- thanks for taking the time to share your experience with them- dont think I've heard of the caps being that loose before so thats pretty interesting!

[@ChibabaDave]

Thank you mate. Good video. Saved me a lot of time experimenting. Tried hammering a 19mm on earlier but didnt want to force it. Will happily do it now and strip that rubbish off.

[@philmanning2549]

Very useful thanks

[@PTBoehlke]

Ford did the same thing on my '08 Focus. I know at least 2 lug nuts need to be removed using one of these methods. Have new lugs on the way. Thank you for the tips

[@dustbat]

This was the best video I have seen on this subject. I think it is in my future on out 2018 Explorer. My plan is going to the dealer for the "works service" which includes tire rotation. I plan to ask them to r&r the lugs with new one piece unit and they can supply or I will. Cannot see why I should pay labor. Any thoughts? Anyone? My son had new tires put on a 2020 F150. Factory tires were splitting on side wall. He said warranty was too much of a problem so he just went to a tire shop. They brought up the lugs replacement as a preventive measure. They wanted an extra $275 for that. He agreed but they tool so long (shopping at autozone etc.) that he called it off.

[@jacky445]

Just found out this on my first ever ford when trying to check if my wheel nuts aren't loose my 19 mm have fit on the rear wheels fine but come to front and suddenly its too small. What a smart design Ford.

[@asegarra5279]

I just had this issue yesterday when trying to change a flat tire. Had to use the next size lug nut tool to remove them. Are these available for the 2019 Ford Edge Titanium 20in rims?

[@shawnbeck2303]

O.k. Ford Fan's. Just yesterday I took my 2017 Ford Escape Titanium AWD 2.0 turbo in to have the Back brakes redone. Rotor and pads. The back brakes were at 2 and the rotors needed replace. $489.00. Yes, I have had the motor replaced. Do to Water Intrusion. I had a full warranty so Ford got the bill. The funny thing is I got a call from the dealership. My lugnuts we're ruined. Wanted to replaced with the same crappy lugnuts at $10.48 a piece. No Way! I said. Find a better lugnut. They did $80.00 McGuard lugnuts. Stronger, Chrome plated for a lifetime. They look great with black rims. Also, A recall on The trans bushing was replaced for free. There is a better lugnut out there. Gorilla brand and McGard. Replace them before you get a flat. Shawn.

[@Shawn7465]

Very helpful vid Thanks! I'm glad I was not on the side of the road when I found out my factory lugnut wrench didn't work. Are they rusting yet?

[@HowToEscapeDIYTipsandReviews]

They're not! They're looking good so far and its been this long!

[@gonglez1162]

Thanks for the info. Tried the socket you recommended but it still didn't work. Ended up destroying the lug nut caps.

[@williambush7971]

There is another video on youtube that shows how to use a hole saw with the pilot bit not extended into the hole saw. It will cut the cladding off in about 10 seconds.

[@boilerdude21]

Thanks! Tried the brute force and flip method, but 19.5 was too small even with brute force and 20 was too large and slipped. Gonna try the chisel method later tonight.

[@HowToEscapeDIYTipsandReviews]

Alright yeah the chisel is a bit of a hack and chop, but it should get the cap off like in the video. Just try to protect the finish on your rims- it can be tough to be rough while not chipping the wheels. Good luck!

[@elgmac73]

What's the update on rust after year and a half ? I've seen many complaints on the review on Amazon about rusting fast

[@jbrwe]

Thanks dude, great video for a really stupid f%$#n problem. But, yeah, thanks for posting.

[@Sean-ft7ys]

I had a HELL of a time trying to get mine off last night to rotate the tires. Ended up using what you call here, the "brute force method" and have a bunch of damaged nuts as I see you warned about here. Had the wheels rotated by the dealer a few times but never did work on it myself since it was still under warranty. At first I was very angry at the dealer because I thought they did something wrong to cause so much damage to them, but this and other info i've seen suggests it is a poorly designed nut that will only last a few years before the stock tire iron won't work. Very disappointing on Fords part. Just glad I found out in my driveway and not stranded on a roadside. Having trouble finding a replacement, preferably chrome, that won't rust. Even comments on those you recommended mentioned rust after a few months. How have yours faired since you put on about a year ago???

[@Tylerand662]

I went to replace my two front tires on a 2014 Ford escape. But because they could not get the Lugnuts off the right passenger front wheel, the tire was put on my left rear wheel. When I purchased a vehicle about two years later, I had to replace the tires and I replaced all the Lugnuts through Ford, they charge me $350 outrageous. So now I’m back to the same problem hopefully after watching this video I’ll be able to replace my Lugnuts. And not have that problem again.

[@edgarsenpai7700]

i found it easy to use a breaker bar to loosen them first

[@jimdensmore7262]

Well I just got hit with this. Couldn’t get a lug nut off. My simple solution was AAA tow to the dealer, so they replaced the offending lug nut. So now I’ll buy the lug nuts you recommended and replace them.

[@Jay_Dahl]

Ford certainly isn't alone with the swollen lugnut problem! I have always been curious as to why these lugnuts swell. One explanation I heard is that moisture gets into that cap, and when it freezes, it expands and permanently deforms the cap sideways. I don't know if it's true or not, but if anybody else has a logical explanation, I would love to hear it.

[@billgorrell6166]

I bought my Focus used and can tell that the original nuts had been off from the marks on the caps. I was able to carefully tap a deep 19mm socket on to them to get them loosened, then I could tap thesocket side to side (while still on the lug) to get it off. One wheel so far. I've also destroyed the caps on earlier Fords I've owned. I use a 3' breaker bar slow and gentle. This is for a brake pad job. If I get a flat, I call my insurance company's road hazard service. Otherwise, I would carry the bar, socket and hammer for tire changes.

[@lee099000]

went to walmart to get my tires replaced, they said they couldnt replace my tires due my lug nuts being swollen. i was kinda pissed but this vid may have saved me time and money :]

[@lee099000]

those eisen preformance also go on a 2016 fiesta?

[@HowToEscapeDIYTipsandReviews]

Hey there and sorry about the delay- if the threading is the same and the diameter of the sockets for the lugs on the wheel is the same they may work! You can check compatibility by going on Amazon and searching for Eisen lug nuts and filter by your vehicle- it will tell you if it will work!

[@lee099000]

@@HowToEscapeDIYTipsandReviews no worries,just ordered them lug nuts since my size where the same as those hopefully it will work out since I'm currently waiting for that 18.5 socket to come next week or so

[@tlalexander3]

on my new to me 2015 f150 I put a larger socket over it and it just spins and spins. I think the outer shell came apart from the middle portion

[@frenchkey]

Graet videos you have on this chanell. I don't have Escape model but European Cmax 2017 and there is lot of simillariy there. One question. Can I take of beauty covers from the nuts and use them without that?

[@HowToEscapeDIYTipsandReviews]

Hey and thanks for the kind words! Yes- you can take off those covers and just use the steel lugs underneath. The downside is that they could corrode or degrade on the outer surfaces if fully exposed, but you wouldn't be at risk for anything mechanically risky. Just make sure you have a size down for a socket or tire wrench in case you get stuck somewhere with a flat tire vs the factory lug wrench for the lug nut with the cover.

[@ronaldbradley9949]

On the wife's 2017 Escape I had the tires replaced. The tire shop recommended I replace the lug nuts. Having worked at a garage in my younger years the didn't have to explain why. I said do them all.

[@HowToEscapeDIYTipsandReviews]

Yeah thats basically what I'm about to do too so I thought we could head it off and get the set ourselves and do a video on it. New tires going on next week. Were there 2 piece lug nuts when you had your earlier experience too? It was my impression this was a more modern design flaw.

[@ronaldbradley9949]

@@HowToEscapeDIYTipsandReviews the 2 piece lugs have been around for years. Ran into them back in the mid 90s on GM cars.

[@HowToEscapeDIYTipsandReviews]

@@ronaldbradley9949 interesting. Didn't know that- thanks Ronald!

[@ronaldbradley9949]

@@HowToEscapeDIYTipsandReviews now they have a steel lug nut and a cap that screws on to the lug nut to make it look like a chrome lug nut. The cap is usually made of plastic.

[@rmac41981]

Shop probably used a half size larger socket because ford and ruined them. I had my wheel off week before with factory wrench and after new tires they where ruined and factory wrench wouldn’t fit.

[@rpm2dayg648]

Just did this with my '14 Fusion. I noticed if you flatten the tops of the covers with a brass hammer, your punch is less likely to wander. My inner lug nuts (the real ones) were slightly bulged, too. Scary. Ford I'm talking to you.

[@MWash-yr1xe]

1 1/8 inch hole saw without the center drill bit works perfectly. Saw until you see the lip and then just pry off with a screwdriver. Takes two minutes.

[@HowToEscapeDIYTipsandReviews]

WOW. I would have never thought of that- is it hard to get started / does it bounce around or does it bite right into the thin cap as you begin drilling? That's really interesting! Thanks for sharing- I may make a post on this mentioning your tip- do you mind if I quote you with a shout out if we do?

[@MWash-yr1xe]

@@HowToEscapeDIYTipsandReviews oh yeah for sure you can do a video on it or something no doubt. It’s really easy and the hole saw doesn’t bounce around or anything as long as you could hold it steady. I’d say the difficulty level is easy. you could use some three in one to make it easier I’m guessing but I just used the hole saw and it bit right into it no problem. Give it a shot and test it out I’m sure it will be the preferred method to take these stubborn lug nuts off in the future!

[@MWash-yr1xe]

Also this was on a 22 f150 so the size might be different for the hole saw. Names Mike by the way 😁

[@HowToEscapeDIYTipsandReviews]

@@MWash-yr1xe awesome! Thanks a lot Mike! I appreciate the fast follow up and letting me know of the size relativity haha. I was kinda thinking that sounded a bit big for our Escapes but hey he said it worked! Haha thanks man

[@nw5052001]

using a 3/4 socket causes a rounding of the thin metal.being its a bit larger it contacts the points on the thin metal and trys to round it off causing "swelling".....seen it a lot working in the dealership...thinking 12 points and some cheap sockets may be another cause..impacts with the correct fitting socket doesnt seem to cause an issue......your first example shows a lugnut that had been "swollen" by the use of the incorreect socket...the spinning you see at the top is when someone tried too impact it off yet the socket didnt go and only caught the top corners on because it was already "swollen".

[@SirReginaldBlomfield1234]

Thank the gods I just came across your vid and that socket ! Just bought one so have high hopes ! 👍🇬🇧

[@HowToEscapeDIYTipsandReviews]

It's a game changer for sure!

[@ciphercode2298]

Mechanics that dont use a torque wrench or torque bar socket destroy good lugnuts by hammering them to death with impact guns. Theyre paid by the job,so all they car about is gettin one car out and another in. My reputable dealer never damaged mine,but i was out of town and needed an oil change and got another dealer to do that and rotate my tires. He destroyed my lugnuts and told me i needed to buy some new ones. That dealer wanted $103 2 years ago. I bought some oem ones off Ebay for less than half that and theyre fine( as long as you have a good shop to work with)

[@jamesrichardson771]

Brute Force Cybernetics💥

[@SandorFule]

The tyre workshops have the 19.5mm plug wrench. They replace these sh.ts in a few minute.

[@Pssnmeoff]

I went with Eisen nuts in black. I had 2 that the outer "face" of the nut actually separated and fell off...so that the cap of the nut turned into a donut. I blame this on going in too hot with my badass impact though...I torqued them after.

[@HowToEscapeDIYTipsandReviews]

Oh shoot! Your impact gun did that to the eisen nuts???

[@Pssnmeoff]

@@HowToEscapeDIYTipsandReviews Yessir. The circular end part came off, so its flush with the nut part. Like I said I felt like I may have gone a little hard. I have the Bosch Freak combo driver/wrench. Took about a week before it came off. Other one I'd noticed was gone a couple weeks later.

[@HowToEscapeDIYTipsandReviews]

@@Pssnmeoff wow thats intense. I know my box came with a warning to not use an impact at all just to protect finish but I didn't know that would happen too. 100lbf is not a whole lot of torque too so by hand is not too bad ... powerful impacts are fun though!

[@shawnswnh1054]

I just hammered on my 19MM socket and on a couple I had to hammer on my 20MM socket

[@arpjoe]

Replaced factory lug nuts on 2012 Focus and 2018 Escape. Replace the whole set.

[@HowToEscapeDIYTipsandReviews]

Replaced all of ours as well!

[@AM-fu1kq]

I had to replace all mine too

[@rmac41981]

Swollen or destroyed by mechanic using a half size socket. I’ve replaced in past and first time get tire off at shop they are destroyed. They see a ford or dodge and go right for half size bigger.

[@SamuraiEdge556]

My 19.5 flip socket has some play. It’s not snug. Is this normal?

[@ThumperG]

Just depends how swollen your lug nuts have gotten. It’s not like they all swell to exactly 19.5mm. One might be 19.1mm leaving some play for your socket, another may be 19.5 fitting your socket perfectly, and then another one might be 19.6 and be slightly too big for your socket to fit on without force.

[@jeffscheib8799]

2014 focus just realized I have the same problem was trying to buy a 4 way lug wrench couldn't get one to fit. Plan on replacing all lug nuts and never buying a Ford again

[@Themunchyboax]

Did this today on my focus and the last one broke the shell off... Smash a 17mm socket on and it will come off

[@HowToEscapeDIYTipsandReviews]

Nice! Yeah I was able to do that sometimes as well, but had a hard time getting it out of my socket haha.

[@jt8025]

Did the less expensive lug nuts begin to rust immediately?

[@HowToEscapeDIYTipsandReviews]

Not immediately. Took a few years for it to show up on the edges of the hex shape but they're still in ok shape. I had to buy a new set since a shop lost one of them so I did change to the harder plated ones from DP Accessories. Put them on today actually

[@edisongeul2454]

Is that just one order or multiple?

[@HowToEscapeDIYTipsandReviews]

One order? Sorry Edison can you please clarify? Thanks

[@thestig1899]

How are they holding up ?

[@HowToEscapeDIYTipsandReviews]

Hey stig! They're good so far! I got a set for our f150 as well and a shop torqued down hard on them and I have a few hints of discoloration in those areas, but our Escape is going strong with them still looking like new as they don't require as much torque! Through salt, snow, rain, some grit throughout the year...we are very happy with them and the shops have appreciated them big time haha

[@memphis_sean8169]

Brute force for me on my 16' Focus and then obviously replaced them.

[@HowToEscapeDIYTipsandReviews]

Brute force works! Hah- the peace of mind of having single piece lugs is so good now, right?!

[@StevenMRSenior]

I have just replaced all discs an pads and I came across this problem. I had never heard of the 19.5mm socket and luckily had a 20 mm socket. Whilst not ideal it did work and I was able to put the nuts back temporarily as I ordered a new set of solid ones from Amazon prime which arrived the next day. I think it is disgusting that ford put on such a lug nut in the first place. If my mrs had had a flat tyre whilst out there is no way she could have got them off with the factory tools.

[@HowToEscapeDIYTipsandReviews]

Yeah the flip socket is really nice to have if the lug nuts are too far gone- glad you were able to take care of it before an emergency situation! Yes- it is a really poor design thats across the whole Ford lineup unfortunately. Thanks for taking the time to share, Steven!

[@StevenMRSenior]

In fact, as daughter also has a ford I have just ordered a one of those flip sockets from Amazon.

[@HowToEscapeDIYTipsandReviews]

@@StevenMRSenior it can't hurt. That sounds like a good call. I'm not sure if you've heard stories but if it goes to a shop and they have to work them off, you are also on the hook for that labor as well as paying for a whole new set with markup for their margins. Makes sense as they do the work but the flip socket is kind of like a very small insurance policy to have it if/when you need it!

[@MUHAMMADKHAN-pe7ez]

why 18.5, in stead of 17.5 ??? and what about 21.5???

[@braydenison]

I got suck on the side of the road with a flat that I couldn't change because the wrench I had in my car wouldn't fit over the swolen lug nuts. The shop took them all off for free with the condition that I buy all new single piece lugs for $1.25 each. Never been happier to pay an extra $25 in my life. I find it hard to believe that Ford still uses the 2 piece nuts even though every mechanic in the world knows that they only cause issues. Are there any benefits to the 2 piece lugs? Just minimal cost savings for the manufacturer?

[@HowToEscapeDIYTipsandReviews]

Ugh...that sounds terrible but im glad it won't ever happen again for you. I honestly don't know any other reason than cost savings but it can't be by much honestly. Any idea what type the shop put on your vehicle? And how long ago? Just curious to see how they're holding up

[@braydenison]

@@HowToEscapeDIYTipsandReviews The old nuts were the manufacturer originals and were about 4 years old when I had to get them replaced. I took the car to the nearest auto shop which happened to be a Discount Tire store. The replacement One-piece nuts are 3-4 years old and have maintained their shape & size perfectly. They're somewhat tarnished, but no more than I'd expect after dealing with 3-4 harsh winters. I'm pretty happy with them.

[@HowToEscapeDIYTipsandReviews]

@@braydenison that rocks- i hope mine hold out for the same amount of time- we are in Virginia so mid east coast. Not top harsh of winters here... thanks for the update and I appreciate you taking the time to come back and respond- have a great weekend and let us know if there's anything else we can help with.

[@braydenison]

@@HowToEscapeDIYTipsandReviews Of course! And thank you for all of the great videos! They've helped me out quite a few times over the years, especially getting my front wiper arms realigned. My next project is replacing the headlights which are getting close to the end of their life.

[@charleshines1553]

Chrysler has been doing similar things for a long time using lug nuts like those. In all likelihood they still use them too. I got similar single piece ones for a dollar and that was one time I couldn't be happier to spend the $20 (or $25) knowing I would be rid of those things. I had a 1995 Chrysler on which I learned the horror of those lug nuts. So when I got a 2002 Neon, I knew to get those factory ones changed as soon as possible. I would rather have the ugliest lug nuts ever made than those factory ones, at least they would come off without making me wish ill on the bean counter who told them to use them!!

[@dannyo6699]

Everyon please remember: LUGNUTS ARE REPLACABLE!!!! THEY AREN'T PERMINANTLY MOUNTED ON THE STUDS!!!! I work at Walmart in the Auto Care Center and we get this issue almost daily. What happens is a small crack can happen in the chrome cap, or the cap starts to slightly come loose from the inner core. Then moisture gets into the space and freezes in cold weather. Moisture swells the outter piece and it goes out of spec. It's a really bad design and the Ford Escape wasn't the only model Ford put out using these and Ford wasn't the only company doing this. Chrysler/Dodge also used these 2 piece lugnuts on several models. Please, please understand that these incidents require the lugnuts to be replaced, and if you have these style lugnuts, it's only a matter of time before you are going to be faced with this issue and the only real fix is to replace the lugnuts. The 1 piece lugnut is far superior to these units and they can be found at your local auto parts store or buy them online. While you're at it, replace them all, even the one's that are looking ok right now. THEY WILL FAIL AND YOU'LL BE STUCK ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD CALLING SOMEONE BECAUSE YOU CAN'T GET YOUR LUGNUT OFF YOUR FLAT TIRE!!!!!!! Trust me, I've seen this multiple times in my 15 years working at Walmart.

[@ariburgess]

What does one do if they haven’t seen this video and have no idea that the caps swell and then have a blow out in the middle of nowhere only find out that this lug wrench doesn’t fit the swollen caps? Why hasn’t Ford recalled these capped lug nuts?

[@HowToEscapeDIYTipsandReviews]

That is exactly the problem... you could be stranded it wouldn't be an awesome situation. I want to clarify though, they don't just swell on their own- heat over time plus impact drivers from shops and tightening them all shift the caps a little over the main structure of the lug nut. If you do all your own work you can be careful and they would be fine but if you do most of your work at a shop chances are that the impact guns there will accelerate this effect. They really don't need much force to tighten. Only 100ft lbs. That means if you are 100lbs and push your body weight at the end of the wrench, thats enough.

[@capbyrd01]

This isn’t limited to the Escape. The 2015 F150 has the same problem.

[@HowToEscapeDIYTipsandReviews]

I've experienced that first hand as well- we have a 2015 f150 xl and it was a bear getting some of those off a few months ago for a brake job. Crazy... have they changed to single piece nuts for 2016+ trucks?

[@capbyrd01]

@@HowToEscapeDIYTipsandReviews I’m not sure. I just have a 2015 F150 and had to replace the lug nuts on it. I’d recommend to people not to wait until they need the 19.5mm socket and replace the lug nuts now. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

[@HowToEscapeDIYTipsandReviews]

Yeah I agree. My fronts were bad but the rears not so much. In the video we recommend at least getting the 19.5 flip socket as a precaution but perhaps we aren't clear enough on just recommending to replace their whole set of nuts.

[@capbyrd01]

@@HowToEscapeDIYTipsandReviews no, I wasn’t saying that. I didn’t know about this until a year ago. If I had known when I bought the car, I would have swapped them then. I hate that Ford did this to their customers just to save a few bucks off the purchase price. I just wanted to tell as many people as I can that they should proactively replace them to avoid being stuck. Having the 19.5 is a great backup for a mechanic or roadside tech but hopefully if you have to use it, you aren’t putting your bad lug nuts back on.

[@HowToEscapeDIYTipsandReviews]

@@capbyrd01 i agree with you there on all accounts!

[@phillipmartin5760]

I miss the 80s.. This is crazy smdh

[@EvlSpwn]

These trash lugs they put on new vehicles is ridiculous. Changed all mine with aftermarket lugs after first rotation

[@Northwind000]

I beat the shit out of my lug nuts on my 2013 Mustang 😂 I scratched my rims in the process, but it's whatever. Now I have to replace the rest before they get just as bad 👎

[@booboo8577]

My 85 year old mom just called me crying because her ford dealer wants $800 to change "swollen lug nuts". Does this sound anything even close to right?

[@HowToEscapeDIYTipsandReviews]

Thats insane.... even if they're all stuck and even If they are trying to put on factory lug nuts, it should be a quarter of that. Its a known issue and they have the tools and parts to fix it. The only way I can think it could get close to $800 is if wheels needed replacing but thats hard to believe. One factory lug nut from Ford is Part # ACPZ-1012-H and costs roughly $6 a piece online from Ford sites. Multiply that by 20 total lug nuts gets you to $120. Any idea what their labor rate is? Say 3 hours of labor at maybe $130/hr??? Even that is only under $600 which is insane for lug nuts. It may be too late but I'd take it somewhere else

[@ThumperG]

Hope she went somewhere else. $800 to replace swollen lug nuts is an absolute rip off, they were trying to take advantage of an old lady. I would have raised hell if that was my mom or grandmother.

[@mkgreen9750]

The tire technician destroyed my lugs with one service, must have used a socket too large!

[@watergang8294]

I though I read swallowed lug nuts

[@HowToEscapeDIYTipsandReviews]

Hah! Oh my goodness no! Haha

[@Icanfixstuff]

Seeing new lug nuts on that wheel like seeing Diamond ring on mechanics finger 😅😅 way off

[@redeyethor]

Sadly this only made it worse rounded it over back to the garage it goes

[@errolpoxleitner7901]

Those factory lug nuts are crappy.

[@georgelewis2891]

The main problem with this is that it’s a ford. And if you work in the industry, you already knw

[@kagemaru259]

All this just to change the tire. Whomever at Ford thought of this should be fired.

[@jimtang9500]

Shame on Ford. How much does it save for using the poor-quality lug nuts?

[@designthinkingwithgian]

How do people keep buying fords knowing such poor manufacturing quality?!?

[@niss63]

*distorted *damaged Instead of swollen. Otherwise, a helpful video

[@HowToEscapeDIYTipsandReviews]

Thanks @niss63- thats a fair assessment. I do agree with you there after thinking about it. I can change some items in the description but a lot of people search for the term "swollen" when troubleshooting so I may keep it in the title. Thanks for taking the time to say something and for the encouragement on the video!

[@orsoncart9441]

Why does a company like Ford produce such a crap design, there is no reason to have wheel nuts like this!. Before they deform take the nut off and saw the stupid chrome cover off and just leave the nut 18mm nut.

[@HowToEscapeDIYTipsandReviews]

From what I understand, it's not just Ford- seems like a lot of other brands do this as well for cost savings. Really sucks when it bites you and you really need to get the lug nut off. The solid nuts on the underside CAN be left as-is if you take the caps off, but they're exposed to the elements and you could be risking corrosion from seeping in the ends and contaminating the threads. Don't get me wrong, this used to be a widespread design a while back, so it's not unheard of, it just may also not be a great long term solution as those nuts were never coated to be exposed to the elements with corrosion protection I believe.

[@friedicecream]

Ford is just bad

[@oscarreyeshagedorn9820]

What a stupid invention

[@oscarreyeshagedorn9820]

I’ve been working 5 hours trying to get these off

[@HowToEscapeDIYTipsandReviews]

Oh man that is rough. Did you end up getting them off? Which approaches did you try? They really are a huge pain.

[@HowToEscapeDIYTipsandReviews]

Amen to that. They're pretty awful.