Damaged nuts! Design Flaw or Deliberate? Swollen Ford Lugs

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[@danielbarrett6026]

The dealership wanted $100 to replace the same capped lug nuts that came with it, so I bought a set for $18 that are solid with no chrome cap. Crazy!

[@SHSPVR]

It called a stainless steel cap not chrome

[@danielbarrett6026]

@@SHSPVR actually aluminum over steel 😀

[@GT500Shlby]

It is a crap cap on a crap nut designed by a crack head. I got my latest set at Amazon, solid steel, black might have been $20. I would say 2 years ago. Still work fine, and by the time I need to replace them again the car will be in the junkyard being turned into pepsi cans.

[@chrissometimes7473]

Last Ford I had that had those, I just replaced them all with normal ones. The "covers" were, I think, just a cheap way to make the wheel nuts look expensive. Value Engineering - value for Ford, cost for the consumer. They might be OK of you never used an impact wrench but always used a six point socket but who has time for that?

[@christopherl2143]

Will, All I can say Is that I had A 76 Buick Century. Two Door With lug nuts just like this. I wonder how much the Car Manufacturers save? You peel All the rust And Outer she'll Off And You get A Actual lug nut that Will take A regular Impact Socket. The Car Only had 53,000 Miles On it.

[@vaalrus]

Last Escape I got near was for a similar complaint. Turns out the “clunking” noise was…. lack of and loose wheel lugs… Only two nuts remained, they were half off, and the rest of the studs were broken… Some people shouldn’t be allowed to own cars, I tell you.

[@janaburritt6939]

I have seen 2 piece wheel studs that separate. Happened on my friends 5th wheel and her new truck F 450

[@killahydro2005]

Those lug nuts are just a bad design my girlfriend had a 2013 Ford escape in one of the lug nuts did the same thing

[@BigHappysPlace]

So because someone heard a noise. Brought it in for repair. they shouldn't own a car? This confuses me.

[@vaalrus]

@@BigHappysPlace No, becauise someone drove a car WITH A VISIBLY FALLING OFF WHEEL. They knew which wheel made the noise, they couldn’t be bothered to look at and see the loose AND VANSISHED lug nuts. And they had to drive well out into the country on highways to get it to me.

[@BRBingeDrinker]

@@BigHappysPlace If you're stupid enough to not realize your wheel is about to fall off you probably shouldn't own a car, yes.

[@Ryan-bh3mh]

To make your life way much easier just go buy a socket online 19 1/2 and 21 1/2 y’all will never regret it. I work at a tire shop so I deal with this every day lol

[@---ny4ys]

He has them

[@ColinWatters]

If you have this problem on your own car it's better to just replace the wheel nuts. Otherwise you need a wrench and socket in the car as well for when you get a puncture.

[@markkoeppel7932]

I just replaced mine with solid style lug nuts

[@randellgribben9772]

@@---ny4ys local parts store

[@---ny4ys]

@@randellgribben9772 ?

[@douglasburnside]

Perhaps it's time that someone stirred things up and started pressing for a recall. If you're stuck by the side of the road because you can't get your defective lug nuts loose, that is a safety issue.

[@kjisnot]

I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw those crappy lug nuts. They should have been banned decades ago. Years ago I had a car with those and one of the first things I did is find a solid replacement.

[@MrKirby365]

This is very true... i wouldn't want to think of someone i love stuck on the highway because they cant get the lug nuts off because of a manufacturer defect where they swell

[@biopsyco666]

there was already a lawsuit. the judge sided with Ford $$$

[@tep1003]

One of my friends keeps a small sledge hammer in his Dodge truck in case he gets a flat tire. The wheels are aluminum and the hub is steel and it causes galvanic corrosion that glues the wheel to the hub.

[@michaelwynn9471]

there will never be a recall for it because ford blames the use of impact guns as to why the lugs swell

[@crazyhorsecomedy2871]

Im starting a new job at delta as a gsa tech soon. And I’ve been binge watching your videos to get my mind back in to mechanic mode from a 8 year break of doing other jobs. And I want to tell you that you’re videos have helped so so much, and thank you so much and keep on keeping on.

[@fjg1956]

I guess we'll never know for sure but that sound lines up most with that of a worn stabilizer bar bushing in my playlist of Ford's greatest hits.

[@christopherl2143]

If It was My Vehicle And it was like that. I would replace the bushing And take the junk shocks Off And Put A decent set set on their. But that's Me.

[@oldtimefarmboy617]

If the bushings are worn but not bad enough to replace and making noise, you can get some good silicone lubrication spray and give the bushings a good soaking. Once the lube's carrier fluid drys off the silicone will stop the noise. That way you can drive without squeaks and creaks and wait until they are actually deteriorated enough to justify replacing.

[@piercehawke8021]

2008 Mustang; damn thing would clank when hitting speed bumps, the swaybar to frame bushings shrunk slightly and were so hard, it almost sounded like metal to metal. Another example of swaybar noises would be any vehicle, like a Challenger/300/Charger with those links that looked like tie rod ends, where the ball rested in the socket, it too would clank. Oftentimes, I'd grab the bar and see if it moved even a tiny bit on the bushings, etc.

[@petert24turner71]

A pressure pack of lanolin (sheep wool oil) squirted onto rubber bushings is a great way to eliminate squeaks without damaging the rubber. Also great to prevent corrosion on electrical terminals including batteries. It's widely used in the marine industry. Plus lasts for a long time.

[@yowser8780]

Fluid Film. Lanolin based spray. Sprayed on all the suspect bushings down there... see if the customer reports any other noises after that.

[@euroberto85]

I work for a local government and i actually bought a 19.5mm socket for those lug nuts. Works like a dream

[@JSJFarms]

I found that a little bushing friendly spray lubricant can help diagnose those pesky squeaks. Spray one bushing, test and repeat until squeak is gone then replace parts. Time consuming, yes.

[@pfsantos007]

Silicone spray is good on rubber and works great on bushings. What to avoid - petroleum based products which can damage rubber and make it soft.

[@jimmyhorton8297]

Yep, all of us Ford owners know about swollen nuts. Luckily the dealer I bought my 2019 F150 from, had replaced the factory wheels with aftermarket wheels and lug nuts. Lucky me, no swollen nuts to deal with. Sad thing is, Ford has been doing this for awhile. My brother had to replace all the lug nuts on his 2013 F150 for the same reason, so this isn’t just a “ bad batch “ issue. Ford knows about this and just keeps doing it anyway. Crazy that they can keep getting away with something like that for so long.

[@derneuburger546]

Even here in Germany. I had the very same Problem on my car (2016 Fiesta ST), because the nuts are made in U.S.^^

[@gotdangedcommiesitellyahwa6298]

"Yep, all of us Ford owners know about swollen nuts." Some Ford owners think they have big nuts, but it's actually cancer. Joking aside, this is either a piss poor design, or purposely designed to cost customers more money.

[@wyattarich]

They do it to save a tiny bit of money, and the more people buy into it, the worse it gets. Just like Apple products - they will keep selling them as long as you keep buying.

[@jimmyhorton8297]

@@wyattarich , for sure, but I don’t think my iPhone has as much of a chance of leaving me stranded as faulty lug nuts. And that’s just capitalism. As much as we don’t want them to use crappy products, if I was selling cheap fake chrome lug nuts, I sure as heck wouldn’t turn down a contract from Ford. Doesn’t make the problem any less annoying though.

[@franklaskus2395]

I was chiseling those nuts off at a tire shop back in the 1980s

[@tomkrause62]

Swollen lug nuts come as standard equipment on almost all vehicles in the rust belt. Ford isn't the only ones that use them.

[@theadventuresofchris1409]

I've been battling this swollen lug nut problem on my wife's 2002 F150 for quite some time. I was going to order some new lug nuts but their all foreign junk. So I took the lug nuts off and I used a pair of wire cutters to cut the outer shell off and now I have all perfect lug nuts again. Once you get the metal covering off the outside a 20 mm socket fits perfectly. If you look at these lug nuts they are very well made just the outside covering is junk. Try this to save yourself some cash and these Ford lug nuts are actually better than any of the ones I saw for sale. I live in Arizona so rust isn't a problem.

[@TeemarkConvair]

Nice catch i remember cursing the 2 part lug nuts from the late 60's to 70's.. can't believe they are STILL being made,, smh tires looked like they had used car shmoo on them

[@DavidAragon13]

I curse the engineer who designed them for my XJ... I had to chisel them off my Jeep.

[@tomwilkins284]

I had a 72 Nova that had two piece lug nuts. After having one strip off when changing a flat I replaced them all with solid. Fast forward to 2020 and found I had to change all the lug nuts on my 2016 F-150 for essentially the same reason.

[@JP-mu3xl]

Had them on my 1978 chev Monza & never once swelled up..

[@LadyEmilyNyx]

I just want a 2 hour video of torque wrench cam, and tightening lug nuts. I'd watch the hell out of that. I have no idea why it's so appealing, but gosh do I love it.

[@ChristopherWoods]

There are one hour of impact drivers being used on wheel nut compilations on KZbin if you want uninterrupted close-up ugga-duggas!

[@michaelcarey5981]

I'm in the parts dept at a Ford dealership, lug nuts are, of course a Ford thing. Usually recommend replacing with Dorman nuts.

[@Ryan-bh3mh]

Yeah I figure that out most of dealerships are doing that now I usually just buy A socket 19 1/2 and 21 1/2 makes my life so easy y’all check them out

[@MikeClowder]

Not just a Ford thing. I work at a chevy dealer, I'm convinced this is a purposeful design flaw. I see these swollen lug nuts pretty frequently.

[@gentlemanzackp6591]

metallurgy competent of this lug nut must had some soft metals in em . not properly stress tested for the models

[@xt6wagon]

@@MikeClowder a penny a lug nut adds up when you sell millions of trucks, suvs and cars. Its still dumb because then you blow that on any warranty work that is slowed by this.

[@gregforster5913]

Corporate says "if you're going to buy shit, make sure it's cheap shit" . The lug nut part buyers succeeded in this case.

[@markmawson1]

That's why some tool companies make 18.5mm and 19.5mm sockets because of the special Ford swollen wheel nuts

[@FirieonOG]

It’s not just fords lol any lugs with beauty caps

[@imyourhuckleberry3369]

And to fill the gaps between metric and standard conversion

[@kodonosaki9273]

Certainly, there should be a line for replacing the damaged lug nuts, especially on this small work order.

[@markm5681]

My wife's Focus went in for service, and the shop called us and said they wouldn't rotate the tires unless we paid to have the "swollen lug nuts" replaced. I've never heard of this in my life. They wanted $385 to replace them. I felt like it was some kind of scam so told them no. Sure enough, all 20 of her nuts were swollen beyond even hammering a socket on. I ordered a dual ended impact socket (18.5/19.5 made specifically for this problem) and a set of solid chrome lugs nuts and did it myself for $50. Turns out, my Escape had the same problem... how often do you get to use a specialty tool twice! lol

[@phillipdewitt4454]

I had same problem on 2008 and 2012 F150. Discount Tire offered to replace the 20 lug nuts for $100 parts and labor.

[@ericwhite265]

This has been a problem on Fords for over 30 years. So the odds are pretty good if you buy Fords.

[@jasonmurdoch9936]

This is truly pathetic to save a penny or two

[@lawrencebraun7616]

@@jasonmurdoch9936 It's not to save money The chrome covers look nicer

[@wesgregg6451]

@@lawrencebraun7616 No, what they look like is like Ford used a more expensive lug nut. Ergo, yes, it was to save money. Ford could have also gotten the "looks nicer" effect by *actually* using a better - and proper, for this application - part. But then Ford wouldn't have saved money. (Nor would it have provided a built-in way to take more money from the customer at a later date.)

[@bigtruck57h25]

Don't you love it when customers bring you their car to fix their screw up by claiming something else was going on also... Just saying, well at least you fixed his nuts for him 🤣 everyone don't forget to remember to have a great day and a great weekend! Keep it up Ray you're doing a great job. Greetings from Lake City 😎🌴🇺🇸

[@erikrobles5727]

As long the customer is paying and is not deliberately damaging his car or even if he doing it deliberately as long as he is paying what difference does it make

[@graememckay9972]

I just attempted a repair and botched it. £200 bill but I was honest about the cause.

[@VenerhiaStellarvore]

These lug nuts are just asking for a disaster if youve never seen them before.

[@cesarazpeitia5172]

I work at a shop as a service advisor and I have had to actually deal with taking these off myself so I understand when my techs take longer than usual, Great Ford engineering as always 👍

[@robertcole9661]

Hi Ray, if I get this problem with errant squeaks, I usually climb under the car and get someone to rock the car so I listen closely to pinpoint the noise! It works sometimes but not always! Great video and I follow you every day, keep up the good work!

[@MrTonyPiscatelle]

I get a creeper and get under the car and hang on while someone drives the car around you'll hear all the noises

[@tracymclaughlinholmes677]

@@MrTonyPiscatellealmost spit my coffee on that one 🤣

[@wesleyheckman3331]

A friend has a Ford F150, he bought all new rims and tire online. They came all together, so he came over to use my jack and tools, and help. EVERY lug nut on his truck was just like this. Lucky new rims came with new lugnuts!

[@pookatim]

Whenever looking for a suspension squeak or rattle that you cannot find on the lift, I recommend you put a jack under the sprung parts of the suspension and raise them to ride height. Sometimes, while the suspension is hanging as you had it, there is tension on parts and they appear tight. By loading the springs, then using a rubber mallet on the various suspension areas you may find out what is loose. We would put the vehicle on the lift, then use a dead-man stand under various locations of the suspension and lower the vehicle until the tension is off the rest of the suspension components. More often than not, we would easily find the issue.

[@jmtoomey89]

I literally just had my car at the dealership for a simple oil change. They told me it would be $200 to change the Lug nuts on my 2014 Ford Escape, due to all Lug nuts also being swollen. I told them, so you want me to pay you $200 for a set of defective Lug nuts, that didn’t even last 80,000 miles? Told them, no thanks I’ll do it myself. The look on the service reps face was priceless. Then they tried to charge me for the tire rotation. I told them take it off, you can’t do a tire rotation if you can’t take my tires off. I used to be a strong supporter of Ford, but like previous post, if you can’t even engineer a lug nut I don’t have much faith in the power train.

[@warrenself]

Buy a set of Gorilla lug nuts and be done. I bought my brother a set of repop OEM style nuts and after two years they’re getting crusty. I’ll probably get him some Gorilla’s next along with a couple other cars my family owns. Beware that GM, Chrysler, and Honda also have these.

[@tbozzz8785]

You can spread your frustration among all makers, ive pulled lugs from newer gms, fords mainly anything 03 and up that hasnt had them switched yet or the cover just ripped off

[@tedroesch9133]

In the early eighties a Memphis news station went to a Ford dealership and they were attempting to remove the right rear wheel off of a Mercury Cougar (plastic faced wheel). 1 Burn off the plastic facing. 2. Attach gear puller to destroyed wheel and pull free of hub. Ford/Mercury didn't have a recall notice for this problem.

[@pcspecialistpdx]

@@warrenself, I'm pretty sure Honda doesn't use them but Toyota does.

[@BS-ol3qy]

@@pcspecialistpdx My 1993 DX had them, they had replaced once with new ones from the dealership before I got the car, those did it again and I solved the problem with aftermarket one piece.

[@jwilli9510]

I stopped turning wrenches back in 1999 due to lower back injury.. 2 things I remember.1) Ford lug nuts have a thin metal sheath that separates from the nut itself and swells over time. If memory serves we would shear this cover off and use an 18mm impact socket instead of a 19mm. 2) Dodge/Chrysler stud &threads are a pain in the ass as they age. Dealt with crossthreading issues more times than I can count. Alway keep a container of anti seize handy and ready supply of studs n nuts on hand.

[@mikiedice]

Eisen Performance makes a set of one piece steel lug nuts for a variety of vehicle manufacturers! Great upgrade to swollen nut syndrome!

[@sleepyzano]

Agreed! I bought a set for my ‘18 focus ST. Talk about a world of difference. Eisen Performance lug nuts are great!

[@Begunend20]

It was the first thing I did when I got my Focus Titanium. I bought so heavy duty nuts, because both the ford and my dodge had swollen nuts

[@rajbeekie7124]

My 20 year old car has some squeaks when driving over rough roads. The mechanic looked over it and found nothing visible. He said, "The sound could be some engine mount, a bushing, worn strut, etc. We could change over $1,000 worth parts and still not find the squeaks. Structurally, the car is road worthy. The wheels will not fall off."

[@teardowndan5364]

That is when you break out those wireless 4-8 channels contact microphone kits, set the transmitters up in the suspected areas, listen for which ones are loudest, re-setup if needed until the noises are isolated to specific areas.

[@G_de_Coligny]

@@teardowndan5364 also that’s when you run away from this mechanic… My mom could give the same diagnostic. She never looked under a car and haven’t been sober since the Nixon administration.

[@itech301]

@@teardowndan5364 this is the way

[@inoahmann7542]

@@teardowndan5364 or the cheaper method, a can of wd40. Just spray a couple bushings drive for a minute to see if the sound changed, then if it didn't, keep repeating that process untill it does. Once you find the squeaky component, replace it and enjoy the peace and quiet.

[@flemardo]

I know on some car repair channels invoking the name of SK is a sin but... he did have a decent tip on this. If you got a suspect squeaking part, spray it with WD-40 and if it temporarily stops the squeak, you found the problem. If not, spray down the next one. It's a cheap simple easy way to help narrow things down. That said I'm lazy and I've hosed down a set of suspect bushings with silicone spray and it took care of things long term.

[@beezlebub3955]

Oooh what a true topic! I think intentional, because it’s not a one off problem, it’s been a consistent problem for YEARS!

[@AT-wl9yq]

Those lug nuts are covered under warranty. I replace them all the time. The main reason they warp is from using an impact tool to remove and install them. If you do it manually, they typically don't give problems.

[@randybeard6040]

I concur, impact wrenches and chrome are enemies!!!

[@ColinWatters]

I must remember to tell my Ford dealer not to use an impact wrench on my Ford then.

[@AT-wl9yq]

@@ColinWatters They're not going to listen. Its unheard of for a shop not to use air tools. They will either use torque sticks or a torque wrench after they lightly tighten them with an air tool, but they will never do it all manually. It doesn't matter because if they used air tools on the lug nuts in the past, that's all it takes. At some point they will have a problem. I work for Ford. I can show you how to get new ones for free. There's 2 ways. These lug nuts are covered under warranty. So, if you have an issue with them, they should replace them without a problem. I do it every day. If you are out of warranty, you can still get them. In the workshop manual, it clearly states that impact tools are not to be used on this type of lug nut. Not taking them off, or putting them on with torque sticks. Nothing. So, unless they take them off and put them on by hand, they went against Ford's requirements. If they give you a hard time, threaten to give them a bad survey. Very few people know this, but those surveys are extremely important. Just 1 bad survey can be a nightmare for a dealer. One of the service writers at a dealership got caught fooling with a survey and the manufacturer fined them $50,000.

[@XxCrazyKBxX]

Jumping on one of your new videos as I just watched a ton to say I watch repair stuff randomly at night and came across your videos, I wish you lived closer to me! Just went down your rabbit hole. As a long time self and family mechanic (but non professional) your troubleshooting processes is incredible, and I would gladly have you work on all of my vehicles. Top notch work with great commentary. Keep up the great work man.

[@budshoot6951]

The squeaking is probably the 'heat shield' somewhere in the rear. We had that issue with my wife's car and they couldn't find it @ the Ford dealership the first 2 visits so I pushed a manager and they took it for a week and found it. Rear struts are also a common problem in that model Escape, had to do my wife's after 2 years.

[@nidrof]

I run a tire shop on Long Island and we get customers that try to hold us accountable for the manufacturer defect. When we tell them about the flawed design they think we are full of it. Now when I see it I let the customer know prior to a wheel pull. Also Amazon has great deals on non capped lug nuts.

[@frankbiz]

This video was nuts. Glad you fixed a problem that could of been real bad if he tried to change a flat.

[@Deatomizer]

I rented one of these cars a while ago and I was very impressed with the whole package. It made my business trip that much more pleasurable :)

[@The_True_]

The lugs warped on my 2015 Focus, and I didn't notice until I lost a tire in the middle of nowhere up in the hills, and the local tire shop had a real hard time getting an impact socket on them. Then I had to hammer my own socket on the rest when I replaced them. I was not too happy, but with this year Focus the lugs are the least of my woes...

[@Docthewrench]

What's going on ??

[@FirieonOG]

@len h … likely he needs his clutch’s replaced …. The engine will last for every if taken care of 2.0 duratech … get a manual transmission homie and some aftermarket lids

[@The_True_]

@@FirieonOG Close actually! The duratec spun a bearing and had to get a short block, and the dct already got the clutches, all under warranty. The manual swap will be the only way to go out of warranty, that's for sure. Electrical gremlins have been a problem lately, but a new circuit breaker assembly should take care of most of it, although the hvac is losing it's mind now, and the coolant reservoir cap is no longer removable for some reason... Lol. It's been one thing after another with this car.

[@FirieonOG]

@@The_True_ are you near Phoenix AZ? Never seen a duratec in a shop for engine issues….

[@The_True_]

@@FirieonOG No, central California. It spun the rod bearing and started knocking. Also, the vvt valve is beginning to leak a bit, but it runs great, when it runs. (Main power distribution f9 needs replacing)

[@Wyatt_K]

you need to get a 18.5, 19.5 and 20.5 and 21.5 for swollen lug nuts if you don’t already. i couldn’t work without them. they are sold on the snap on truck i believe blue point makes them.

[@aidencraigallman1656]

Impressive hammer grab 👌, love your content, keep up the amazing mechanic work

[@bigtruck57h25]

Reflexes like a cat I tell ya...😸😸

[@oldtimefarmboy617]

Grabity meets anti-grabity. Anti-grabity wins.😎🤴👍

[@blackericdenice]

I have a video on my channel where I take a so-call swollen lug apart. The lug was not rusted inside. 12 lugs from the right side of my 2016 F150 were damage because Discount Tire used a socket too large. All 12 lugs on the left side were fine.

[@eldoradony]

Ray, you should get yourself a 18.5-19.5mm socket for those lug nut problems. I works great if the chrome cap is missing or if its swollen or boogered up like the one you were working on.

[@mike93eh]

Yep, had to get those sockets for toyotas

[@daijoubu4529]

The easy out works ok on them, albeit a destructive removal, even on safety nuts lol

[@alexhead8484]

Hi, I’m a tech in the UK and we use a special set of sockets just for fords that have half sizes for the chrome caped nuts so in that case it would be 19.5mm. I think the set goes from 18-21.5mm

[@scottbishop7899]

Could have been a dry creak, application of some spray lube might help? Get the heaviest person in the shop to bounce the car by jumping up and down vigorously while you lay on the ground D or stick it on the 4 post ramp?

[@kjisnot]

I've seen shops use tire mounting lube on rubber bushings to help isolate the squeaks. Cheap and easy. Worth a try anyway.

[@terryharvey4811]

I like to check sway bars on a drive on lift. Keeps them in their normal position thus showing any looseness with a simple push/pull or tap with a rubber hammer. Hanging free on a frame lift sometimes changes their contact angle thus taking up the slack/looseness in fit. Ray, if you had 21 lug nut sockets, you could quickly remove all 20 lug nuts, then use the 21st socket to put the new ones on. Then in your spare time you could take the stuck lug nuts/sockets to the press and quickly push them out. Better yet, just borrow everyone else's 19mm sockets for removal of said nuts, then return them with the nuts still stuck in them. USE YOUR SOCKET FOR INSTALL ONLY... YOUR FELLOW TECHS WILL LOVE YOU. Of course this last solution most likely will only work one time, at least in your current shop.

[@teaganwalsh7011]

I did a set of tires a Focus I think and it took me sooo long hammering the 19.5 socket onto every lug nut considering my shop has 3 tire guys and we can go through over 30 cars a day for tires losing time is not fun.

[@rotormandan2657]

As a technician, whenever i see swollen nuts beyound 1/2 mm of spec i refuse to remove them without approval for extra time. The half size impact sockets were not cheap, somebody has to pay. just say HEY>>SORRY i cant work on this vehicle without being able to take off the wheels! The front shop then proceeds to quote additional time to be approved. I request .5 hours book time for extreme cases of swollen nutage.

[@TRG972]

Worked as a Ford dealer technician years ago. Around that time I owned a 2000 Lincoln LS. It had swollen lug nuts. Luckily, i was able to replace them under 'warranty'. And just recently, was working on a 2016 Escape with same problem. I shook my head in disbelief that it's been over 15 years and they still haven't fixed this design! I ended up buying a new one-piece set (no chrome cap) off ebay for around $20.

[@martinburns342]

I own a 2015 Ford Kuga (Escape) 2 ltr Ecoboost engine. I'll have to feel my nuts and see if they're become enlarged, giggity. Thanks for another entertaining video Ray. 🦘

[@slavd.4450]

Would love it if Ray threw in a “Giggity”!

[@johnlord9568]

Damage is caused by multi point sockets and air guns, if you use a socket that actually fits the flats on the nuts there is no problem

[@coltonregal1797]

@@johnlord9568 The damage is because Ford put a stupid chrome cap on a normal lug nut so no standard or metric socket will fit properly.

[@stevelloyd5785]

@@coltonregal1797 Ah, Metric is a standard!

[@johnlord9568]

@@coltonregal1797 mine is a Kuga UK no problem fitting either type of metric socket just that a multi point socket plus air gun doesn’t grip all the flats on the wheel nut only grips on the corners

[@mikevandenbosch9081]

So. If they can't even make a simple thing like lug nuts properly, just imagine the engineering (and cost saving) errors inside the engine, transmission, and frankly everywhere else!

[@inoahmann7542]

Well, Ford is far from the only car manufacturer to use those 2 piece lugs. I'm a fleet mechanic, so I only really work on a lot of Nissan frontiers and everything else is medium duty. But I can confirm nissan lugs are even worse.

[@MFneiche]

@@inoahmann7542 same for chevy. They had similar nuts on some of their cars.

[@SilvaDreams]

@@inoahmann7542 Behold the wonders of buying super cheap chinesium lug nuts to save pennies.

[@divineoracle4809]

It's American cars in general, people can try to say that American cars are, "so great"... If you don't mind having a couple of extra issues along the way, sure they're decent. They are not made like they used to be. Had a 2020 Ford Fusion 1.5, drank coolant like no ones business from brand new. They build stuff that'll turn to trash after payments are over. I thankfully sold it when the car market inflated, bought a used Lexus and haven't looked back.

[@SilvaDreams]

@@divineoracle4809 American cars use to be good when they were actually made here... Unfortunately now days they are just American assembled. Parts made over seas, shipped here and slapped together.

[@frdmstnggt99]

I remember my wife’s escape (same generation) went through a few sway bar end links that solved the squeak problem.

[@bigdogpete43]

Great design. Nobody would notice these lugnuts until you had a flat in the middle of nowhere.

[@joemuncie9187]

I only use McGard lug nuts. They're high quality and guaranteed for life. I have them on my two Monte Carlo "everyday" cars for over 20 years with no problems. I do polish them every few years. I bought a set for my friend Paul's Jeep the first time he changed tires. Again, no problems for years

[@a-borgia4993]

Too many tire rotations with the wrong tools. (I worked a bearing factory that produced integrated wheel hubs. We tested rotor runout everyday and had to replace lugnuts weekly. Lug nuts are designed to be used 5 times to go to recommended torque (about 100 ft.lb)

[@fredwalker839]

Right! 14 mm (22mm or 24 socket ) takes 140 ft. lbs. of torque……not tightened with new air guns till the socket stops turning + 3-4 more “hits” likely now 250 +. Get a reversing torque wrench & try it a few times,,,,,,you will see !

[@MrNota500]

I don't disagree, but the main problem is cheap chinese quality metal. We made quality stuff durn and after the war, then companies figured out they could make more money by outsourcing and selling us junk.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Dang bro you are sky rocketing in subs 2 says ago you were a 410k now your at 414k wow 4k in subs in a few days you killing it bro it's all that good content Ray @Rainman Ray's Repairs

[@Fister_of_Muppets]

I have a 2015 Ford Edge... same problem with the swollen nuts. PITA. Went online and bought a full set of new one-piece solid nuts for $20. You'd think that something as important as the last line of defense that holds your wheels on would be more important to the Ford money managers. My woman drives the Edge the most and knows how to change a wheel, but if she gets a flat on the side of the road, how is she supposed to safely and quickly change a tire without getting ran over on the highway dealing with those swollen OEM nuts? The only swollen nuts I want her dealing with are at home.

[@shanestrains2849]

LoL!

[@user-kr9mh5oi1q]

I am glad you are here. Nice catch, and you didn't knock your nuts doing it

[@benjaminsmith7228]

And that's why my family always switches out the lugs for either splined or higher quality regular lug nuts. Hell I bought 23 splined ones for my old cherokee because Chrysler had their issues with em too, and I didn't even want em on the spare tire mount on my bumper.

[@DubPeezy]

Same thing happened to my lug nuts on my old 2016 Mustang. After replacing a few with the same Ford nuts, I ordered a full set from American muscle. That mustang was fun to drive, but I never had so many issues before 60k miles. Water pumps…multiple evap cores and the list goes on

[@frederickowen8887]

Reason I bought my first and last F150 XLT Lariat 4X4 in 1994. So many defects in 35,000 miles. 3 fan clutches, 2 radios, 5 sets of rear brake rotors due to warpage, AC POA valve missing from the factory AC worked fine until you got in stop and go traffic. I drove a 116 miles daily commute (all interstate). The truck was beautiful, rode very well, was a beast in snow or mud (due to front and rear limited slip differentials) got 20-22 mpg on highway. I loved the dual fuel tanks. Never did figure out why the rotors kept warping.

[@FMChimera]

Considering this has been a known issue with these tin-wrapped lug nuts since GM was sticking them on Camaros in the late 60's, at least, this is either deliberate or deliberately ignorant, at best.

[@barbmelle3136]

As long as they look good in the show room. Manufacturers try to please the shareholders first, the government second, the marketing people third. The people who maintain cars never make the list.

[@tomwalker779]

And Chrysler as well

[@ryang1589]

The easiest way to remove the damaged lug from the socket is to find a bolt that fits inside the socket point it towards the ground and just drop it pops right out

[@mrwascallyt9865]

yeah i used a wood dowel why does everyone here agree this is messed up especially if u had to change a flat at the worst time and yet they seem to have been doing this for some time wth

[@Onewheelordeal]

You wouldn't believe how fast those lug nuts rust out in the NE. You get maybe 2 winters before you need a hammer

[@onefastboi14]

Had some on my 07 Jaguar XJ8 as Ford used to own Jaguar back from the late 90’s to 2010 or so. Replaced the oem Ford junk lug nuts with some quality ones from Discount Tire and it’s served me well.

[@alex1949]

Had the same problem with my 06 Dodge. Stupid me just put a +.5mm socket and breaker bar with the jack. Worked fine until the tin cover came off the lug nut. Even stupider me bought a Dorman lug of the same design. Rinse and repeat. Wised up and replaced all with solid nuts. Glad I did, because I had to change a tire in the vast middle of nowhere, Texas.

[@Coogles]

I had swollen nuts on my 2013 Fusion, clearly a design flaw but Ford ain't gonna fix their mistake for free.

[@raidkoast]

Just wait until after market lugs start being really popular. Then Ford's might get the brilliant idea for a fix fast... Actually on second thought and much smarter thought.. There has to be other vehicles that run M19 nuts with similar length studs so getting new ones that are better should not be impossible.

[@TheSeaLark]

I like watching your videos before going to work because you’re so calm and easy tempered. I get so frustrated with the turds I wrench on, watching you work before I have to helps remind me it’s nothing to get flustered and start cussing and throwing a fit about, it’s just a machine and it’s owner is only human.

[@michaelwynn9471]

The new lugs the customer bought are actually for Honda's. They're a ball seat lug instead of conical seat, Fords use conical seat lugs. Using the wrong seat lugs can cause a wheel off.

[@TheOnlySgtRock]

I caught that right away too. Good thing he didn't try to use them.

[@SteveToccoDrummer]

Best hammer catch I've ever seen!!!! 11:32 "I just moved through the matrix." LOL!!!!!

[@kdkdiesel]

For whoever might see this, 2 part lugs only swell after impact guns are used. If one were to only use hand tools, this would not be an issue. (Yes I believe ford techs use impacts too)

[@83ryangreen]

Why would this be the case?

[@noberet]

A 1996 Dakota was the first thing I discovered those cheap old two part lug nuts, and a mechanic had the same problem as you. Replaced them with solid lug nuts from Auto Zone, and preemptively replaced the lug nuts on a 1996 Jeep XJ as soon as I bought it.

[@BA-gn3qb]

Who just wants one side rotation? 🤦‍♂️😖 Before lifting it, I would've crawled under as a buddy bounced the rear end. Then check the brake squeak too.

[@TheOnlySgtRock]

Especially since he replaced all the lug nuts anyways.

[@richardfabacher3705]

In the early introduction of radials, it was accepted that they could only spin one way. Moving L to R and vice-versa was supposed to weaken the belts. From a 1974 Tire Supplement to Owner's manual: "cross‐switching is not recommended for radial-ply tires. In a four‐tire rotation, the front tires are moved straight back to the rear and the rear tires are moved straight forward to the front. Five-tire rotation should not be used with radial-ply tires." This all changed with steel belts.

[@BA-gn3qb]

@@richardfabacher3705 - This ain't 1974 any more. In 2022, non-directional tires of the same size, we move the fronts straight back and the rears get crossed to the front.

[@richardfabacher3705]

@@BA-gn3qb Just trying to offer a possible explanation where the customer might be coming from. I said "this all changed." Sorry.

[@wynonarburgstiner4667]

I had a squeak in my front bumper almost for the first week I had the car. Checked and tightened the bolts. It still squeaks under certain driving conditions (awful roads with a lot of holes) and the car has 173,000 miles on it and is 18 years old. Best car I ever had, and it is the 6th Ford product I have owned in my long life. A 1989 Ford 500 Station Wagon was the first we affectionately called it the barge it was so big, man did have an awesome motor the largest you could put in a passenger car at that time. 2 Mustangs, a LTD sedan V8 and 2 Mercury Grand marquis. I still love this last one, have never had anything but maintenance done to the car plus of course tires, finally had to put shocks after driving on Louisiana's horrible roads for 3 years. I don't drive much but still live in Louisiana so now I need springs and struts. Oh well, I can not buy my car today even used. Everyone I know that has one is keeping it. The worst mistake Ford made was discontinuing the Grand Marquis. I bought 2 of them and would have purchased another one is possible when this one hit 150,000K , mine had the Police Interceptor motor. My grandsons love driving it because of the speed you get when passing ortraveling on the interstates.

[@stephenmead8183]

Why would an engineer ever think of doing that to lug nuts.

[@onefastboi14]

My 07 XJ8 had lug nuts like that as Ford used to own Jaguar. Absolute junk. Got them replaced with some better quality ones from Discount Tire and haven’t looked back.

[@madmatt2024]

It's probably manufacturing cost because almost all auto manufacturers have used or currently use these stupid lug nuts. The only ones I can think of that don't are Honda, Mazda, Nissan, and I think Mitsubishi.

[@peterbockholm3176]

Because they always look nice and shiny for a small production cost. It's a result of the constant battle between the engineers and the bean counters. The battle is usually won by the latter part since they are the dark side that stands between good engineering and the almighty stock holders. The stock holders primary interest is the design department. However, for the same reason as the engineers, the design department is also forced to obey the bean counters. And that is why all new cars have the same look today, no one dares to make cars with a personality. I'm a BMW-guy and for me the E38 (1994-2001) was the last beautiful car they made, classic lines and perfect proportions. Today they are buck-toothed and look like they fell from the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down. Ultimately the stock holders always are the ones to blame, they indirectly via the bean counters set obstacles in the way for the visions of the people who creates the car. Both engineers and designers would for sure have preferred a normal chromed bolt, but they cost a little more. And "a little more" times 250' becomes serious money.

[@bradshockling1055]

The two piece lug nut is made with a high strength alloy steel core, and a stainless steel cover. The alloy steel is required to get the proper clamp load, and the stainless cover is for appearance purposes only. These lugs are more expensive than all other options, less solid stainless. A solid stainless lug nut is not strong enough. Plated lugs (chrome, zinc, galvanized, etc.) and plain steel lugs corrode, and the customers complain about the appearance. It's not the engineers who don't properly evaluate the options, or the finance team that is not willing to spend more. It is ultimately what the majority of customers want.

[@madmatt2024]

@@bradshockling1055 I'm going to say that you are wrong simply because the majority of customers don't care about what their lug nuts look like. Even true car enthusiasts don't usually care about what lug nuts come on a car.

[@kenGPT]

With ford nuts, get yourself a set of sockets that has 18.5/19.5/21.5/22.5 sizes. Helps out A LOT with swollen FORD nuts. And when I torque tires, I ALWAYS start with LF as you would like servicing TPMS. That way I know I did all of them and there is no doubt.

[@CannonFodder873]

It's FAR too expensive to put solid ONE-PIECE lug nuts on a 50K vehicle. YOUR inconvenience means FORD gets $80 more profit...c'mon, people.🤣

[@jamestone265]

I use a socket and breaker bar to break loose every wheel before raising each wheel. I always use a 3/8” battery driver after it in the air. Never hurt a stainless over steel lug nut.

[@theeviloneohyes]

You get a lot of people wanting to find out what's wrong with their car yet don't want to get it fixed , seems to me you do the diag, and they get someone else to do the repair cheaper i would find that rather annoying

[@tstricklin4808]

Why ,he gets paid to diagnose the problem

[@MeZpatriot5O]

I had my truck at the dealer for warranty work. They suggested service for the 4x4 oil change ($500), coolant flush ($500) and parking brake service ($900). I did the 4x4 myself ($200 for the oil), coolant flush ($170 for coolant and distilled water) and parking brake shoes/hardware($65). So it's not that people don't want the service done, it's they may have other options to have it done.

[@fillmainlol5973]

the price to diagnose is $95 where i am they getting paid any how

[@av8tore71]

Same thing happened to my daughters Jeep Patriot. I bought a 18.5 socket and for the Chrysler product it worked good

[@module79l28]

5:20 - I firmly believe there's a socket size between 19 and 21. 😉 So, the customer ordered a tyre rotation only on one side and you didn't tell him that was a bad idea?

[@Wex_]

he doesnt deal with customers I think, he just does what the customer said to the people who are in front desk

[@module79l28]

@@Wex_ -Well, he said he went to talk to the owner to let him know what should be replaced, according to his diagnostic.

[@TheRealMrCods]

There is a socket between 19 and 21, I know because I have one 👍

[@baldy95307]

I suspect the owner rotated the tires on the left/driver side but when he went to the right/passenger side is when he rounded off two lug nuts. He gave up and brought the car into the shop and ask to rotate the right side only. But now we get into the great debate about the best rotation pattern, front to rear, criss-cross, rotational, etc.

[@TheOnlySgtRock]

I just replaced all the lug nuts on my Ford Escape. I went with Mguard 64012. It was a toss up between them and the Dorman Ray used. I felt the quality of the Mcgards was a bit better. You will need 5 packs (4 each) to replace the entire car. The Mcgards are top notch. No more swollen lug nuts.

[@TheBlueberry606]

I have to ask, with all the wireless headset technology, why does every shop have a bay ringer? If its that irritating to the mechanics,, why continue to torchure them? I think it would be an osha rule about unusual sounds or something.

[@rexko381]

might be a cost issue for the shop owners. But I agreed with your comments.

[@rexko381]

or safety issues?

[@darkxipher1908]

That’s the money sound lol

[@TheBlueberry606]

@@darkxipher1908 🤣

[@raymondgiles1438]

I had the same situation with my car, went a purchased a 20mm solved it easily. Have had no problems since then

[@peterbland7227]

I have a 2013 Ford C-Max Energi, and I recall having all my lug nuts replaced a few years ago. Unlike the owner, I almost always go with the technician’s recommendations if I trust the shop.

[@johnshowler2543]

Just dealt with the lugnut issue the other day. Carpooling with a friend and a tire blew. Could not get the lugs off. No tools except a spider wrench and the lugnut tool. Used the tool to hammer the spider wrench on and then spin them off. Same issue with the caps. He had the tire and all 4 sets of lugnuts replaced.

[@patrickstevens7786]

Lug nuts covers another example of the great Ford engineering group!!!!!!!!!!!

[@steveschaff8848]

those lug nuts are a pitfa, my sister in law has a fusion with the same issue I had to argue to get her to change all of them, great video and confirmation of my issue

[@patricspointofview7188]

Haven't done much mechanical work on stuff since I've been a subscriber to your channel. Did a brake and strut job on my wife's car this morning. Found myself saying "click" a lot!! Lol. Great channel. Thanks for the content.

[@gertiestravelchannel5957]

Our family fleet consists of a 2017 Kuga (escape) 2.0tdci, 2014 Focus 1.6 tdci and a 2013 Ranger wildtrak. I have replaced the lug nuts on all of these vehicles at least once. The Ranger has had two lots. Here in the UK the problem is the salt and other crud that gets between the nut itself and the shiny outer part, causing swelling to the point of not being able to get the socket on. Bought a few sets off eBay, non genuine, and they are doing really well at the mo.

[@Atomicmouse06]

Love the videos Ray, just recently found your channel through a friend and have been enjoying all the clicks, gravity and doo-da-do-di-doo's thats been going along with them.

[@ForfeMac]

I got a lug nut socket set with half millimeter sized sockets, it works wonders on my swollen nuts.

[@scottsmith8505]

We had the same issues with our 2016 Escape. Swollen lug nuts and noises in the rear suspension. The suspension issue started not long after we bought the car. The dealership ended up replacing numerous rear suspension parts, to include the struts and mounts. It took many visits until they finally got it fixed. While Ford covered the suspension issues, the lug nuts took a few years to swell up and they were not covered.

[@ramonalvarez8559]

Swelling lug nuts are very common with not only Ford but Chrysler too. Reason why because majority of independent shops and dealerships recommend tire rotation with every oil change. Heat builds up causing to swell up cap lug nuts.

[@glennjones8121]

It's nice to see someone who knows how to use a torque wrench properly. So often I see young guys at tire shops bouncing the torque wrench. Unfortunately that usually means improperly tourqed lug nuts.

[@godseal2]

I usually see the guys at you're ships running torque sticks or just straight impacts on it. They're so bad. I have to tell them to use a torque wrench and watch them and I hate being that guy...

[@m.b8257]

Way to go Furd, I had the same thing happen when I put the winter tires on my dads Furd.

[@cheeseburgerbeefcake]

I do love that Freedom units are 4x 1/4, and (very slightly less than) 1/3rd of a 1/4

[@phr3dmcc0y]

not to "tell you what to do" but all you had to say was "ok i swapped the lugnuts on the other side off camera, now were all set to torque them all to spec" You make such great content, thank you!

[@enricoroque2781]

we have the same problem with some ford ecosport and raptors with the can on the lugnuts being chewed up by improper tightening and loosening mainly caused inexperienced car owner unable to use the tyre wrench included we always encouraged to have those lugnuts replaced with proper milled nuts , one other solution would the complete removal of the can cover on the lugnuts making it from 19mm to 18mm which also makes the included tire wrench unuseble.

[@TSKseattle]

You have to fish around and find the closest SAE/MM socket to get it engaged. My toyota scion XB did the same thing after about 8 years ago. Swapping studded tire wheels every year became a challenge. Finally replaced them all last year

[@matthewholzinger1042]

My 86 Bronco had the same style lug nuts with the same internal rust problem. Replaced all of them.

[@LeewardStudios]

I had one lug nut on my 2014 Expedition that rounded. They were all massively over torqued. I had to stand on a 20 inch breaker bar to pop them free. I tried 12 point and under sized sockets that just kept rounding the chrome sheath. Used an extractor set and the socket split in half. Due to the very deeply set in nuts I could not get a splitter on them nor use an air hammer to push it off. Drilled the stud but could not get any angular motion on the nut. Eventually had to drill, and drill and drill through the nut . Pounded with air and hand cold chisels until it eventually split in half. Installing the new stud was easy. Of course I had ordered a full set of lug nuts and replaced them all. Once again the lesson is NEVER use an impact to install lug nuts!

[@jimmyb1451]

There's nothing wrong with using an impact gun to install wheel nuts. The problem is the operator. Tire shops are renowned the world over for over torquing wheel nuts. Probably because tire fitters are not mechanics (though they should know better).

[@AT-wl9yq]

@@jimmyb1451 You're not supposed to use an impact on them even if you use torque sticks. Impact loosens the tin cap over the lug nut.

[@jimmyb1451]

@@AT-wl9yq I couldn't give a toss. Those nuts are going to fail, no matter how they are treated. No one, worth their salt, would refit them to any vehicle, unless the customer is too tight to replace them.

[@AT-wl9yq]

@@jimmyb1451 You can do it however you want, but this issue generally doesn't happen if you don't use impact. Its clearly listed in the workshop manual for vehicles that have these lug nuts. Also, if they fail while the vehicle us under warranty, you can just replace them. Just have your service writer add a line to the RO and get new ones from parts.

[@jimmyb1451]

@@AT-wl9yq Why does it not surprise me that you work in a dealership? This issue generally always happens, impact gun or not the caps always become deformed and loose over time. The only thing that stops them from coming loose is the rust jacking from dissimilar metals. A better idea, would be for OEMs to stop producing them. Especially given that their existence offers literally no single advantage over standard, solid wheel nuts.

[@noname-sd1tc]

1:02 Hey man, watch where you're pointing! You almost poked my eye out!

[@nicholas440]

For suspension noise I use a can of silicone spray and spray stuff and check it off as I go

[@kapa4565]

Hello and greetings from Finland! Aren´t you tired to listen that doododoodoo sound? Where i work those work related calls goes straight to people who plans my day. I´m thinking it´s pretty stressful like so.

[@philip4193]

Had the same issue with my '08 Jeep Wrangler; a "tough, off-road vehicle" but fitted with these crappy capped soft wheel nuts that round out easily & then fall-off and could leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere if you ever needed to change a tyre out on the trails (the supplied wheel wrench is oversized if the caps are gone and you need to wrench on the nut underneath). Had one where the thin chrome cap came off (several of these caps on the other wheel nuts had gone missing too) and the nut underneath was rounded-out (seems that they are made of really soft steel). Try as we did it wouldn't come loose (probably overtightened & rounded-out by a tyre shop at a previous rotation/change) so had to drill & punch the stud out in the end and replace it. Got back to town & replaced the lot with old-school (but cheap) solid-steel aftermarket nuts and they work great & have never let me down since, despite numerous rotations using impact drivers. Just goes to show that sometimes cheap Chinese aftermarket replacement parts are actually better than OEM parts found on US-assembled vehicles (having said that, quite a few of the OEM parts on my Wrangler including the alloy wheels are stamped "made in China" so it appears that I may have just replaced some inferior Chinese parts with slightly more expensive and better engineered Chinese parts).