Earlier today, I tried removing a tire on my 2013 Ford Focus SE and realized that one of the lug nuts is swollen. I watched numerous videos on YouTube, and some of them recommend using a 6 or 12 point 19mm deep socket. First, you pound it onto the swollen socket and then you loosen it. It seems pretty straightforward, but I’m afraid of causing some sort of damage. Another video I watched recommend using this flip socket which has one side that may be the approximate size of the swollen socket. Which method would you recommend?

  • RickMN@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    There are two ways: Buy 1/2 size sockets like 19.5mm or 21.5mm. That’s what they’re designed for. OR, use a small cold chisel and hammer an chisel off the top cap of the lug nut. With the cut off, chisel down the sides and peel back the outer layer until you can get a socket on the steel portion of the lug nut. See this article and scroll down about halfway to see what I’m talking about.

  • initialddriver@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    Also you can help it in the future by washing your wheels and lugs off every time you drive in the winter and at least once a week off season.

      • initialddriver@alien.topBEnglish
        1·
        1 year ago

        After living in NJ for 28 years this guy all it takes is a garden hose and some dawn soap just to rinse the salt off really

          • initialddriver@alien.topBEnglish
            1·
            1 year ago

            You also don’t use much salt or drive as much as I did…I put 4k miles [7k km] per week on my car and after 2 hubs this was pointed out as a cheap maintenance item I can easily do…but do what you will it’s your life I’m just saying I’ve never had ANY rust on my car and it was a 90s tacoma which are NOTORIOUS for rusting in 1 season