I don't think I've ever replaced one ...
Crush washer truth
- Thread starter TomYoung
- Start date
They are a finer pitch thread, which has some sound engineering theory behind it(stronger, less torque needed,), but also makes them prone to galling if you zing them off too fast and they don't have much meat to lose to rust. I assume you're starting lug nuts in an impact to cross thread them, so don't do that!
VW specs a complete new drain bolt with integrated washer on every oil change. 
I switched over to a dimple magnetic and just do a new washer each oc.
I switched over to a dimple magnetic and just do a new washer each oc.
I have not changed a crush washer on any of my toyotas since I left the dealership in 2003 and lost my source of free drain plug washers...lol.
I've put at least 90K miles on each of 5 toyotas in that time frame.
Never a drip.
Subaru uses a weird washer that is made in 2 parts, once it is used it is done. On the lug nuts I find using a cordless impact that has bolt removal mode works best, as soon as it cracks it loose the gun slows way down, it does seem to save the threads. Most that I have run into that are crossed have been over tightened at some point usually by some careless tire store jockey.
I've seen one crush washer so deformed that I could not remove it off the bolt. The metal got pancaked, and the diameter shrunk to be smaller than the threads.
I doubt this can happen with one overtightening, but if you keep reusing the same one it could happen.
I think people have measured what happens to a crush washer and it gets thinner after every use, so you could reuse it a few times. I don't see why not.
I doubt this can happen with one overtightening, but if you keep reusing the same one it could happen.
I think people have measured what happens to a crush washer and it gets thinner after every use, so you could reuse it a few times. I don't see why not.
If I see wetness around the plug, I change the washer, otherwise I just keep re-using whatever is on.
Needless to say, it's not often that I need to change them.
Needless to say, it's not often that I need to change them.
4WD
$50 site donor 2025
Once in a while if they looked suspect …
wemay
Site Donor 2023
I don't change them at every OCI either. Especially if the area is dry.
I like to replace them, but at what interval depends on the type of washer. The Jetta has a washer that you can't get off the drain plug (VW says you have to replace the drain bolt...). I usually reuse that type about 5 or 6 times, then replace it just in case, since I did have one leak before. Those multilayered ones Subaru likes to use, which actually crush, I replace every time. Though I did change the diff fluid on my FRS a few years back, realized I got the wrong washer, and just reused the old flattened one without an issue. Regular aluminium or copper washers (or whatever those blue ones are that Toyota uses) are easy enough to buy in bulk so I just change those every oil change. But if I didn't have any at hand, I'd be perfectly comfortable reusing old ones.
MolaKule
Staff member
Your wording implied an accusation of lying.
Fancy. Sort of what I see on spark plugs. I don't think they get completely crushed when torqued properly but retain some plasticity.
You have never landed on a solid opinion because so many people are ignorant on how they work.
They only crush correctly the first time. (Yes, if you heat, then anneal the flat metal ones, they can be made “as new” but thinner. Those who re-use them typically don’t do this).
They should be changed every time.
The “increased enthusiasm” is the propagation of best practice, not some weird psychological phenomenon.
Those who re-use them are asking for a leak, or overtorquing, just to save 15 cents.
Not an opinion to which you should be paying attention.
I have never understood the point of reusing a crush washer. 
You come from a world were training, procedure, protocol, and discipline are paramount, and to be respected, or things can get really ugly.
"Never had a problem" won't be found in any manual, guidebook, or checklist, or any standard that is followed.
Plainly, the stakes are much lower here, where that standard is often applied, for a 15 cent washer, or a $10 container of brake fluid every few years.
Or even a tire, the thing that could propel you into something, or someone, if it fails.
For some, even in those circumstances, NHAP represents a disproportionately weighty argument, an odd contradiction for a forum dedicated to good, proper maintenance.
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
