Lug nuts falling off

[oil pan 4]

Yes, and nobody dies of lung cancer the first time they smoke.

This is at least 25 years and about 500,000 miles of driving on mine an my wife's car. How does that compare to "smoking one time doesn't give you cancer"? Make it make sense.
Plus it looks like Volvo recommends it.....
Volvos are known for safety. Not known for wheels falling off.

 

[DWS507]

I'm more worried about someone using a impact wrench and over tightening lugs than somebody using a drop of oil

 

[The_Eric]

Oiling, greasing or anti seizing wheel fasteners isn't going to make them loosen. When accounted for you're still applying the same amount of clamping force to the wheel/flange interface and as was already pointed out, that is what really matters. What causes bolted joints to loosen isn't lubrication, it's movement. If a joint that's designed to be rigid moves then practically speaking no amount of thread lockers, fancy washers or anything else is going to keep your fasteners tight. As it pertains to this thread, corrosion WILL allow movement at the wheel/flange interface and WILL cause the wheel fasteners to loosen. Lubed, not lubed, rusty... Don't care, it doesn't matter. A clean wheel to flange interface will tolerate LESS than the book spec in many cases, as long as the loads imparted do not exceed the clamping force available. Seen it many, many times.

 

[Donald]

I might put some grease on old rusty trailer lug nuts or bolts but should not be needed on a car or truck where the tires are rotated every 6000 miles.

Even on a trailer I would try and wipe off all I could.

 

[CapriRacer]

Just so everyone understands.

The torque specs are set up so that unlubricated, there's a certain amount stretch to the bolt, so a certain amount of clamping force. Lube the threads with grease or anti seize and the result is more stretch for the same torque. Usually the bolts are strong enough to be able to take the additional stretch. Usually!!

 

[Trashman]

Was looking at my 07 Impala today and noticed 2 pass rear and 1 on driver rear lug nuts came off. The threads looked fine, but they were gone. Had the car inspected in July for an annual inspection, and I know my mechanic pulled the tires as I watched him. He used torque sticks when reinstalling, but it was kinda weird. He does use antiseize on the threads, maybe the problem? I can't say I have had this happen all that often, maybe 6 years ago I had it happen where some came off an old Merc 190 I had, but before that, never.
Just odd, PSA...so remember to check them periodically I guess.

Two problems here:

1) Torque Stick
2) Antiseize

As @CapriRacer said, unless otherwise specified, manufacturer specs are given for dry threads. And as @oil pan 4 said, torque sticks are a dangerous shortcut that if used, should be double checked with a torque wrench.

 

[Vercingetorix]

Porsche recommended anti seize on the threads on some cars and not on others. As far as I can tell, same lug bolts. Not sure on torque. Porsche uses a lug bolt with a rotating collar.