The Sienna ended up with a nail in the sidewall this weekend. I took the vehicle to Discount Tire to get the tire replaced under the road hazard warranty. Exact replacement was in stock. Everything went well. No issues there. However the counter guy said the lug nuts were getting swollen and I should think about replacing them at some point. They are a bit scratched up for sure but don’t look swollen. I have heard of this happening but never actually seen it before. I’m thinking this maybe a new upsell tactic. Pics of all four rims attached for reference.
Swollen lug nuts?
- Thread starter ATex7239
- Start date
See how easily a lug socket fits over each one. If its tight, i might replace them.
If not this year, then some year they will be... I replace them right away now, just to get it done before they are a PITA.
Check them as the guys above said about them.
FYI: Tire dealerships love to up sell stuff.
If you happen to need new lug nuts, order them. Gorilla and McGard make excellent replacements.
FYI: Tire dealerships love to up sell stuff.
If you happen to need new lug nuts, order them. Gorilla and McGard make excellent replacements.
Epididymitis can cause that also.
Pretty common for Toyota lug nuts - though 35K seems VERY early for this to happen. The chrome cap distorts.
I personally think this issue is exacerbated by chain shops who use worn-out sockets.
I personally think this issue is exacerbated by chain shops who use worn-out sockets.
55K on the vehicle. Yeah I think the nature of the quick in and out service chains would exacerbate the problem.
Yes, I have a Ford with lugs that are “Chrome Capped“ or something… the are swelling and I’m trying to find replacements that are just 1 piece solid if anyone knows? 2015 Edge.
Sorry, not sure where I got 35K from. 55K is still pretty early.
Some of those chain shop “techs” also like to spin their impacts and let the sockets “catch” onto the lug nut…doubt that helps either.
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It’s not just Ford using those two piece lug nuts. I’m sure there are a few Stellantis owners having the same problem. Cost cutting.
This exactly. If the lug nuts are swollen the default size wrench will be difficult or impossible to fit. This happened with Ford and some other brands as well.
Seems like a trivial issue until you have a flat on the side of the road and the provided wrench doesn't fit.
Summit Racing
At least they don't break studs like Subaru 
Wife's Equinox experienced the swollen lug nuts. The lug wrench was very tight on them, then I learned about the phenomenon. I found some one-piece lug nuts from Dorman on Amazon, and they worked great.
I’ll check it out this weekend. Worst case I will buy some and throw them in the van for DT to change out on the next rotation.
Those two-piece lug nuts have been a problem since at least 1984, since I had to replace every single one on the 1984 Chevy Cavalier I inherited from my dad.
Yes, but often misdiagnosed as “popcorn balls”
I have direct experience with McGard Lug nuts, but even they have to taken care of in rust prone areas. Best to torque them to full torque by hand.
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