PSA - 'Swollen' Lug Nuts (GMC & Chevy Trucks)

[MosportGreen66]

Ok - get your head out the gutter!

Quick PSA on broken & malfunctioning lug nuts. My '19 Denali HD has lugs with a decorative bright metal shell. Overtime the shell can degrade and crack, putting the shape and strength of the lug at risk. In my case, the shell came off affectively breaking the lug on the stud.

I went to change the brakes this past weekend and noticed first hand how dangerous this condition can be, especially when it leads to the inability to change a flat tire as you cannot remove the malfunctioned lugs.

I got a set of McGard (made in USA) direct replacements without a shell. Not cheap - about $250 at Jegs - but well worth the peace of mind. I know a lot of us have the same tow rigs and wanted to share with the community. Check the lugs and replace immediately!

Dan

[AnthonyS]

Wow!

[LetsFNgo]

Deal with them all the time at work on Tahoe cop cars. Always fun.

[Lynn]

Thought GM gave up on these years ago. Pretty sure my 04 Denali has solid lug nuts.
Maybe aftermarket?

[1967 4K]

I had a 2008 Chevy Equinox that had the same thing happen. It’s my understanding what happens is over time when road salt, dirt n moisture get under the SS cover over the steel nut it starts to rust. The rust makes the cover swell and you can’t get a socket on it.
GM used these lug nuts for years on several different vehicles.
I went to Rock Auto and bought a replacement set of steel nuts painted gray. Throw those SS covered things in the trash can.

[luzl78]

Car companies just cutting corners to make a little more. Just do things right people.

[Rsconv68]

Cheap prettiness.

[L78M22Rag]

Many of us have 1970 Chevelles that effectively have the same lugs ;-) I’ll tolerate them on that ride, but can’t stand them on newer vehicles. I’d rather have solid lugs that aren’t as shiny.

[Keith Seymore]

It's true -

Chevy pickups as far back as 1975 have used a stainless cap nut.

I will say this: if you can knock the stainless cap off you can use the next size smaller socket on the base steel lug nut to get it off.

K