Should I replace these wheel nuts or keep using them

Tiny
WALLY AB
  • MEMBER
  • 2013 KIA RIO
  • 1.5L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 59,000 MILES
After inspecting and replacing my rear brakes, the last shop I went to stripped the studs. Two broke off. I ended up calling every parts store in town and the best price I could find for these replacement lug nuts for the car listed above with steel wheels were more than $6.00 a piece. I called the dealer and they charge $10.00 per wheel nut which is ridiculous.

Anyways I inspected my other nuts on the car and it seems they all have developed a taper on the bottom meeting the wheel. I showed my neighbour who worked as a mechanic and he said they are still fine to use, but I would rather get a second opinion.

Me personally, I always torque the wheels to 80ft/lbs on this car.
Saturday, July 21st, 2018 AT 2:41 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 12,958 POSTS
That wear is normal as the steel and lug nut tapers are at slightly different angles, that allows for more friction to hold the lug nut in place better. I might check all the studs though, if they stripped and broke any they could have damaged other ones.
Spec for torque - 65 - 80 ft/lbs.
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Saturday, July 21st, 2018 AT 5:53 PM
Tiny
WALLY AB
  • MEMBER
  • 62 POSTS
I am just a little concerned because it seems like the taper wear on the nuts does not seem 100% even, like one put of the nut has a larger taper than the other. Does it really make a difference?

The studs were fine, just one on the other side had a small nick at the top.
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Saturday, July 21st, 2018 AT 7:05 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 12,958 POSTS
That is the same pattern you will see after you tighten down a new one. It is because the tapers are different and the uneven wear is because the holes and studs are close, but not 100% perfectly aligned. So you are going to get odd patterns unless you mark every wheel hole and lug nut and put them back on the exact same spot and at the exact same torque every time.
Overall it is nothing to worry about.
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Saturday, July 21st, 2018 AT 10:30 PM
Tiny
WALLY AB
  • MEMBER
  • 62 POSTS
Thank you! I appreciate the time you took to reply.
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Saturday, July 21st, 2018 AT 11:18 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 12,958 POSTS
No problem. Thank you for using 2CarPros. Please return anytime with your automotive questions, we are here to help.
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Sunday, July 22nd, 2018 AT 12:19 AM

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