Stuck wheel lugs

335 S · 03-06-2011, 04:50 PM

I installed my HRE P40s in November, torqued them to 88 ft with a hand wrench, and 3 months later cannot get them off using same torque wrench. Tried a Craftsman socket, which split. Then used a Bavarian Motor Works socket, and the shear pin on the socket failed. Today I purchased an dual piston impact wrench and an appropriate solid socket. Before I make a complete mess of things, will someone please tell me the impact wrench won't send me to the idiot's hall of fame?

All advise offered is herby waived of any liability. Tax and tags may vary with age. Side effects may include dizziness, dementia, discoloration, or depravity.

Thanks.

ase2dais · 03-06-2011, 05:09 PM

Why would you use a torque wrench to unscrew them?

I cant imagine if you torque them at 88 ft/lbs that you wouldnt be able to unscrew them,
forget the impact and try the good 'ole biggest cross bar you can find to get leverage, try to even step on the bar and ride it with your weight if necessary.

Now, if that doesnt work, I hope you didnt crossed thread it On when you put in On the last time. Dealer or Machinist is your next stop. KACHINNNNG$$

Wah · 03-06-2011, 05:19 PM

You can get a breaker bar for $20 at home depot. I've heard you can fk up a torque wrench by using it to remove lugs.

tha_good_life · 03-06-2011, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wah

You can get a breaker bar for $20 at home depot. I've heard you can fk up a torque wrench by using it to remove lugs.

Yeah, don't use your torque wrench to remove bolts!

335 S · 03-06-2011, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ase2dais

Why would you use a torque wrench to unscrew them?

I cant imagine if you torque them at 88 ft/lbs that you wouldnt be able to unscrew them,
forget the impact and try the good 'ole biggest cross bar you can find to get leverage, try to even step on the bar and ride it with your weight if necessary.

Now, if that doesnt work, I hope you didnt crossed thread it On when you put in On the last time. Dealer or Machinist is your next stop. KACHINNNNG$$

Nice avatar, or whatever. I have a total of 20 lugs that are stuck. I can only assume I did not cross thread all 20.

Thanks

335 S · 03-06-2011, 05:26 PM

Ahh. Did not know the torque wrench is for application, not removal. I stupidly bought the impact wrench. Can I still use with impunity?

My 10th BMW · 03-06-2011, 05:36 PM

Sears Craftsman 3/4" drive slide bar. It has a round shaft,so You can easily slip a pipe over it for leverage.
Then get a 17mm 3/4 drive 6 pt socket. I dare You to break it, even standing on it. Also get a 3/4 to 1/2 adapter so You can use it with all Your 1/2" drive sockets.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...&blockType=G88

elh0102 · 03-06-2011, 08:12 PM

I have a 25" breaker bar from Harbor Freight, 1/2" drive, think it cost about $15. It will loosen your bolts with ease.

335 S · 03-07-2011, 07:34 AM

Thanks all. Save me a trip to the dealer.

Kyoshi71 · 03-07-2011, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ase2dais

Why would you use a torque wrench to unscrew them?

+1

GregW / Oregon · 03-07-2011, 08:30 AM

One must think the lug bolts are out of spec. Did they go on easily? Maybe they stretched when torqued? Are they the OEM bolts, or did you get them with the wheels?

GregW / Oregon · 03-07-2011, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 335 S

Tried a Craftsman socket, which split. Then used a Bavarian Motor Works socket, and the shear pin on the socket failed.

You weren't using 3/8" drive sockets, where you? Quality 1/2" drive ones are pretty stout.

Kyoshi71 · 03-07-2011, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GregW / Oregon

One must think the lug bolts are out of spec. Did they go on easily? Maybe they stretched when torqued?

I was thinking the same exact thing +1

335 S · 03-07-2011, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GregW / Oregon

One must think the lug bolts are out of spec. Did they go on easily? Maybe they stretched when torqued? Are they the OEM bolts, or did you get them with the wheels?

Stock. Went on fine. Came off fine when I got the 2011, then used the stock 11 lugs to put the P40s back on.

Should I use a lubricant or graphite on the threads?

GregW / Oregon · 03-07-2011, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 335 S

Should I use a lubricant or graphite on the threads?

No, no, no. Never do that on fasteners to be torqued to spec, unless called for.

JCtx · 03-07-2011, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ase2dais

I cant imagine if you torque them at 88 ft/lbs that you wouldnt be able to unscrew them

You can't remove a bolt torqued to 88 lb/fts with 88 lb/fts even a minute after installation. Check your physics 101 book

.

HP Man · 03-07-2011, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 335 S

Ahh. Did not know the torque wrench is for application, not removal. I stupidly bought the impact wrench. Can I still use with impunity?

Why are you stupid for buying an impact wrench? I always use an impact wrench to remove lugs. If you change tires frequently (i.e. for track days / servicing brakes and suspension), then it is an invaluable tool. If you have the proper socket, it should get them off no problem.

Grail05 · 03-07-2011, 02:46 PM

ok 1st you dont use torque wrench to removed any type of screws.

heres what you need to do ...

3 steps.
1. get one wheel lock and screw them back in next to the the siezed lock
2. get another wheel lock and screw them on the other side.. basically you have to put 2 wheel locks next to the one that is siezed...
3. torque both at 90
4. removed the one that is siezed.
5 remove the rest.

i guess 5 fives...

let me know if you dont get it ill draw it...

335 S · 03-07-2011, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sean05

ok 1st you dont use torque wrench to removed any type of screws.

heres what you need to do ...

3 steps.
1. get one wheel lock and screw them back in next to the the siezed lock
2. get another wheel lock and screw them on the other side.. basically you have to put 2 wheel locks next to the one that is siezed...
3. torque both at 90
4. removed the one that is siezed.
5 remove the rest.

i guess 5 fives...

let me know if you dont get it ill draw it...

Thanks, good advice. Most of my lugs are seized, so the bracket technique won't work.

335 S · 03-07-2011, 05:31 PM

Update: 380 ft impact wrench did not work on most of the lugs. Set to 5, twin hammer wrench stalled. Nitro glycerine is next.

**ben@tirerack** · 03-07-2011, 05:58 PM

Have you tried the giant breaker bar idea? That will often succeed where other methods fail. Tempting though it may be, do NOT lube your bolts on re-installation, because that will throw your torque specs totally out of whack. You will probably want new bolts though, because whatever is going on here is likely not good.

Grail05 · 03-07-2011, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 335 S

Thanks, good advice. Most of my lugs are seized, so the bracket technique won't work.

oh crap sorry to hear bro... damn i know how you feel specially with that HRE on it...

03-06-2011, 04:50 PM	#1
335 S Vile and Depraved 31 Rep 368 Posts Drives: 2011 E93 M3 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Catatonic State iTrader: (0)	Stuck wheel lugs I installed my HRE P40s in November, torqued them to 88 ft with a hand wrench, and 3 months later cannot get them off using same torque wrench. Tried a Craftsman socket, which split. Then used a Bavarian Motor Works socket, and the shear pin on the socket failed. Today I purchased an dual piston impact wrench and an appropriate solid socket. Before I make a complete mess of things, will someone please tell me the impact wrench won't send me to the idiot's hall of fame? All advise offered is herby waived of any liability. Tax and tags may vary with age. Side effects may include dizziness, dementia, discoloration, or depravity. Thanks.
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03-06-2011, 05:09 PM	#2
ase2dais //Mdicted 347 Rep 9,988 Posts Drives: a Cop Magnet Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: 495 Ring iTrader: (18) Garage List 2009 e92 M3 DCT CF ... [10.00] 2015 S-Works Roubaix [0.00] 2013 Trek Madone 5.9 [9.50] 2012 Scott - CR1-Pro [10.00] 2008 e92 M3 6MT (Up ... [10.00] 2002 e46 M3 Cabriol ... [7.00] 2006 e90-325i (DD) [7.00] 2002 e39 M5 (retired) [9.50]	Why would you use a torque wrench to unscrew them? I cant imagine if you torque them at 88 ft/lbs that you wouldnt be able to unscrew them, forget the impact and try the good 'ole biggest cross bar you can find to get leverage, try to even step on the bar and ride it with your weight if necessary. Now, if that doesnt work, I hope you didnt crossed thread it On when you put in On the last time. Dealer or Machinist is your next stop. KACHINNNNG$$ __________________ Oo\(lll)'(lll)/oO : 2009-e92 ///M3 SpaceGry DCT CF Rf/Trim ZTP ZPP ZCW Sat/PrmSd : \_lOOl___lOOl_/<< Clickies
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03-06-2011, 05:19 PM	#3
Wah IG@i.am.wah 2779 Rep 3,815 Posts Drives: M2 CS Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: NJ iTrader: (4) Garage List 2022 Tesla Model Y ... [0.00] 1974 BMW 2002 [0.00] 2020 BMW M2 CS [0.00]	You can get a breaker bar for $20 at home depot. I've heard you can fk up a torque wrench by using it to remove lugs.
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03-06-2011, 05:26 PM	#6
335 S Vile and Depraved 31 Rep 368 Posts Drives: 2011 E93 M3 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Catatonic State iTrader: (0)	Ahh. Did not know the torque wrench is for application, not removal. I stupidly bought the impact wrench. Can I still use with impunity?
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03-06-2011, 05:36 PM	#7
My 10th BMW Private First Class 6 Rep 139 Posts Drives: 2011.5 M3 Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: socal iTrader: (0)	Sears Craftsman 3/4" drive slide bar. It has a round shaft,so You can easily slip a pipe over it for leverage. Then get a 17mm 3/4 drive 6 pt socket. I dare You to break it, even standing on it. Also get a 3/4 to 1/2 adapter so You can use it with all Your 1/2" drive sockets. http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...&blockType=G88
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03-06-2011, 08:12 PM	#8
elh0102 Captain 15 Rep 751 Posts Drives: 2009 335i coupe Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	I have a 25" breaker bar from Harbor Freight, 1/2" drive, think it cost about $15. It will loosen your bolts with ease.
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03-07-2011, 07:34 AM	#9
335 S Vile and Depraved 31 Rep 368 Posts Drives: 2011 E93 M3 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Catatonic State iTrader: (0)	Thanks all. Save me a trip to the dealer.
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03-07-2011, 08:30 AM	#11
GregW / Oregon Commander-In-Chief 2101 Rep 8,911 Posts Drives: 2023 M2 Coupe, 2020 GLE 450 Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Lake Oswego, OR iTrader: (3) Garage List 2023 M2 Coupe [9.83] 2020 Mercedes GLE 450 [7.25]	One must think the lug bolts are out of spec. Did they go on easily? Maybe they stretched when torqued? Are they the OEM bolts, or did you get them with the wheels? __________________ Greg Lake Oswego, Oregon, USA 2023 M2 Coupe - Brooklyn Grey/Cognac/CF, 6MT; 2020 MB GLE 450 Last edited by GregW / Oregon; 03-07-2011 at 09:59 AM..
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03-07-2011, 02:46 PM	#18
Grail05 Putcha ang ganda... 279 Rep 5,441 Posts Drives: 17 F82 M4 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Los Angeles, Brea CA. iTrader: (10)	ok 1st you dont use torque wrench to removed any type of screws. heres what you need to do ... 3 steps. 1. get one wheel lock and screw them back in next to the the siezed lock 2. get another wheel lock and screw them on the other side.. basically you have to put 2 wheel locks next to the one that is siezed... 3. torque both at 90 4. removed the one that is siezed. 5 remove the rest. i guess 5 fives... let me know if you dont get it ill draw it... __________________
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03-07-2011, 05:31 PM	#20
335 S Vile and Depraved 31 Rep 368 Posts Drives: 2011 E93 M3 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Catatonic State iTrader: (0)	Update: 380 ft impact wrench did not work on most of the lugs. Set to 5, twin hammer wrench stalled. Nitro glycerine is next.
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03-07-2011, 05:58 PM	#21
ben@tirerack M3Post Supporting Vendor 87 Rep 964 Posts Drives: 740i Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: South Bend, IN iTrader: (0)	Have you tried the giant breaker bar idea? That will often succeed where other methods fail. Tempting though it may be, do NOT lube your bolts on re-installation, because that will throw your torque specs totally out of whack. You will probably want new bolts though, because whatever is going on here is likely not good. __________________ _______________________________________________ I have accepted a new position at Tire Rack and am no longer in the sales department. gary@tirerack.com is available to assist with M3 questions.
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