shekmark

I changed over to winter tires three weeks ago. It was a bear getting the lugs loose. I have an impact wrench that wasn't strong enough and a socket that wasn't long enough I guess. Are they always that hard to remove? I did not put anti-sieze on when I replace the lugs. Is this a big deal? What are the repercussions? Thank you.

linderpat

LexVan

Should be dry. Are you torquing properly with a torque wrench to 96 ft.lbs?

You can use a dab of anti seize on the hub. To prevent the wheel sticking to the hat.

extanker

wow....and wrong...again

cosm3os

It's fine to use it, but if you change them out in the spring, chances are they won't be that hard to get off without it.

LexVan

Troll.

hacker-pschorr

If they were that difficult to remove, they were over torqued by a great deal or something is wrong.

No mechanic worth their salt will ever put anti-sieze on wheel threads.
I was recently working with some fresh graduates from the local 2-year automotive SAE tech school. We were working with the tire machine and in conversation I asked: "Do you ever put anti-size on lug threads?" There was much laughter and one spoke up: "Nope, they teach us that in the first week of school!"

IMO some of the confusion came from people who put anit-size on the face of the lug bolt so doesn't seize to the wheel....or people who have issues like this and assume anti-seize is the answer.

Even The Tire Rack says so:
https://tires.tirerack.com/tires/Anti-Seize
It is important to make sure your threads are free of dirt, grit and other materials in order to achieve a proper torque. Do not apply anti-seize compound to the lug hardware or studs. This can result in inaccurate torque readings and/or over torquing of the hardware.

I've never had issues removing properly torqued nuts even on my winter beaters that spend months marinating in a salt lick 4 months a year.


Years ago there were Porsche bulletins stating to use Optimoly HT part number 999.917.728.00 on lugs & specifically stated Optimoly HT does not effect tightening torque. The same cannot be said for anti-sieze.

Bruce In Philly

2009 C2S 121K

I put a tiny dab on the leading threads of each bolt. One tiny dab will last you 5-10 removals. My Porter Cable impact gun works great!!! See my vid below.

My Porsche owners manual specifies the use of anti-seize..... the permatex silver stuff in the little tube is fine... it is primarily aluminum grease.

Peace
Bruce in Philly

mcfisticuffs

On the Jetta and the 911 I give a quick drop or three of oil to keep the lugs from rusting (no longer on the 911 as I have the World Motorsports Ti lugs).

The wheels come of the Jetta twice a year for winter/summer swaps, and they come off the 911 at least a couple times per summer for various fiddling, so they never have time to seize.

Racetwin2

When I studied for my master in mechanical engineering we were always taught that threads have to be lubricated.

All torques in mechanical connections involving nuts and bolts are based on lubricated threads. If not - the torque will not be consistent as majority of it will be used for friction and not actually tightening it enough. Especially the last few mm:s

I use Alu-paste but only on the threads. Very easy to tighten. Don't get stuck either.

Wayne Smith

Like Bruce, my manual also states that anti seize should be used. Lugs yes, spark plugs no.

Obviously there is some confusion here. I'll go with what the factory recommends ... It agrees with what I was taught as a kid.

jennifer911

bah212

FWIW.. this is from the PCA Tech Q&A section:
04.12.2008 Asked by Stephen Etherington
Wheels and TiresVehicle Information: Model : 997 Turbo; Year: 2007; Mileage: 5000;
My owner's manual for the 997 turbo says to use Optimoly TA (aluminum paste) to lubricate the lug nuts when installing wheels. I can't find this product? What should I do? Is there a substitute? Many thanks.
It's just anti-seize. Copper based ones are popular and easy to find.
Joel Reiser answering for Peter Smith

jhbrennan

I'm surprised the anti-seize v. no anti-seize discussion hasn't morphed into a debate over torque specs - is it 96 ft lbs or is it 118 ft lbs? I've used Optimoly and both torque specs over the last 12 years and have never had a loose bolt or difficulty removing a bolt. The only consistency is that we know that this discussion will continue over the coming years.

LexVan

For the 997 the torque spec is 96 ft lbs. It does not go up to 118 ft lbs till the 991 series, mainly do to the larger 20" wheels.