I just got my 2017 F250 XLT (factory 18" wheels) serviced at my independent mechanic today. He said the lug nuts are starting to swell. His torque stick is having trouble going over the nut. This happened with my prior truck as well (2013 F150) and I bought after market single piece lug nuts for it. This truck is 5 months old with 10,000 miles on it. Has this happened to others? I've searched this forum, but didn't find any instance of this. I'll have to check with the dealer to see if there is any remedy from Ford.

 

The lug nuts don't swell. He was using the wrong size socket.

 

 

Had an issue on wifes van.... lug nuts did swell. Socket wouldnt fit entirely on the lug, only about half way. Tire guy told me it was more common than you would believe. Just have to replace them. Although this was not on a new vehicle with low miles.

 

This happens when the lug nuts are 2 price construction with regular steel core with a thin stainless outer shell. The steel core gets rusty and swells up the stainless shell, and the socket will not go on. I had this issue on a 1978 K5 Blazer. As far as I know the superduty does not have this style of lug nut.

 

Take your truck to a Ford dealer for these services so that they are registered under warrenty. Two seems like a a coincidink to me too. By registering the issues, you gain the fact that it is documented as an issue in the warrenty report, if it keeps continuing to be an issue you have a way to get resolutions.

 

Will have to take it to Ford. I guess my mechanic could be having a problem, but they use a torque stick, so it's not like they grab the wrong size socket. I thought it odd that it had 2 piece construction, but I don't know if I would know by looking.
Thanks for the responses.

 

I have a 2016 F 150 with 22,000 miles and had the same issue. 13/16" socket would not fit, 21 MM socket had to be tapped on and pried off. 22 MM socket was too big. Ford dealer told me the same thing about it swelling, but they did replace them all under warranty. There is a sleeve that goes over the nut itself. Hard to believe that something could get in between the 2, but the design might allow it. Ford should have a 1 piece nut. I know someone else with a Ford Escape and they had same issue

 

This!


On a semi-related note...my buddy's wife took her car to the dealer for the usual oil change & tire rotation a month or so ago. They came up with some BS excuse that the lug nuts were too tight, and wanted to order/charge her for 20 new lug nuts at $5/ea. My buddy and I grab a standard 1/2" ratchet and easily loosen a random lug from each wheel. He went up there and gave them hell for that stunt!

 

ATC Crazy, yeah for sure. With overtightening, I'd be more concerned on any stretch or weakening of the studs vs the nuts.

So, the consensus is... as soon as you can, get rid of the OEM "clad" lugnuts?