Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Rounded Lug Nuts - Doh!

OK, has this happened to anyone else?

I replaced my front brake pads 3 weeks ago, and had no problems getting the front wheels off. I torqued them properly like I've always done without problems. Two weeks ago I got into an accident, skidded 25 feet, and impacted another car with the front drivers side of my car. Impact was under 5 mph, and there was no significant damage.

This weekend I decided to take the drivers front tire off to check for any damage, but could not get any of the lug nuts off. Tried the same on the passenger side, and could only get 1 of 4 lug nuts off.

After wd-40, an impact wrench, a broken breaker bar and a long length of pipe, I managed to get 3 of 4 off on the driver's side, and 2 of 4 off on the passengers side. I'm left with 3 rounded lug nuts.

Anyone ever have this happen? Anyone know the best way to remove rounded lug nuts?

I bought new studs assuming I would not get them off in a non-destructive manner, but how should I get the old studs out, since the lug nuts seem to be welded onto them?

At this point, I'd head to Sears and get an "impact nut/bolt" remover. This is for use on an impact tool, but would most likely work with a breaker bar. The best way to describe the tool would be a conical spiral of flutes. They have several sizes and are cheaper by the set (around $20). I've used them personally to remove the locking lug nuts when I've either lost the key or the key broke. A rounded lug nut should come off nicely with this tool. If you have a heavy duty 1/2 inch air impact wrench, all the better.

If you live in the Orlando, Fl area, stop by and I'll remove them for you.