F-150 lug nut issue

[GrumbleandTwist]

I know that many of y'all use Ford F-150s to tow your Oliver, so I thought you might be interested in this issue.  About a week ago I had a routine oil change and tire rotation done on our 2017 F-150. When they had finished, the mechanic suggested that I should consider replacing the lug nuts, as they were showing signs of swelling and could prove to be difficult to remove should I have to deal with a flat tire.  I checked online and found that mid-2010s F-150 models have two piece lugs, which are prone to swelling, to the point where a standard lug wrench won't fit.  Also, the outer piece could detach, making it even more difficult to remove the lug.  My mechanic recommended ordering new lugs online, as it would be less expensive than having him order them. So short story long, check your lugs and maybe save yourself some trouble.

Greg (Grumble)

[Ray and Susan Huff]

41 minutes ago, GrumbleandTwist said:

I know that many of y'all use Ford F-150s to tow your Oliver, so I thought you might be interested in this issue.  About a week ago I had a routine oil change and tire rotation done on our 2017 F-150. When they had finished, the mechanic suggested that I should consider replacing the lug nuts, as they were showing signs of swelling and could prove to be difficult to remove should I have to deal with a flat tire.  I checked online and found that mid-2010s F-150 models have two piece lugs, which are prone to swelling, to the point where a standard lug wrench won't fit.  Also, the outer piece could detach, making it even more difficult to remove the lug.  My mechanic recommended ordering new lugs online, as it would be less expensive than having him order them. So short story long, check your lugs and maybe save yourself some trouble.

Greg (Grumble)

We have had tire service a couple of times on our 2013 F-350 SD 4wd, and the tire shop did not mention any problems.  I'm going to  assume this is only on F-150 models.

[GrumbleandTwist]

From the article I found when searching "Ford lug nut swelling"

The capped lug nuts can be found on many post-2010 model years of the Fusion, Escape, Flex, Focus, F-150, and F-350. Consider yourselves lucky, F-250 owners.

[SeaDawg]

Not just Ford. Capped lugnuts are on a lot of vehicles. Had to replace them on our 2008 Ram a year ago. Also "swollen." 

Sherry

[Landrover]

I’m very surprised these type of lug nuts are still in use. They were even more of a problem back in the 80s when they where more widely used. They are much cheaper obviously than a solid chrome lug nut. Cheep parts saves millions to manufacturers.

[Overland]

56 minutes ago, SeaDawg said:

Capped lugnuts are on a lot of vehicles.

Including your Oliver. At least mine has them - Oliver replaced a few cracked ones for me.  

My 2018 F150 has solid lugs.

Edited August 21, 2020 by Overland

[bhncb]

First time someone hits them with an impact wrench, they'll likely crack. One of the first things to go. High quality chrome replacements by McGard or Gorilla Automotive.

[QuestionMark]

I purchased these from Amazon about 6 months ago and would highly recommend.  They fit perfectly on my 2018 F150 FX4.

 

Set of 24 Eisen 14x1.5mm One-Piece Lug Nut

Edited December 2, 2020 by QuestionMark