What to Do When the Lug Nut Is Too Tight to Loosen?
3 Answers
The solutions for when the lug nut is too tight to loosen: 1. Apply a lubricating solvent such as diesel oil on the screw; 2. Use appropriate foot force, but avoid reckless kicking, as it may directly damage the nut or bolt; 3. Use tools like a hammer to strike the rear part of the tire wrench, ensuring a tighter fit between the tire screw and the tool, making it easier to remove the tire screw. When loosening the tire screws, pay attention to the sequence—loosen them gradually in a diagonal pattern, turning each screw a few times before moving to the next. Avoid loosening one screw completely at once, as this may cause the tire to deform due to uneven force distribution. Instead, loosen the screws sequentially until all are finally loosened.
I've encountered situations where the lug nuts were too tight to loosen, mainly due to rust or over-tightening during the last tire change. In such cases, I first spray some rust penetrant to lubricate the nuts and wait a few minutes for it to soak in. If they still won't budge, I use a socket wrench with an extension bar to increase leverage, but be careful not to apply too much force to avoid damaging the threads. It's best to use a torque wrench to control the force, with the torque standard being between 80-120 Nm. For regular maintenance, I periodically check the nuts to prevent them from seizing up, and applying some anti-rust oil can help prevent this. If this happens on the road, avoid randomly using a hammer or stepping on the wrench, as it's easy to injure yourself or damage the tools. If all else fails, it's safer to seek help from a repair shop. Remember, patience and the right tools are key—don't rush or take shortcuts.
As a DIY car owner, I find that overtightened lug nuts are most commonly caused by rust after prolonged lack of maintenance. The solution isn't difficult: first spray WD-40 around the nut and wait ten minutes for the rust to loosen; then use a large socket with a steel pipe as a lever, applying gentle force to turn it slowly. When I worked on it in my home garage, I found that pushing with my elbow directly could save effort and prevent slipping. For tools, I recommend using high-quality wrenches, as cheap ones are prone to breaking. If several attempts don't work, don't force it further to avoid stripping the bolt. Make it a habit to simply wipe the nuts during each car wash to greatly reduce such issues. Safety first—don't take unnecessary risks.
