Comments on: TECH Stuff # 13 – ET Lug Nuts. What are they, and why? http://wheelprofessor.com/2009/02/20/tech-stuff-13-et-lug-nuts-what-are-they-and-why/ Everything you need to know about wheels and rims for your custom hot rod and daily driver Mon, 12 Dec 2011 21:45:38 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 By: Larry http://wheelprofessor.com/2009/02/20/tech-stuff-13-et-lug-nuts-what-are-they-and-why/comment-page-1/#comment-3237 Larry Thu, 03 Jun 2010 03:52:08 +0000 http://wheelprofessor.com/2009/02/20/tech-stuff-13-et-lug-nuts-what-are-they-and-why/#comment-3237 <p>Ray,<br /> Sorry I misread your problem. It appears that you have a situation of 2 different bolt patterns. Enlarging the holes is not a good idea. You'd have to use some very large washers with Mag type lug nuts. I don't recommend doing that because you would have problems maintaining lug nut torque. There are wheels that are manufactured with elongated lug holes that could cover 2 or even 3 different bolt patterns. Crager SS's are a good example. They can offer a 5x4.5 or 5x4.75 bolt pattern in the same wheel. They use a Mag type lug nut.</p> <p>If you have already elongated your lug holes, and I think you have, I hope you did it in a milling machine so you could maintain the necessary concentricity so you won't have balancing or vibration problems. At this point I would suggest you send me a photo of the wheel and give me the original bolt pattern of both the vehicle and the wheels. Send it to my email address wheelprofessor@sbcglobal.net.</p> <p>I'm looking forward to hearing from you.<br /> Larry</p> Ray,
Sorry I misread your problem. It appears that you have a situation of 2 different bolt patterns. Enlarging the holes is not a good idea. You’d have to use some very large washers with Mag type lug nuts. I don’t recommend doing that because you would have problems maintaining lug nut torque. There are wheels that are manufactured with elongated lug holes that could cover 2 or even 3 different bolt patterns. Crager SS’s are a good example. They can offer a 5×4.5 or 5×4.75 bolt pattern in the same wheel. They use a Mag type lug nut.

If you have already elongated your lug holes, and I think you have, I hope you did it in a milling machine so you could maintain the necessary concentricity so you won’t have balancing or vibration problems. At this point I would suggest you send me a photo of the wheel and give me the original bolt pattern of both the vehicle and the wheels. Send it to my email address wheelprofessor@sbcglobal.net.

I’m looking forward to hearing from you.
Larry

]]> By: ray simpson http://wheelprofessor.com/2009/02/20/tech-stuff-13-et-lug-nuts-what-are-they-and-why/comment-page-1/#comment-3225 ray simpson Mon, 31 May 2010 16:39:02 +0000 http://wheelprofessor.com/2009/02/20/tech-stuff-13-et-lug-nuts-what-are-they-and-why/#comment-3225 Larry: The rims are not fitting do to the fact the lugs and the wheel drilling are different. Can i enlarge the wheel holes? Will this work? I have rimmed them out so they will fit but I don't feel good with the fit. Tahnks Ray Larry: The rims are not fitting do to the fact the lugs and the wheel drilling are different. Can i enlarge the wheel holes? Will this work? I have rimmed them out so they will fit but I don’t feel good with the fit.
Tahnks
Ray

]]> By: Larry http://wheelprofessor.com/2009/02/20/tech-stuff-13-et-lug-nuts-what-are-they-and-why/comment-page-1/#comment-3195 Larry Tue, 25 May 2010 02:31:53 +0000 http://wheelprofessor.com/2009/02/20/tech-stuff-13-et-lug-nuts-what-are-they-and-why/#comment-3195 Ray, I'm assuming that the lug hole you have is to small for the studs on your vehicle. If that's the problem, you'll need to open the lug hole. I believe the old Halibrand magnesium wheels used a Mag type lug nut. Check out my TECH Stuff #4 - A few facts about lug nuts, and you'll see how the Mag type works. Locate a source for lug nuts and check to make sure they can accomodate your 5/8" hub thickness. Measure the diameter of the lug nuts and drill your lug holes accordingly. In TECH Stuff 13 I discuss the mag type lug nut and the problems associated with it. Make sure you have a little clearance between the lug hole and the lug nut. Good luck and let me know how it worked out. Larry Ray,

I’m assuming that the lug hole you have is to small for the studs on your vehicle. If that’s the problem, you’ll need to open the lug hole. I believe the old Halibrand magnesium wheels used a Mag type lug nut. Check out my TECH Stuff #4 – A few facts about lug nuts, and you’ll see how the Mag type works. Locate a source for lug nuts and check to make sure they can accomodate your 5/8″ hub thickness. Measure the diameter of the lug nuts and drill your lug holes accordingly. In TECH Stuff 13 I discuss the mag type lug nut and the problems associated with it. Make sure you have a little clearance between the lug hole and the lug nut. Good luck and let me know how it worked out.

Larry

]]> By: ray simpson http://wheelprofessor.com/2009/02/20/tech-stuff-13-et-lug-nuts-what-are-they-and-why/comment-page-1/#comment-3191 ray simpson Sun, 23 May 2010 14:24:53 +0000 http://wheelprofessor.com/2009/02/20/tech-stuff-13-et-lug-nuts-what-are-they-and-why/#comment-3191 I have some old Halibrand magansuim wheels. They dont excatly fit my studs, they are off about a 1/8" or less . What is the best way to fix this problem? Lug nuts of what style? I have a 5/8" hub thickness. I have some old Halibrand magansuim wheels. They dont excatly fit my studs, they are off about a 1/8″ or less . What is the best way to fix this problem? Lug nuts of what style? I have a 5/8″ hub thickness.

]]> By: Larry http://wheelprofessor.com/2009/02/20/tech-stuff-13-et-lug-nuts-what-are-they-and-why/comment-page-1/#comment-3124 Larry Mon, 03 May 2010 17:11:32 +0000 http://wheelprofessor.com/2009/02/20/tech-stuff-13-et-lug-nuts-what-are-they-and-why/#comment-3124 Ben, I would need more information before I could give you my opinion on opening up your lug holes 2mm. What type of lug nut or lug bolt are you using? What is the current size of your lug holes? When enlarging the size of a lug hole that has a conical or spherical seat, the area of the seat is decreased which can cause a problem. Check out my Tech Stuff #4 - A few facts about lug nuts. Ben,

I would need more information before I could give you my opinion on opening up your lug holes 2mm.

What type of lug nut or lug bolt are you using?

What is the current size of your lug holes?

When enlarging the size of a lug hole that has a conical or spherical seat, the area of the seat is decreased which can cause a problem. Check out my Tech Stuff #4 – A few facts about lug nuts.

]]> By: Larry http://wheelprofessor.com/2009/02/20/tech-stuff-13-et-lug-nuts-what-are-they-and-why/comment-page-1/#comment-3123 Larry Mon, 03 May 2010 16:52:29 +0000 http://wheelprofessor.com/2009/02/20/tech-stuff-13-et-lug-nuts-what-are-they-and-why/#comment-3123 Van, E.T. lug Nuts were developed for situations such as yours. I'm not a fan of Mag-style lug nuts. Some OEM's (Toyota) use them, but their OEM wheel has the center bore that is sized to the hub so they can maintain concentricity. Aftermarket wheels that use Mag-style lug nuts have large center bores to fit multiple vehicles. In order to prevent the lug nuts from seizing up on the wheel after the wheel heats up from driving, the lug hole has to be made oversize. Thus concentricity is compromised and excesive runout occurs which causes a 1st harmonic runout (wheel vibration at 55 - 65 MPH). I suggest using ET lug nuts. You'll solve your thread engagement problem. Van,
E.T. lug Nuts were developed for situations such as yours. I’m not a fan of Mag-style lug nuts. Some OEM’s (Toyota) use them, but their OEM wheel has the center bore that is sized to the hub so they can maintain concentricity. Aftermarket wheels that use Mag-style lug nuts have large center bores to fit multiple vehicles. In order to prevent the lug nuts from seizing up on the wheel after the wheel heats up from driving, the lug hole has to be made oversize. Thus concentricity is compromised and excesive runout occurs which causes a 1st harmonic runout (wheel vibration at 55 – 65 MPH). I suggest using ET lug nuts. You’ll solve your thread engagement problem.

]]> By: ben http://wheelprofessor.com/2009/02/20/tech-stuff-13-et-lug-nuts-what-are-they-and-why/comment-page-1/#comment-3109 ben Sat, 01 May 2010 19:42:37 +0000 http://wheelprofessor.com/2009/02/20/tech-stuff-13-et-lug-nuts-what-are-they-and-why/#comment-3109 hi just to ask a question i have a set of merc amg wheels is it ok to enlarge the bolt holes by 2mm thanks ben hi just to ask a question i have a set of merc amg wheels is it ok to enlarge the bolt holes by 2mm thanks ben

]]> By: Van http://wheelprofessor.com/2009/02/20/tech-stuff-13-et-lug-nuts-what-are-they-and-why/comment-page-1/#comment-2940 Van Wed, 07 Apr 2010 17:16:55 +0000 http://wheelprofessor.com/2009/02/20/tech-stuff-13-et-lug-nuts-what-are-they-and-why/#comment-2940 Larry, I just came across this article and would like to make a few comments. I have a 1979 Corvette and purchased a set of 15" Cragar Pro 390 wheels. They use the bulge acorn lug nuts. I have to use spacers to clear the calipers and there are not enough threads to safely use this setup. If mag-style lug nuts were used, I could have used longer lug nuts and would have no problem (it's how I got a wider track using the stock wheels). So one person's solution is another person's nightmare. In my opinion, if it's a mag-style wheel is should use a mag-style lug nut. When the playing field rules are changed it affects the field of play. Regards, Van Larry,
I just came across this article and would like to make a few comments. I have a 1979 Corvette and purchased a set of 15″ Cragar Pro 390 wheels. They use the bulge acorn lug nuts. I have to use spacers to clear the calipers and there are not enough threads to safely use this setup. If mag-style lug nuts were used, I could have used longer lug nuts and would have no problem (it’s how I got a wider track using the stock wheels). So one person’s solution is another person’s nightmare. In my opinion, if it’s a mag-style wheel is should use a mag-style lug nut. When the playing field rules are changed it affects the field of play.
Regards,
Van

]]> By: Larry http://wheelprofessor.com/2009/02/20/tech-stuff-13-et-lug-nuts-what-are-they-and-why/comment-page-1/#comment-2231 Larry Fri, 18 Sep 2009 16:29:24 +0000 http://wheelprofessor.com/2009/02/20/tech-stuff-13-et-lug-nuts-what-are-they-and-why/#comment-2231 <p>Roddy,</p> <p>16mm is slightly larger than 5/8' (only .0049"). There is no problem using 16mm. Be sure the drill is good and sharp. Be careful not to catch the drill in the insert and cause it to spin in the wheel. It could cause the hole to open up in the wheel and then the insert might not center proberly and you'd lose concentricity of the bolt pattern to the wheel. If you're using a spacer, make sure you use ET lug nuts.</p> <p>Good luck,<br /> Larry</p> Roddy,

16mm is slightly larger than 5/8′ (only .0049″). There is no problem using 16mm. Be sure the drill is good and sharp. Be careful not to catch the drill in the insert and cause it to spin in the wheel. It could cause the hole to open up in the wheel and then the insert might not center proberly and you’d lose concentricity of the bolt pattern to the wheel. If you’re using a spacer, make sure you use ET lug nuts.

Good luck,
Larry

]]> By: Roddy http://wheelprofessor.com/2009/02/20/tech-stuff-13-et-lug-nuts-what-are-they-and-why/comment-page-1/#comment-2230 Roddy Fri, 18 Sep 2009 07:33:58 +0000 http://wheelprofessor.com/2009/02/20/tech-stuff-13-et-lug-nuts-what-are-they-and-why/#comment-2230 Hi Larry, I have a similar problem to Mike and was planning on drilling out the holes on my mags. i have a 16mm drill bit. is this too large or should i get hold of a 5/8 one instead? My mags have a steel insert and i don't want to remove too much of that or the tapered seat! Thanks, Roddy Hi Larry, I have a similar problem to Mike and was planning on drilling out the holes on my mags. i have a 16mm drill bit. is this too large or should i get hold of a 5/8 one instead? My mags have a steel insert and i don’t want to remove too much of that or the tapered seat!

Thanks,
Roddy

]]>