Rusted Lugs

[JDM_OBP]

Not sure if this is the right section, but I figured some of you detailers have had experience with rust. I have a set of Project Kics R40 neo chrome lugs that are the open-ended style lugs. As with all open-ended lugs, the inside of the open ended lug has started to rust due to being exposed to all the elements, i.e. rain, sun etc. I just want to know whats a quick fix for this. I only use them with my "nice" set of wheels, so while they're off I want to freshen them up. I've heard of the vinegar method, but I want to see what other techniques are out there. thanks in advance.

And mods feel free to move to right section if need be.

-Will

[pnutbutta]

I'm thinking it's probably just rust stains from your wheel studs. The Kics lugs are going to be made out of aluminum, and as we know, aluminum doesn't rust. I would spray some wd40 on a rag and rug the rag through the lugs. see if that helps.

[JDM_OBP]

Thanks man I'll give that a shot. Yea I think they're just "stained" from my studs.

[ADAS1223]

yeah, i was going to say i didnt know of any steel lugs. maybe coat the studs next time you put them on. some grease or paint the ends

[kjgerz]

this happened with my r40 lugs too. I tried wd40 once, granted it wasn't a very thorough job since they were still on the car. it definitely helped them though

[littlewhitewagon]

The R40 are made of steel. They can rust, but most likely it is from the studs. Aluminum lugs are not a smart idea for racing, they are only for street. Check race cars, you will never find an aluminum lug nut, they are either steel or titanium.

The kics lugs will benefit from a light coat of a Teflon lubricant everytime you remove them.

All original equipment lug nuts are made of steel except for exotics like the Lambo which has titanium lugs... Superleggera.

[z28dreams]

I've been using Corrosion Block on anything that might rust - battery terminals, lugs, pretty much anything metal.

Disclaimer: It's actually a marine spray that my parents sell, but lots of people use it on their cars. If anyone wants to check it out let me know and I can probably hook you up w/ a small discount.

[z28dreams]

mods: please delete, duplicate post for some reason

[JDM_OBP]

thanks for the info guys. yea I'm thinking about putting some type of coating on them afterwards. It'd be a pain to redo them after everytime I use them.

[littlewhitewagon]

It usually not recommended to use anything on the lug nuts because of the heat, splatter, and possibility of not maintaining torque.

[pnutbutta]

Originally Posted by littlewhitewagon

It usually not recommended to use anything on the lug nuts for possibility of not maintaining torque.

I've read this many times, and I never put anything on wheel studs, such as lubriants etc., if you think about it, there would be a different torque spec with a liquid present. Which, with open ended lugs, may fling out through the threads and change torque specs, potentially being very unsafe... Good point littlewhitewagon, I just had to elaborate for those who may not think of "why"

[kjgerz]

^yeah good look indeed. never thought of that but it definitely makes sense.

my solution to this problem: I wont be buying open ended lugs again

[disaster999]

anti seize

some will say it will mess up the torque spec, some swears by it.

my friend swears by it and never had a problem...and hes pretty anal about his car.

i guess if its for racing applications, then i wouldnt use it. street shouldnt be a problem

[09NewfieWRX]

Originally Posted by disaster999

anti seize

some will say it will mess up the torque spec, some swears by it.

my friend swears by it and never had a problem...and hes pretty anal about his car.

i guess if its for racing applications, then i wouldnt use it. street shouldnt be a problem

I've been using anti-seize for over 20 yrs without incident on the lugs, never had a issue and it certainly makes it easier for lug nut removal.
As for the rusted lugs, I use a Dremel with the wire brush attachment to clean off the rust and polish the lugs.

[littlewhitewagon]

Open ended lugs have this issue, it's a fact of life with stock studs. But if you have extended studs, you have no other option since it would make contact with your acorn caps. A quick brush with a soft wire brush is all it takes to clean the studs.

[JDM_OBP]

yea definitely, no more open ended lugs for me.

I did the wd40 method today and it got most of it off. Will take the dremel and wire brush to it on Sunday and try and get the rest off and polish the insides as well.

[pnutbutta]

dremel may ruin your lugs just as a warning. id suggest a fine steel wool to start, if that doesnt work, do whatever, but i dont see a dremel and wire brush being very easy on your finish...

[littlewhitewagon]

I've never had to use anything other than WD-40 or Tri-Flow to clean and protect my R40s. I never use power tools on my studs or lugs to clean. I only clean my lugs/studs (other than weekly car washes) once a year.

[disaster999]

just slap on some anti seize on it, it will instantly return it to its "silver" color!

[ADAS1223]

they make endcaps for r40's

[kjgerz]

^just searched and saw that they do now. pretty cool.. of course the caps wont work on the old lugs though

[JDM_OBP]

would be nice to have endcaps. but don't want to buy another set of R40's. Guess I'll just clean them everytime I take them off