Stripped Lug Nut help - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

chuckthetruck · 03-22-2011, 11:48 AM

I am changing out my wheel cylinder...the lug nuts on my 1987 GMC sierra are ALL stripped on this drivers side. The lugs on this truck are about 5 different kinds. It has been in the family for a while..haha

I am new to mechanics and have never ran into this problem. I believe they are all chrome capped lugs. I do not want to replace them with the same. So first can you help me get them off so I can finish the job...and pray i do not snap the brake line...and 2...where can i find a good set of lugs (original or not) that I can get a whole set of them to replace all of them.

Thanks again for the help!

Bill

SeanPaintsFlames · 03-22-2011, 12:10 PM

I'd say that the chrome caps are just spinning around on the nut. Try maybe drilling a hole in the top of them and prying it off with a screw driver. Then you should be able to get at the nut with a properly sized socket.

chuckthetruck · 03-22-2011, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeanPaintsFlames

I'd say that the chrome caps are just spinning around on the nut. Try maybe drilling a hole in the top of them and prying it off with a screw driver. Then you should be able to get at the nut with a properly sized socket.

good idea....never thought of that...the chrome cap is actually not moving...it is flattening out and rounding the nut...one of them is completely smashed in like it was hit with a hammer...

1tonchevy · 03-22-2011, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuckthetruck

good idea....never thought of that...the chrome cap is actually not moving...it is flattening out and rounding the nut...one of them is completely smashed in like it was hit with a hammer...

if not any auto parts store should sell striped nut remover kit. these have saved my butt several times.

chrismoore701 · 03-22-2011, 12:40 PM

You should be able to get a cone type socket at your local auto store. take this and put it on your impact, if you have one, if not try to find someone with one. the cone will heat up and grab the nut and spin it off by friction. been a while since I used one of these, but I remember it worked. good luck

chuckthetruck · 03-22-2011, 12:48 PM

Thanks...i will go to the store and see what I can get. Here is what I am working with just so you have a visual

dieseltech · 03-22-2011, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuckthetruck

Thanks...i will go to the store and see what I can get. Here is what I am working with just so you have a visual

you might want to pull those center caps off first

1BadSS · 03-22-2011, 02:36 PM

Pull the center caps off. Use a flat head screwdriver to break the flimsy sheet of chrome steel off of the top of the lugnut and you'll see that the skin pulls right off.
Posted via Mobile Device

mooseknuckles · 03-22-2011, 06:10 PM

it looks like the socket isnt going on far enough to get a good grip...take the center caps off and try it

JOHNORO · 03-22-2011, 06:15 PM

thats why I love this Board always a helping hand to help another out

yes i agree take that center cap off then that will allow you to get a
socket all the way over the lug nut...

justpball · 03-22-2011, 07:00 PM

if that doesnt work buy a socket that is the metric size a little smaller then what you need and put it on an extention and hammer it on the lug...then remove, but i think taken the cap off will work.

gchemist · 03-22-2011, 07:19 PM

Use a bolt out once the cover is removed. If all fails, use a nut spiltter. Break if off if necessary. Ouch. Either way, I would put in a new stud.

1BadSS · 03-22-2011, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1BadSS

Pull the center caps off. Use a flat head screwdriver to break the flimsy sheet of chrome steel off of the top of the lugnut and you'll see that the skin pulls right off.
Posted via Mobile Device

It's one of the lugnuts with the chrome cover on it! Split the cap with a screwdriver or chisel. I had the same exact issue! Don't waste your money on easy-outs, lug nut removers and acts of god.

chuckthetruck · 03-23-2011, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1BadSS

It's one of the lugnuts with the chrome cover on it! Split the cap with a screwdriver or chisel. I had the same exact issue! Don't waste your money on easy-outs, lug nut removers and acts of god.

Yeah this is exactly what I did....made me feel like a stone age mechanic chiseling.....however they are all off...thank you everyone...NOW...

I want to replace these lugs on this truck (like 4 different kinds) with all one kind/brand....what can i get that wont break my bank but NOT CAPPED?!?

kelsfine69 · 03-23-2011, 01:25 PM

I would go to your local tire shop. They carry all kinds and are sure to have replacements. They deal with lug nuts all day long...

motornut · 03-23-2011, 05:24 PM

i got some at costco cheap $$
but solid steel chrome nuts not cheap cap covered ones
I've hammered on the closest size till it fits,
just don't get open ended ones again the stud will rust behind it and make em hard to get off

tucsonjwt · 03-23-2011, 07:23 PM

My 83 C20 had the wrong size lug nuts on two wheels on one side. I think the guys at the Costco tire shop got my lug nuts mixed up with some other vehicle's lug nuts in the same service bay when I had new tires installed. I got replacement stock lug nuts at NAPA, but they are cheaper online, especially if you are going to buy 16 of them for 2 wheels (3/4 ton 8 lug wheels). I think I paid about $3 per nut, which is way to much, IMHO.

motornut · 03-23-2011, 09:30 PM

20 5X4 i'll check the bill.........now wondering

03-22-2011, 11:48 AM	#1
chuckthetruck Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Moberly MO Posts: 59	Stripped Lug Nut help I am changing out my wheel cylinder...the lug nuts on my 1987 GMC sierra are ALL stripped on this drivers side. The lugs on this truck are about 5 different kinds. It has been in the family for a while..haha I am new to mechanics and have never ran into this problem. I believe they are all chrome capped lugs. I do not want to replace them with the same. So first can you help me get them off so I can finish the job...and pray i do not snap the brake line...and 2...where can i find a good set of lugs (original or not) that I can get a whole set of them to replace all of them. Thanks again for the help! Bill

03-22-2011, 12:10 PM	#2
SeanPaintsFlames Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Buford, Ga. Posts: 339	Re: Stripped Lug Nut help I'd say that the chrome caps are just spinning around on the nut. Try maybe drilling a hole in the top of them and prying it off with a screw driver. Then you should be able to get at the nut with a properly sized socket. __________________ My 68 cougar restomod build:HERE Last edited by SeanPaintsFlames; 03-22-2011 at 12:10 PM.

03-22-2011, 12:40 PM	#5
chrismoore701 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Highland, IN Posts: 2,319	Re: Stripped Lug Nut help You should be able to get a cone type socket at your local auto store. take this and put it on your impact, if you have one, if not try to find someone with one. the cone will heat up and grab the nut and spin it off by friction. been a while since I used one of these, but I remember it worked. good luck __________________ Chris _______________________________ 1979 Chevy Stepside SPORT 2018 Chevy Silverado, 39 years apart My build 2008-2016. http://m.imgur.com/a/bURrE

03-22-2011, 12:48 PM	#6
chuckthetruck Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Moberly MO Posts: 59	Re: Stripped Lug Nut help Thanks...i will go to the store and see what I can get. Here is what I am working with just so you have a visual Attached Images

03-22-2011, 02:36 PM	#8
1BadSS NOT REALLY BANNED! Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Shawnee, KS Posts: 1,072	Re: Stripped Lug Nut help Pull the center caps off. Use a flat head screwdriver to break the flimsy sheet of chrome steel off of the top of the lugnut and you'll see that the skin pulls right off. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1987 Mustang Coupe - 2.7 Stroker, 78mm turbo, Stainless header, 3" Exh, FMIC, 160lb/hr Injectors, MS3, twin walbro 255's, 34psi. Eating V8's daily. 04 Pontiac GTO 04 Ford Mustang GT 68 C20 LWB stripper truck 73 K5 Cheyenne 76 C20 Sierra Crew SRW 88 K20 Suburban I'm not hammering on metal just to hammer, i'm creating a piece of art.

03-22-2011, 06:10 PM	#9
mooseknuckles Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: ottawa,canada Posts: 4,550	Re: Stripped Lug Nut help it looks like the socket isnt going on far enough to get a good grip...take the center caps off and try it __________________ my build threads '86 C10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=415628 '67 C10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=635078 '63 GMC http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=674682

03-22-2011, 06:15 PM	#10
JOHNORO oldschoolblazer@yahoo.com Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Long Beach CA. Posts: 1,968	Re: Stripped Lug Nut help thats why I love this Board always a helping hand to help another out yes i agree take that center cap off then that will allow you to get a socket all the way over the lug nut...

03-22-2011, 07:00 PM	#11
justpball Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Silverhill, Al Posts: 2,026	Re: Stripped Lug Nut help if that doesnt work buy a socket that is the metric size a little smaller then what you need and put it on an extention and hammer it on the lug...then remove, but i think taken the cap off will work. __________________ Fuzzy Dice Club Member 87 Crew SWB Build for the crew http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=430082 http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3232925 90 burb 2wd Build Thread For The Burb! http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=383055

03-22-2011, 07:19 PM	#12
gchemist BAD BOW-Silverado XST Join Date: May 2000 Location: Senior Member from Austin, TX Posts: 6,431	Re: Stripped Lug Nut help Use a bolt out once the cover is removed. If all fails, use a nut spiltter. Break if off if necessary. Ouch. Either way, I would put in a new stud. __________________ Gerardo a.k.a. Mad Chemist Silverado XST videos

03-23-2011, 01:25 PM	#15
kelsfine69 18 Till I Die Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 1,522	Re: Stripped Lug Nut help I would go to your local tire shop. They carry all kinds and are sure to have replacements. They deal with lug nuts all day long... __________________ 2011 GMC Acadia 1969 GMC BBC LS7 2007 GMC Crew Duramax 1987 Camaro Iroc 350 Tuned Port Injection 42000Km 1987 Chevrolet Silverado 350 TBI 1987 Chevrolet Silverado 350 TBI(yes 2) Take me drunk, I'm too home...

03-23-2011, 05:24 PM	#16
motornut 78K & 79C Jimmys Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Ottawa Ont CANADA Posts: 7,901	Re: Stripped Lug Nut help i got some at costco cheap $$ but solid steel chrome nuts not cheap cap covered ones I've hammered on the closest size till it fits, just don't get open ended ones again the stud will rust behind it and make em hard to get off __________________ John 1978 GMCJimmy4X4-350/203 1979 GMCJimmy4X2-305/350

03-23-2011, 07:23 PM	#17
tucsonjwt Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 3,188	Re: Stripped Lug Nut help My 83 C20 had the wrong size lug nuts on two wheels on one side. I think the guys at the Costco tire shop got my lug nuts mixed up with some other vehicle's lug nuts in the same service bay when I had new tires installed. I got replacement stock lug nuts at NAPA, but they are cheaper online, especially if you are going to buy 16 of them for 2 wheels (3/4 ton 8 lug wheels). I think I paid about $3 per nut, which is way to much, IMHO.

03-23-2011, 09:30 PM	#18
motornut 78K & 79C Jimmys Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Ottawa Ont CANADA Posts: 7,901	Re: Stripped Lug Nut help 20 5X4 i'll check the bill.........now wondering __________________ John 1978 GMCJimmy4X4-350/203 1979 GMCJimmy4X2-305/350 Last edited by motornut; 03-23-2011 at 09:30 PM.



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